TW202332516A - Ultrasonic transducer - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method comprising: sending M alternating currents respectively through M electrical conductors of a transducer while the M electrical conductors are in a magnetic field, resulting in M alternating Lorentz forces being applied to the M electrical conductors respectively, resulting in first vibrations of the M electrical conductors respectively. The M alternating currents have respectively M frequencies each of which is at least 20 kHz, and M is a positive integer.

Description

Ultrasonic transducer

The present invention relates to a transducer, and in particular to an ultrasonic transducer.

A transducer is a device that converts energy from one form to another. The ultrasonic transducer may include at least a piezoelectric element whose expansion and contraction causes high-frequency sound waves to propagate through the surrounding environment toward the object of interest. The ultrasound transducer can evaluate the echoes generated from the object to determine the properties of the object (e.g., ultrasound image of the object, distance of the object from the ultrasound transducer, etc.).

Disclosed herein is a method, which method includes: while M electrical conductors of a transducer are in a magnetic field, transmitting M alternating currents through the M electrical conductors respectively, resulting in M alternating Lorentz forces respectively. Acting on the M electrical conductors causes the M electrical conductors to generate first vibrations respectively. The M alternating currents respectively have M frequencies, each of the M frequencies is at least 20 kHz, and M is a positive integer.

In one aspect, each of the M electrical conductors has a rod-shaped cross-section.

In one aspect, the transducer further includes M plates respectively fixed to the M electrical conductors.

In one aspect, the transducer further includes M plates each in direct physical contact with the M electrical conductors.

In one aspect, the M plates are separated from each other.

In one aspect, each of the M electrical conductors has a sheet-like cross-section.

In one aspect, the M electrical conductors form a one-dimensional array or a two-dimensional array.

In one aspect, the M alternating currents have the same frequency.

In one aspect, transmitting the M alternating currents includes tuning a phase of one of the M alternating currents relative to a phase of another of the M alternating currents.

In one aspect, the M alternating currents have pre-specified phase differences.

In one aspect, the M alternating currents are delivered simultaneously.

In one aspect, the first vibrations of the M electrical conductors are respectively at the M frequencies.

In one aspect, the method further includes: while the M conductors are in the magnetic field, respectively receiving M echo ultrasonic waves through the M conductors, thereby causing the M conductors to respectively generate th two vibrations, thereby causing M induced currents to be generated respectively in the M electrical conductors, the M echo ultrasonic waves being generated by the ultrasonic waves generated by the first vibration of the M electrical conductors; and measuring the M induced currents.

In one aspect, the measuring the M induced currents includes measuring the frequency, phase and amplitude of each of the M induced currents.

In one aspect, the transducer further includes a controller that controls (A) transmitting the M alternating currents and (B) measuring the M induced currents.

In one aspect, receiving the M echo ultrasonic waves and measuring the M induced currents are performed after transmitting the M alternating currents.

Disclosed herein is a method, which method includes: while M electrical conductors of a transducer are in a magnetic field, M ultrasonic waves are respectively received through the M electrical conductors, thereby causing the M electrical conductors to vibrate respectively. , thereby causing M induced currents to be generated in the M conductors respectively; and measuring the M induced currents.

In one aspect, the measuring the M induced currents includes measuring the frequency, phase and amplitude of each of the M induced currents.

In one aspect, the transducer further includes a controller that controls the measurement of the M induced currents.

Disclosed herein is a transducer that includes: a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field; M electrical conductors configured to be in the magnetic field; and a controller configured to operate in the M While the electrical conductors are in the magnetic field, M AC currents are transmitted through the M electrical conductors respectively, causing M alternating Lorentz forces to act on the M electrical conductors respectively, causing the M electrical conductors to The conductors respectively generate first vibrations. The M alternating currents respectively have M frequencies, each of the M frequencies is at least 20 kHz, and M is a positive integer.

In one aspect, the controller is configured to individually control the delivery of the M alternating currents.

