Wireless Transducer Array Eliminates Cable Capacitance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transducer array systems, particularly in medical ultrasound, face challenges with large multi-conductor cables that cause ergonomic, electrical, and sterility issues due to increased energy requirements, capacitance, and the need for sterile sheaths, limiting mobility and sterility during use.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transducer array system that transmits and receives ultrasound waves without the need for physical cables, using transducer elements, analog-to-digital converters, and transmitters to convert electrical energy into digital data, allowing for sterile operation and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large multi-conductor cables are used to carry electrical signals from the probe to the main processing unit, then the transducer array can be powered and signals can be transmitted, but the cable creates ergonomic burdensome physical conditions and degrades electrical interface performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless power and data transmission system. The probe contains a power supply unit and wireless transmitter that transmits power and signals wirelessly to the main processing unit, eliminating the physical cable that causes ergonomic problems while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless transmission as an intermediary between the probe and main processing unit. Instead of direct cable connection, power and signals are transmitted through wireless communication, which acts as a mediator to transfer energy and data without physical contact.
2Power
If large multi-conductor cables are used to carry electrical signals, then power can be transmitted to the transducer array, but the cable adds capacitance to the system which significantly lowers impedance and requires greater currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cable-based electrical interface by using wireless transmission. The probe contains onboard power supply and signal generation circuits that directly power the transducer array without requiring long cable runs, thereby removing the capacitance and impedance issues associated with cable connections.
3Reliability
If a sterile sheath is used to cover the cable for sterile field requirements, then sterility can be maintained, but the cable still extends out of the sterile field compromising necessary sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cabled probe with a wireless system where the probe is completely battery-powered. This eliminates the cable that must be covered with sterile sheath, allowing the probe to be used without compromising sterility while maintaining full mobility and usability in the sterile field.
4Power
If cable capacitance is added to the system, then power can be transmitted over distance, but the signal-to-noise ratio is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates cable capacitance by using wireless power and signal transmission. The probe contains onboard power supply and signal processing circuits that eliminate the need for long cable runs, thereby preventing the signal degradation and noise introduction that would occur with cable capacitance.
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 wireless system reduces electrical interference, lowers signal-to-noise ratio issues, and maintains sterility by eliminating cable-related problems, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of transducer arrays in medical and non-destructive testing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave
Implementation Method 2
The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy. The analog-to-digital converter may convert the electrical energy into digital data, and the transmitter may transmit the digital data.