Variable Inductor Impedance Matching for Ultrasound Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining optimal impedance matching between the ultrasound probe and the main body, leading to energy loss and waveform distortion due to fixed inductance values, which are inadequate for compensating for signal attenuation and frequency changes during transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable inductor device using a plurality of inductors with different values and a switch mechanism to selectively connect them, allowing for dynamic impedance matching by changing inductance in real-time based on the center frequency of the ultrasound signal received from the probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed inductance value is used for impedance matching, then device complexity is reduced, but impedance matching performance deteriorates due to signal attenuation and frequency changes during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed inductance value to a variable inductance system. The inductor's inductance value is dynamically adjusted based on the depth of the imaged object, allowing the impedance matching circuit to adapt to changing signal characteristics during ultrasound transmission and reception, thereby maintaining optimal matching performance across different imaging depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the inductance value of the inductor according to the imaging depth. As the depth increases and signal attenuation occurs, the inductance parameter is adjusted to compensate for frequency changes and maintain impedance matching. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between device simplicity and matching reliability.
2Loss of energy
If fixed inductance is used, then energy loss is minimized initially, but waveform distortion increases due to inadequate compensation for signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment of inductance values allows the system to maintain optimal impedance matching throughout the transmission and reception process. By adapting the inductance to the specific imaging depth and signal characteristics, the system minimizes both energy loss and waveform distortion, as the matching conditions remain optimal despite changing signal attenuation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the inductance value is adjusted based on the detected center frequency and imaging depth. This feedback loop ensures that the impedance matching circuit compensates for signal attenuation in real-time, preventing both energy loss and waveform distortion by maintaining optimal matching conditions throughout the ultrasound signal lifecycle.
3Reliability
If inductance is changed dynamically, then impedance matching performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple inductors and switch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the variable inductance function into discrete inductor components with different inductance values. Instead of using a single complex continuously variable inductor, the system uses multiple fixed inductors (e.g., first inductor, second inductor, third inductor) with progressively different inductance values, which are selectively connected based on imaging depth requirements. This segmentation simplifies the overall device architecture while achieving the desired dynamic adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes through a discrete set of predefined inductance values rather than continuous variation. By selecting from a finite number of inductor components with different inductance parameters, the system achieves effective impedance matching adaptation without requiring complex continuously variable inductor mechanisms, thus balancing performance improvement with device complexity management.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed inductance is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but signal quality deteriorates across varying frequencies and depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple discrete inductor components that can be manufactured with standard inductance values. Each inductor in the series (first, second, third inductors) is a separate, manufacturable component with a specific inductance value, making the overall system easier to manufacture compared to a single complex continuously variable inductor. The segmented approach allows for modular assembly and testing while maintaining signal quality across varying frequencies and depths.
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 ensures optimal impedance matching, minimizing energy loss and waveform distortion, and maintaining signal quality across varying frequencies and depths, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and quality of ultrasound images.
Implementation Method 1
successively changing inductance for impedance matching between the ultrasound probe and a main body during a transmission/reception time period of the ultrasound signal
Data Source
AI summary
It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide an ultrasound imaging apparatus of transmitting/receiving an ultrasound signal to/from an ultrasound probe, and successively changing inductance using a plurality of inductors for impedance matching between the ultrasound probe and a main body during a transmission/reception time period of the ultrasound signal, and a control method of the ultrasound imaging apparatus.The ultrasound imaging apparatus may include an ultrasound probe; a signal transceiver configured to transmit/receive an ultrasound signal to/from the ultrasound probe; and a variable inductor device configured to successively change inductance for impedance matching with the ultrasound probe during a transmission/reception time period of the ultrasound signal.