In one aspect, the M electrical conductors are configured to receive M echo ultrasonic waves respectively, thereby causing the M electrical conductors to generate second vibrations respectively, so that while the M electrical conductors are in the magnetic field, As a result, M induced currents are respectively generated in the M conductors. The M echogenic ultrasonic waves are generated by ultrasonic waves generated by the first vibration of the M electrical conductors, and the controller is configured to measure the M induced currents.

In one aspect, the controller is configured to measure the frequency, phase and amplitude of each of the M induced currents.

transducer

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a transducer 100 according to an embodiment. In embodiments, transducer 100 may include one or more electrical conductors 110 , a magnetic field generator 120 and a controller 130 .

electrical conductor

For purposes of illustration, transducer 100 may include six electrical conductors 110 as shown. In the embodiment, two ends of the six electrical conductors 110 are electrically connected to the controller 130 via two conductive wires 112 and 114 respectively. For example, both ends of the electrical conductor 110.1 are electrically connected to the controller 130 via two conductive wires 112.1 and 114.1 respectively. For another example, both ends of the electrical conductor 110.2 are electrically connected to the controller 130 via two conductive wires 112.2 and 114.2 respectively. Electrical conductors 110 may be parallel to each other, but need not be parallel to each other.

magnetic field generator

In embodiments, magnetic field generator 120 may generate magnetic field 122 . In embodiments, magnetic field generator 120 may include permanent magnets (not shown). Alternatively, magnetic field generator 120 may include a coil (not shown) through which a direct current flows, thereby generating magnetic field 122 . For example, magnetic field generator 120 is a superconducting electromagnetic coil in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. In an embodiment, six electrical conductors 110 may be in the magnetic field 122 .

Controller and AC current

In an embodiment, the controller 130 can transmit 6 alternating currents through the 6 electrical conductors 110 respectively. For ease of reference, the 6 alternating currents in the 6 electrical conductors 110.1, 110.2, 110.3, 110.4, 110.5 and 110.6 are respectively referred to as first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth alternating currents.

In an embodiment, for each electrical conductor 110 , the controller 130 may route a corresponding alternating current through each electrical conductor 110 via two corresponding conductive wires 112 and 114 . For example, controller 130 transmits a first alternating current through electrical conductor 110.1 via two conductive wires 112.1 and 114.1. As another example, controller 130 transmits a second alternating current through electrical conductor 110.2 via two conductive wires 112.2 and 114.2.

In an embodiment, the controller 130 can individually control the delivery of six alternating currents. In other words, the controller 130 directly controls the frequency, phase, and amplitude of each of the six alternating currents in the six electrical conductors 110 .

Transducer operation

In embodiments, transducer 100 may operate as follows. While the six electrical conductors 110 are in the magnetic field 122, the controller 130 can transmit six alternating currents through the six electrical conductors 110 respectively. As a result, for each electrical conductor 110, an alternating Lorentz force acts on said each electrical conductor 110, causing said each electrical conductor 110 to vibrate. This vibration of each electrical conductor 110 generates sound waves that propagate from each electrical conductor 110 to the surrounding environment (eg, air, water, liquid, gel, etc.).

For example, the controller 130 passes a first alternating current through the electrical conductor 110.1 while the electrical conductor 110.1 is in the magnetic field 122. As the first alternating current flows from left to right in the electrical conductor 110.1, the resulting Lorentz force acting on the electrical conductor 110.1 is directed into the page (i.e. away from the observer). When a first alternating current flows from right to left in electrical conductor 110.1, the resulting Lorentz force acting on electrical conductor 110.1 is directed out of the page (ie, toward the observer). This alternating Lorentz force causes the electrical conductor 110.1 to vibrate. This vibration of the electrical conductor 110.1 generates sound waves that propagate from the electrical conductor 110.1 to the surrounding environment.

In an embodiment, each of the six alternating currents conveyed through the six electrical conductors 110 has a frequency of at least 20 kHz. Please note that these 6 AC currents are not necessarily the same in frequency, phase and amplitude.

