Ultrasound Probe with Reverberant Solid Object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound-wave imaging methods are not optimized for ease of use, particularly in medical and industrial applications, where adjustments and handling of transducers are cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a reverberant solid object is used as a medium for ultrasound waves, securing transducers to it, allowing multiple reflections and enabling precise positioning, thus simplifying the imaging process by forming a one-piece probe that is easy to handle and reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transducers are separately handled and adjusted during imaging operations, then positioning flexibility is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transducers with the reverberant solid object into a single integrated assembly. The transducers are secured to the reverberant solid object, forming a unified probe structure that eliminates the need for separate handling and adjustment of individual transducers during imaging operations, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducers are pre-positioned and secured to the reverberant solid object before the imaging procedure begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during actual use, allowing the operator to simply attach the complete assembly to the patient and perform imaging immediately.
2Productivity
If transducers are repositioned frequently for different imaging targets, then imaging versatility is maintained, but loss of time increases due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The transducers are pre-positioned on the reverberant solid object at locations optimized for the specific imaging application. This preliminary arrangement allows rapid deployment for different imaging targets without requiring time-consuming repositioning, as the entire assembly can be quickly moved or rotated to achieve different imaging angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly allows dynamic positioning of the entire probe unit rather than individual transducers. The reverberant solid object can be oriented and positioned as a single unit, enabling rapid adaptation to different imaging requirements without the time loss associated with adjusting multiple separate transducers.
3Measurement precision
If transducers are manually positioned during use, then positioning accuracy can be adjusted, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The transducers are precisely positioned and secured to the reverberant solid object during the manufacturing or assembly phase, rather than during clinical use. This preliminary precision positioning ensures accurate spatial relationships between transducers are maintained throughout the imaging procedure, eliminating positioning errors that would result from manual adjustment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the transducers with the reverberant solid object into a single rigid assembly, the relative positions of transducers are fixed and maintain manufacturing precision. The rigid connection prevents positioning drift that would occur with manual handling, ensuring that the precisely positioned transducers maintain their accurate spatial relationships during imaging.
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 approach enhances the usability of sound-wave imaging by simplifying the setup and handling of transducers, allowing for more efficient and accurate imaging with reduced positioning errors, especially in medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
said reverberant solid object being adapted to give rise to multiple reflections of the excitation wave that passes therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a first array of transducers (comprising at least one transducer) is caused to emit at least one ultrasound excitation wave presenting a certain central emission frequency fc and focused on at least one target point in a target medium
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging method including an emission step during which an array of transducers is caused to emit at an ultrasound wave focused in a target medium by causing the excitation wave to pass through a reverberant solid object prior to reaching the target medium.