Wireless Transducer Array for Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transducer array systems, particularly in medical ultrasound, face challenges with large multi-conductor cables that are ergonomically burdensome, electrically degrading, and compromise sterility due to their physical presence, leading to issues with signal quality and sterility maintenance 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 signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 burdens, degrades the electrical interface, adds capacitance, and compromises sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful cable component from the system by implementing wireless communication between the probe and main processing unit. The probe transmits electrical signals and power wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the physical cable that caused ergonomic burdens and sterility issues while maintaining signal transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power and data transmission system. This substitution eliminates the physical interface problems caused by cables while maintaining the necessary power delivery and signal transmission functions
2Power
If large multi-conductor cables are used to carry electrical signals, then power can be delivered to the transducer array, but the cable capacitance lowers the signal-to-noise ratio and requires greater currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-based power delivery system with wireless electromagnetic power transmission. This eliminates the cable capacitance that degraded signal quality and reduced SNR, while maintaining efficient power delivery to the transducer array through inductive or capacitive coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for power and signal transmission between the main processing unit and the probe. This intermediary eliminates the direct electrical connection through cables, removing the source of capacitance-related signal degradation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is covered with a sterile sheath that extends over the cable, then sterility is maintained in the probe area, but the cable eventually extends out of the sterile field compromising necessary sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable from the system entirely, replacing it with wireless communication. This extraction eliminates the sterility boundary problem caused by the cable extending beyond the sterile field, allowing complete freedom of probe movement while maintaining sterility through a disposable sterile barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic wave transmission as a copy of the electrical signal connection, transmitting data and power without physical contact. This allows the probe to be completely isolated within the sterile field while maintaining full communication capability with the external system
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 enhances ergonomics, reduces electrical interference, maintains sterility, and improves signal-to-noise ratio by eliminating cable-related issues, enabling more efficient and effective ultrasound imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. 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.