In embodiments, the vibration frequency of each electrical conductor 110 may be the same as the frequency of the alternating current flowing through each electrical conductor 110 . For example, the frequency of vibration of the electrical conductor 110.1 may be the same as the frequency of the first alternating current. As another example, the vibration frequency of the electrical conductor 110.2 may be the same as the frequency of the second alternating current.

As a result, with each alternating current having a negative frequency of at least 20 kHz, the vibration frequency of each electrical conductor 110 is at least 20 kHz; therefore, the resulting sound wave generated by the vibration of each electrical conductor 110 also has A frequency of at least 20kHz (i.e. ultrasonic).

Flowchart outlining the operation of the transducer

Figure 2 shows a flow diagram 200 summarizing the operation of the transducer 100 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment.

In step 210, the operation includes transmitting M alternating currents through the M electrical conductors respectively while the M electrical conductors of the transducer are in the magnetic field, causing M alternating Lorentz forces to act on the M electrical conductors respectively. conductors, causing the M electrical conductors to respectively generate first vibrations, wherein the M alternating currents respectively have M frequencies, each of the M frequencies being at least 20 kHz, and where M is a positive integer.

For example, in the above embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , while the six electrical conductors 110 are in the magnetic field 122 , the controller 130 delivers six alternating currents (i.e., first, second, third, fourth, fifth and The sixth alternating current) passes through the six electrical conductors 110 respectively, causing the six alternating Lorentz forces to act on the six electrical conductors 110 respectively, causing the six electrical conductors 110 to vibrate respectively, wherein the six alternating currents respectively have 6 frequencies, each of the 6 frequencies is at least 20kHz (here, M=6).

Other embodiments

More information about Electrical Conductor 110

In an embodiment, referring to Figure 1, each of the six electrical conductors 110 may have a rod-shaped cross-section as shown. Alternatively, each electrical conductor 110 may have a sheet-like cross-section (not shown).

In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , as shown, the transducer 100 may further include six plates 115 respectively fixed to six electrical conductors 110 . In an embodiment, six plates 115 may each be in direct physical contact with six electrical conductors 110 . In an embodiment, as shown, the six plates 115 may be separated from each other.

In the case where six plates 115 are respectively fixed to six electrical conductors 110, any vibration of the electrical conductors 110 will cause the corresponding plate 115 to vibrate. For example, any vibration of the electrical conductor 110.1 causes the corresponding plate 115.1 to vibrate.

In embodiments, the six electrical conductors 110 of the transducer 100 may form a one-dimensional array (eg, a row of six electrical conductors 110 ) or a two-dimensional array (eg, a 2×3 array of electrical conductors 110 , as shown in FIG. 1 Show).

More information about alternating current

In an embodiment, referring to Figure 1, six alternating currents in each of the six electrical conductors 110 may be conveyed simultaneously. In other words, six alternating currents exist in six conductors 110 at the same time.

In an embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the six alternating currents in each of the six electrical conductors 110 may have the same frequency.

In an embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the six alternating currents in each of the six electrical conductors 110 may have a pre-specified phase difference. For example, 6 alternating currents can have the same frequency but their phases can differ by 10 degrees. For example, the phases of six alternating currents at one point in time may be 5 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees and 55 degrees respectively.

In an embodiment, referring to step 210 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , transmitting six alternating currents through six electrical conductors 110 may include tuning the phase of one alternating current with respect to the phase of another alternating current. For example, assume that initially, the phases of the first alternating current and the second alternating current are the same; but later, the phase of the second alternating current may be delayed by 10 degrees relative to the phase of the first alternating current. As a result, if the phase of the first alternating current is 80 degrees at a point in time, the phase of the second alternating current is 70 degrees at that point in time.

Measurement of echo signals

Referring to Figure 1, assume that 6 original ultrasonic waves, respectively generated by 6 electrical conductors 110 as described above, propagate from the transducer 100 to the surrounding environment.

