Wireless Transducer Array for Medical Ultrasound
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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-to-noise ratio and sterility in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transducer array system that transmits and receives ultrasound waves without the need for large cables, using transducer elements, analog-to-digital converters, and transmitters to convert electrical energy into digital data, allowing for wireless communication between the probe and the main unit, thus eliminating the need for physical connections and maintaining sterility.
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 probe 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 replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The probe contains a transmitter that wirelessly transmits processed ultrasound data to the main unit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections. This substitution resolves the ergonomic burden while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into two independent parts: the probe unit with transducer elements and processing circuitry that generates ultrasound data, and the main unit that receives and displays the data. The segmentation allows the probe to be lightweight and wireless while the main unit handles processing and display 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 degrades electrical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical power and signal transmission through cables with wireless power transfer and data communication. The probe receives power wirelessly (e.g., through inductive coupling) and transmits processed ultrasound data wirelessly, eliminating cable capacitance and its negative effects on signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe contains its own processing circuitry that converts ultrasound echoes to electrical signals and processes them into usable data formats locally. This self-service approach eliminates the need for long cable connections to transmit raw signals, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio by processing data close to the source.
3Reliability
If a cabled probe is covered with a sterile sheath, then sterility can be maintained in the sterile field, but the cable slides in and out of the sterile field compromising necessary sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with wireless communication, allowing the probe to be completely isolated within the sterile field. The wireless transmitter in the probe communicates with the main unit without physical cable connections, enabling free movement while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cable connection from the sterile field by implementing wireless communication. The probe operates independently within the sterile field using wireless power and data transmission, removing the source of sterility compromise (the cable) from the sterile environment.
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 burdens, improves signal quality by minimizing capacitance and noise, and maintains sterility by eliminating the need for physical connections, enhancing the usability and effectiveness of transducer array systems in medical applications.
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.