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 and capacitance, leading to issues with signal quality and sterility in medical settings.
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 wireless communication of ultrasound echo waves from a handheld probe to a main unit.
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 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 while maintaining the functional connection between probe and main unit
2Power
If large multi-conductor cables are used to connect the probe to the main processing unit, then power and signals can be transmitted, but the cable capacitance significantly lowers the impedance and requires greater currents to power the transducers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-based electrical connection with wireless electromagnetic power transfer. This eliminates the capacitive loading effect of the cable, allowing the transducer array to be powered with lower currents while maintaining efficient power transmission through direct electromagnetic coupling
3Loss of information
If large multi-conductor cables are used to connect the probe to the main processing unit, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but the cable capacitance results in a lower signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable component that introduces capacitance and degrades signal quality. Wireless transmission eliminates the capacitive coupling that caused signal-to-noise ratio degradation, preserving signal integrity throughout the transmission path
4Reliability
If a cabled probe is covered with a sterile sheath, then sterility is maintained, but the cable slides in and out of the sterile field compromising necessary sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable from the system and replaces it with wireless communication. This eliminates the need for a sterile sheath and allows the probe to be freely moved in and out of the sterile field without compromising sterility, as no physical connection exists to bridge the sterile and non-sterile zones
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 ergonomic and electrical burdens, maintains sterility, and improves signal quality by eliminating cable-related capacitance and interference, enabling more flexible 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.
Implementation Method 2
The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments contemplate methods and devices for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. An ultrasound echo wave may be received at a first transducer element of a transducer array in a handheld probe. The ultrasound echo wave may also be received at a second transducer element of the transducer array. The ultrasound echo wave may also be received at a third transducer element of the transducer array. The handheld probe may process into digital data the ultrasound echo wave received at the first transducer element and the ultrasound echo wave received at the second transducer element. The processing may preclude data representative of the ultrasound echo wave received at the third transducer element from being included in the digital data. The processing may include reducing the digital data and the reduced digital data may be transmitted to a location relatively remote from the handheld probe.