Ultrasound Probe 1.5D Array Signal Line Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound probes with two-dimensional arrays face challenges such as increased number of signal lines, probe rigidity, weight, manufacturing costs, and complexity, while also struggling to generate high-definition images due to differences in aspect ratios and sound speeds among piezoelectric elements.
Innovation Solution
A 1.5-dimensional array type probe is designed where each piezoelectric element is divided into multiple portions in the elevation direction, with specific aspect ratio differences controlled and signal electrode layers of adjacent elements connected, reducing signal lines and ensuring uniform sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-dimensional array type probe is used to adjust the depth of transmission focal point in any direction, then the focal point depth can be adjusted electronically in elevation direction, but the number of piezoelectric elements is significantly increased, leading to increased signal lines, cable thickness, weight, and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Each piezoelectric element is divided into multiple divisional element portions in the elevation direction (4-10 portions per element). This segmentation allows independent control of each portion while maintaining a manageable overall structure, enabling electronic focal point adjustment without requiring a full two-dimensional array of elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional array to a 1.5-dimensional array by adding divisional portions in the elevation direction. This partial dimensional expansion provides focal point adjustment capability in elevation without the full complexity of a complete two-dimensional array
2Measurement precision
If the division width of piezoelectric element in elevation direction is determined considering sensitivity and beam shape, then high-definition ultrasound image can be generated, but a difference of several times in aspect ratio occurs among divided element portions, causing different sound speeds and sensitivity band shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the aspect ratio of divisional element portions by controlling the thickness and length parameters. Specifically, the thickness is set to 0.03-0.07 times the wavelength and length to 0.2-0.5 times the wavelength, ensuring aspect ratios remain within 0.015-0.035. This parameter control maintains uniform sound speeds and sensitivity band shapes across all divisional portions
Solution Approach 2:
Different divisional element portions are designed with locally optimized dimensions tailored to their specific positions in the elevation direction. This ensures each portion has appropriate acoustic properties for its location while maintaining overall uniformity through controlled aspect ratios
3Device complexity
If each piezoelectric element is divided into 4-10 divisional element portions in elevation direction, then the number of signal lines is reduced while generating high-definition ultrasound image, but manufacturing precision is required to maintain aspect ratio differences within 10% of average value
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes specific parameter ranges for divisional element portions (thickness: 0.03-0.07λ, length: 0.2-0.5λ) that inherently constrain aspect ratios to 0.015-0.035. These parameter specifications provide clear manufacturing targets that achieve the required precision while maintaining practical manufacturability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for high-definition ultrasound imaging with variable focal points in both elevation and azimuth directions, reducing signal line count and manufacturing complexity, and maintaining consistent sensitivity across elements.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric portion, and a ground electrode layer are laminated in turn on a surface of the backing material
Implementation Method 2
transmits an ultrasound beam from an ultrasound probe toward a subject and receives an ultrasound echo from the subject with the ultrasound probe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultrasound probe that can generate a high-definition ultrasound image while suppressing an increase in the number of signal lines for driving.Each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in an azimuth direction is divided into a plurality of divisional element portions, which are four or more and ten or less divisional element portions, in an elevation direction, a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of an aspect ratio represented by a ratio of a thickness with respect to a length of each of the divisional element portions in the elevation direction is within a range of 10% of an average value of aspect ratios of the plurality of divisional element portions, an arrangement pitch of the plurality of divisional element portions in the elevation direction is larger than a wavelength of an ultrasound wave determined by a center frequency of the ultrasound probe, and signal electrode layers of at least two divisional element portions that are disposed at a center in the elevation direction and that are adjacent to each other, among the plurality of divisional element portions, are electrically connected to each other.