Unidirectional Ultrasonic Transducer Array for Microrobot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microrobot driving systems using ultrasonic transducers face challenges in controlling microrobots within complex media like the human body due to limitations in forming stable standing waves and focal zone manipulation, especially with significant acoustic resistance differences between air and body tissue, restricting movement and capture efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A microrobot driving apparatus employing a unidirectional ultrasonic transducer array with a control unit that adjusts the phase differences between ultrasonic transducers and applies time delays to change the focus location, allowing precise control of microrobots within a three-dimensional space using a motor stage unit and an interface medium to minimize reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a unidirectional ultrasonic transducer array is used to form a focal zone, then microrobot capture capability is improved, but the ability to move microrobots to different locations is limited due to fixed structural focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase control to dynamically adjust the focal zone location of the ultrasonic transducer array. By changing the phase of ultrasonic waves emitted by different transducers, the focal point can be moved to different positions in space, enabling both precise capture and flexible movement of microrobots without mechanical repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of ultrasonic waves to control the focal zone position. By adjusting phase differences between transducers, the acoustic radiation force can be directed to different locations, allowing the same transducer array to capture and move microrobots to various positions
2Volume of moving object
If ultrasonic transducers are arranged to penetrate through obstacles like bone, then deep tissue targeting is improved, but the transducers cannot penetrate through the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface medium with acoustic properties intermediate between air and body tissue at the boundary region. This local modification of acoustic impedance allows ultrasonic waves to transmit through the air-tissue interface more efficiently, enabling deep tissue targeting while maintaining reliable wave transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an interface medium as an intermediary substance between the ultrasonic transducer and the body tissue. This intermediary layer matches acoustic impedances, facilitating ultrasonic wave penetration through what would otherwise be a barrier (the air-tissue interface), enabling reliable transmission to deep targets
3Measurement precision
If a reflector is used to form standing waves, then microrobot capture is achieved, but stable standing wave generation is limited due to regular and diffused reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflector-based standing wave system with an electronic phase control system. By using phase-controlled ultrasonic transducers to create acoustic radiation force, the system achieves microrobot manipulation without relying on stable standing waves, thereby avoiding issues with regular and diffused reflection
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 solution enables precise and efficient capture and movement of microrobots, improving targeting and medication transfer efficiency while reducing system size, weight, and electricity usage, and facilitating compatibility with medical ultrasonic probes for imaging and driving.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer unit including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and a control unit for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 2
When the standing wave is formed, an acoustic radiation force is generated toward an area having low pressure (an area having a low acoustic potential) within a corresponding area
Implementation Method 3
there is a problem in that the generation of a stable standing wave is limited because regular reflection and diffused reflection occur depending on states of a medium and a reflection wall
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-robot operating system using an ultrasonic transducer according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a micro-robot moving in an inspection object; and a micro-robot operating device for controlling the location of the micro-robot. A micro-robot operating device using an ultrasonic transducer may comprise: an ultrasonic transducer unit including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers; and a control unit for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged to form a curved surface toward a particular location in a space.