Vinyl Ester Acoustic Matching Layer for Ultrasonic Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic probes face challenges with high sound attenuation in their matching layers, which affects the quality of ultrasonic imaging due to the use of epoxy resin, leading to inadequate acoustic impedance matching and increased sound energy loss.
Innovation Solution
The development of an acoustic matching material using a vinyl ester resin matrix with additives such as thixotropic agents, thickeners, and modified fillers, which are cured to form a mixture with lower sound attenuation and higher mechanical strength, allowing for improved acoustic impedance matching and reduced sound energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If epoxy resin is used as the matrix material for the matching layer, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the sound attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the matrix material from epoxy resin to vinyl ester resin. This parameter change results in reduced sound attenuation (energy loss) while maintaining adequate mechanical strength for the matching layer application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining vinyl ester resin matrix with specific fillers (such as glass beads, metal powders, or ceramic particles) and additives. This composite approach allows optimization of both mechanical strength and acoustic properties (reduced sound attenuation) by selecting appropriate filler types, sizes, and concentrations.
2Measurement precision
If the acoustic impedance matching is improved, then the ultrasonic imaging quality is improved, but the sound energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the acoustic impedance parameter of the matching layer by changing the matrix material to vinyl ester resin and optimizing the filler composition. This parameter optimization achieves better acoustic impedance matching between the piezoelectric element and the tissue, improving ultrasonic imaging quality while minimizing sound energy loss through the matching layer.
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 new acoustic matching material achieves lower sound attenuation and higher flexural modulus compared to epoxy resin-based materials, enhancing the mechanical strength and processability, while allowing for faster curing and better temperature resistance, thus improving the efficiency and quality of ultrasonic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
adding additive into a matrix to form a mixture and curing the mixture. The matrix includes vinyl ester resin and a curing agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an acoustic matching material applied to a matching layer of an ultrasonic probe. The acoustic matching material is prepared by adding additive into a matrix to form a mixture and curing the mixture. The matrix includes vinyl ester resin and a curing agent. The additive includes at least one of a thixotropic agent, a thickener, or a modified filler.