Ultrasound Transducer Arrays with Shape Memory Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound devices with moveable segments face challenges in signal correction due to misalignment and increased complexity from a larger number of transducer elements, which affects image formation and requires advanced processing to accommodate the increased signal channels and correct for positional offsets.
Innovation Solution
A deployable ultrasound system with shape memory material-transducer arrays that adjust between folded and expanded shapes, coupled with an imaging system capable of determining segment positions and applying beamforming corrections, and multiplexing signals to manage the increased channel load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transducer aperture size is increased to improve resolution and penetration, then imaging quality improves, but the device cannot be inserted through small openings
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer aperture is made dynamically changeable through moveable segments that can transition between collapsed and expanded configurations. The segments are coupled via shape memory material that enables controlled expansion at the desired location, allowing the aperture to adapt from a small insertion size to a large imaging aperture when needed.
2Measurement precision
If moveable segments are used to increase aperture size, then resolution and penetration improve, but signal correction complexity increases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to determine the actual positions of moveable segments relative to their expected locations. Positional offset information is fed back to the signal processing system, which then applies correction algorithms to compensate for misalignment, ensuring accurate beamforming despite segment displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with signal processing-based correction. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning hardware, the system uses computational methods to determine and correct segment positions, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining imaging accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the number of transducer elements is increased to improve imaging quality, then resolution improves, but the number of signal channels increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transducer elements are grouped into segments, and signals from elements within the same segment are processed together. This merging approach allows the system to manage the increased number of channels by processing them in organized units rather than individually, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining the benefits of having many elements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If segments are made structurally flexible to enable movement, then aperture expansion capability improves, but segment shape distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the physical parameters of the segments through the shape memory material, which responds to temperature or other stimuli to transition between collapsed and expanded states. This parameter change enables the segments to adapt their configuration while maintaining structural integrity and geometric accuracy through controlled material properties.
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
Enhances image resolution and penetration by accurately correcting for segment misalignment and managing the increased signal complexity, allowing for high-resolution imaging in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer including a plurality of transducer arrays or segments spaced apart by a shape memory material, where the segments are configured to transition between a first folded or collapsed shape and a second unfolded or expanded shape
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable ultrasound imaging device is operably connected to an ultrasound imaging system including a processing unit configured to operate the transducer and the individual segments in order to emit ultrasound signals from the segments and to receive ultrasound signals from the structures surrounding the segments. The ultrasound imaging system/processing unit can process the transmitted and received signals by beamforming to direct the ultrasound signals emitted from the segments in order to provide data for an ultrasound image of the desired structure(s). The ultrasound imaging system/processing unit mechanically or acoustically determines the position of the individual segments with regard to one another to determine the angular position of the segments with regard to one another. Using the angular position, the ultrasound imaging system/processing unit can apply a beamforming correction to the ultrasound signals emitted from and/or received by the segments in order to produce an accurate ultrasound image.