In an embodiment, while the six electrical conductors 110 are in the magnetic field 122, the six electrical conductors 110 can respectively receive echo ultrasonic waves from the object 140. The echo ultrasonic waves are the six original ultrasonic waves that are reflected, refracted, scattered, etc. by the object 140. generated. This echoing ultrasonic wave causes the six electrical conductors 110 to vibrate. Since the six electrical conductors 110 are in the magnetic field 122, the vibration of the six electrical conductors 110 results in six induced currents in each of the six electrical conductors 110.

In an embodiment, controller 130 may measure 6 induced currents in 6 electrical conductors 110 . In an embodiment, measuring the six induced currents in the six electrical conductors 110 may include measuring the frequency, phase, and amplitude of each of the six induced currents.

In an embodiment, the controller 130 may both control (A) transmit 6 AC currents through the 6 electrical conductors 110 respectively and control (B) measure 6 induced currents in the 6 electrical conductors 110 .

In an embodiment, the controller 130 may stop delivering the 6 AC currents before the 6 electrical conductors 110 receive the echoed ultrasound. In other words, the reception of echo ultrasonic waves and the measurement of 6 induced currents are performed after transmitting 6 AC currents.

Alternative embodiment

In the above embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , the six electrical conductors 110 of the transducer 100 respectively generate 6 original ultrasonic waves and receive 6 echo ultrasonic waves, and each echo ultrasonic wave is generated by 6 original ultrasonic waves. In an alternative embodiment, the six electrical conductors 110 of the transducer 100 may receive six new ultrasound waves independent of any ultrasound waves the transducer 100 may generate. The word "new" here is for convenience of reference and does not have any other meaning.

Specifically, in the embodiment, while the six electrical conductors 110 are in the magnetic field 122, the six electrical conductors 110 can respectively receive six new echo ultrasonic waves. The six new echo ultrasonic waves cause six conductors 110 to vibrate respectively. Because the six electrical conductors 110 are in the magnetic field 122, the vibration of the six electrical conductors 110 results in six new induced currents in each of the six electrical conductors 110.

In an embodiment, the manner of receiving 6 new ultrasonic waves and measuring 6 new induced currents may be similar to the manner of receiving 6 echoed ultrasonic waves and measuring 6 resulting induced currents as described above.

Flowchart outlining the operation of a transducer according to an alternative embodiment

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram 300 summarizing the operation of the transducer 100 of FIG. 1 according to the alternative embodiment described above.

In step 310, the operation includes: while the M electrical conductors of the transducer are in the magnetic field, M ultrasonic waves are respectively received through the M electrical conductors, thereby causing the M electrical conductors to vibrate respectively, thereby causing the M induced currents are respectively generated in the M conductors.

For example, in the alternative embodiment described above, referring to FIG. 1 , while the 6 electrical conductors 110 of the transducer 100 are in the magnetic field 122 , each of the 6 electrical conductors 110 receives 6 new ultrasound waves, resulting in 6 electrical conductors 110 Vibrations are generated respectively, resulting in 6 new induced currents in the 6 electrical conductors 110 respectively.

In step 320, operations include measuring M induced currents. For example, in the alternative embodiment described above, referring to FIG. 1 , the controller 130 measures six new induced currents in each of the six electrical conductors 110 .

In an embodiment, measuring the six new induced currents in the six electrical conductors 110 may include measuring the frequency, phase, and amplitude of each of the six new induced currents. In an embodiment, the controller 130 of the transducer 100 can control the measurement of 6 new induced currents.

Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the appended claims.

100:Transducer 110.1~110.6: Electrical conductor 112.1, 112.2, 114.1, 114.2: Conductive wire 115.1: Board 120:Magnetic field generator 122:Magnetic field 130:Controller 140:Object 200, 300: flow chart 210, 310, 320: steps B:Control

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a transducer according to an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a flow diagram outlining the operation of a transducer, according to an embodiment. Figure 3 shows another flow outlining the operation of the transducer according to an alternative embodiment.

