Ultrasound Transducer Array With Multi-Orientation Element Groups

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound imaging systems struggle to generate multiple views of an imaging area with different orientations while maintaining the same imaging reference point, often requiring physical movement of the transducer or resulting in misaligned views.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound system comprising an array of transducer elements grouped into element groups with different orientations, where each element group is connected to a specific conductor for bias voltage and transmit/receive signals, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of ultrasound data from multiple orientations without physical movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual movement of the transducer by 90 degrees is performed to capture both views, then both cross-sectional and longitudinal views can be obtained, but the reference starting position of the initial image is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to capture multiple viewsVSAvoidloss of reference starting position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from manual transducer movement in physical space to electronic beamforming in signal space. By using element groups with different orientations within the same transducer array and applying electronic beamforming techniques, the system can generate multiple views (cross-sectional and longitudinal) simultaneously from a single stationary position, eliminating the need for physical movement and preserving the reference starting position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two CMUT transducers are placed orthogonally to each other to create two views, then both cross-sectional and longitudinal views can be obtained, but the views become misaligned due to physical distance between transducers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to create multiple viewsVSAvoidalignment precision of views

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transducer functions into a single integrated transducer array. By incorporating element groups with different orientations (e.g., first element groups and second element groups at different angles) within the same physical transducer housing and using common focusing and beamforming electronics, the system achieves multiple view capabilities while maintaining precise spatial alignment of all views to a single reference point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer array is designed with multi-functionality, where the same array can generate multiple different views (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intermediate angles) by electronically activating different element groups with different orientations. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate transducers and their associated alignment problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single 2D view is used for imaging, then the imaging system is simple, but sufficient visual guidance cannot be provided for procedures requiring multiple orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of imaging systemVSAvoidvisual guidance quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic view switching capability within a relatively simple transducer system. By using electronic beamforming to dynamically activate different element groups with different orientations, the system can switch between multiple views (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intermediate angles) without physical movement or complex mechanical structures, providing enhanced visual guidance while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system enables the acquisition of bi-plane ultrasound images with different orientations simultaneously, maintaining the same imaging reference point, which improves visual guidance and reduces the need for physical transducer movement.

Implementation Method 1

an array of transducer elements grouped into element groups... each element group is adapted to be activated for transmission or reception by the application of a bias voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250176940A1Ultrasound imaging system using an array of transducer elements and an imaging method

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An ultrasound imaging system, comprising an array of transducer elements grouped into element groups, wherein the element groups comprise a plurality of first element groups (having a first orientation) and a plurality of second element groups (having a second orientation different from the first orientation). The ultrasound imaging system is adapted to acquire two separate ultrasound data (such as ultrasound images) corresponding to different views without requiring any physical movement of the array.