Ultrasound Probe Reflection Layer Acoustic Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasound probes face challenges in achieving higher resolution due to multiple reflections caused by reflection layers with acoustic impedances similar to piezoelectric elements, leading to artifacts in ultrasound images and potential misdiagnosis.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reflection layer with an acoustic impedance greater than the piezoelectric element, positioned between the piezoelectric element and the backing, with a thickness within the range of more than 0 to less than 0.05λ, to suppress multiple reflections and enhance sensitivity and frequency broadening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a reflection layer with acoustic impedance similar to the piezoelectric element is used, then the manufacturing is easier and the structure is simpler, but multiple reflections occur causing artifacts in ultrasound images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the acoustic impedance parameter of the reflection layer to be greater than that of the piezoelectric element, which fundamentally alters the acoustic matching conditions and eliminates multiple reflections that cause image artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful multiple reflections into beneficial single reflections by optimizing the acoustic impedance contrast, turning a problematic phenomenon into a useful feature for improving image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Quantity of substance

If the reflection layer thickness is increased to improve frequency broadening, then the frequency range expands, but multiple reflections are enhanced causing more artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency rangeVSAvoidmultiple reflections

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the reflection layer to be within 0.01λ to 0.05λ, which is a significant reduction from conventional thicknesses, thereby achieving frequency broadening while suppressing multiple reflections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a thinner reflection layer than conventional designs, applying partial action to achieve sufficient frequency broadening without the excessive thickness that would cause harmful multiple reflections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the acoustic impedance of the reflection layer is increased to suppress multiple reflections, then image quality improves, but the sensitivity and frequency response may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes two critical parameters: acoustic impedance (greater than piezoelectric element) and thickness (0.01λ to 0.05λ), achieving a balance that improves image quality while maintaining sensitivity and frequency response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional reflection layer thickness is used to maintain structural stability, then the structure is more stable, but multiple reflections cause artifacts reducing diagnostic accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thickness parameter to a very thin range (0.01λ to 0.05λ) that maintains structural integrity while eliminating multiple reflections, thereby preserving diagnostic information accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively reduces multiple reflections, improving the sensitivity and frequency range of the ultrasound probe, resulting in higher resolution ultrasound images without artifacts, facilitating accurate diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric elements convert transmission signals from the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus into ultrasound signals, transmit them, receive the ultrasound reflected from the inside of the subject, convert them into electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a reflector that is disposed between the piezoelectric body and the backing and that has an acoustic impedance greater than an acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11826199B2Ultrasound probe and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an ultrasound probe including: a piezoelectric body that transmits and receives ultrasound; a backing that is disposed behind the piezoelectric body; and a reflector that is disposed between the piezoelectric body and the backing and that has an acoustic impedance greater than an acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric body; wherein, a thickness of the reflector is within the range of more than 0 to less than 0.05λ, where λ is a wavelength of the ultrasound.