100:Transducer

110.1~110.6: Electrical conductor

112.1, 112.2, 114.1, 114.2: Conductive wire

115.1: Board

120:Magnetic field generator

122:Magnetic field

130:Controller

140:Object

B:Control

Claims (23)

A method that includes: While the M electrical conductors of the transducer are in the magnetic field, M alternating currents are transmitted through the M electrical conductors respectively, causing M alternating Lorentz forces to act on the M electrical conductors respectively, resulting in The M electrical conductors each produce the first vibration, Wherein, the M alternating currents respectively have M frequencies, each of the M frequencies is at least 20 kHz, and Among them, M is a positive integer. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the M electrical conductors has a rod-shaped cross-section. The method of claim 2, wherein the transducer further includes M plates fixed to the M electrical conductors respectively. The method of claim 2, wherein the transducer further includes M plates that are in direct physical contact with the M electrical conductors respectively. The method of claim 4, wherein the M boards are separated from each other. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the M electrical conductors has a sheet-shaped cross-section. The method of claim 1, wherein the M electrical conductors form a one-dimensional array or a two-dimensional array. The method of claim 1, wherein the M alternating currents have the same frequency. The method of claim 1, wherein said transmitting the M alternating currents includes changing a phase of one of the M alternating currents with respect to a phase of another of the M alternating currents. Phase tuning. The method of claim 1, wherein the M alternating currents have a pre-specified phase difference. The method of claim 1, wherein the M alternating currents are transmitted simultaneously. The method of claim 1, wherein the first vibrations of the M electrical conductors are respectively at the M frequencies. The method described in request item 1 also includes: While the M conductors are in the magnetic field, M echo ultrasonic waves are respectively received by the M conductors, causing the M conductors to generate second vibrations respectively, thereby causing the M conductors to vibrate. M induced currents are generated in the conductor respectively, wherein the M echogenic ultrasonic waves are generated by ultrasonic waves generated by the first vibration of the M electrical conductors; and The M induced currents are measured. The method of claim 13, wherein the measuring the M induced currents includes measuring the frequency, phase and amplitude of each of the M induced currents. The method of claim 13, wherein the transducer further includes a controller that controls (A) transmitting the M alternating currents and (B) measuring the M induced currents. The method of claim 13, wherein the receiving the M echo ultrasonic waves and measuring the M induced currents are performed after transmitting the M alternating currents. A method that includes: While the M electrical conductors of the transducer are in the magnetic field, M ultrasonic waves are respectively received through the M electrical conductors, causing the M electrical conductors to vibrate respectively, resulting in vibration in the M electrical conductors. Generate M induced currents respectively; and The M induced currents are measured. The method of claim 17, wherein the measuring the M induced currents includes measuring the frequency, phase and amplitude of each of the M induced currents. The method of claim 17, wherein the transducer further includes a controller that controls the measurement of the M induced currents. A transducer including: a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field; M electrical conductors configured to be in the magnetic field; and A controller configured to transmit M alternating currents through the M electrical conductors while the M electrical conductors are in the magnetic field, causing M alternating Lorentz forces to act on the M electrical conductors respectively. on the electrical conductors, causing the M electrical conductors to generate first vibrations respectively, Wherein, the M alternating currents respectively have M frequencies, each of the M frequencies is at least 20 kHz, and Among them, M is a positive integer. The transducer of claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to individually control the delivery of the M alternating currents. A transducer as claimed in claim 20, Wherein, the M electrical conductors are configured to receive M echo ultrasonic waves respectively, thereby causing the M electrical conductors to generate second vibrations respectively, thereby causing the M electrical conductors to generate second vibrations while the M electrical conductors are in the magnetic field. M induced currents are respectively generated in the M conductors, wherein the M echo ultrasonic waves are generated by ultrasonic waves generated by the first vibration of the M electrical conductors, and Wherein, the controller is configured to measure the M induced currents. The transducer of claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to measure the frequency, phase and amplitude of each of the M induced currents.