Vortex transducer
First Claim
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1. A mechanically formed vortex ultrasound transducer capable of producing at least one, substantially annular focal region(s) when said transducer is excited.
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Abstract
A mechanically formed vortex transducer is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. An irregularity in the transducer shape provides for a mechanically induced vortex focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. A system and methods of making the same are also described.
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Citations
12 Claims
- 1. A mechanically formed vortex ultrasound transducer capable of producing at least one, substantially annular focal region(s) when said transducer is excited.
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7. A mechanically formed ultrasound transducer comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in a polymer and having an irregular shape such that a vortex focal field is produced when the transducer is excited.
- 8. A polymer for use in the creation of a heat set transducer shape having a liquid state when introduced into a diced piezoelectric ceramic, a semi solid state during processing and a fixed solid state upon completion of a heat treatment step.
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10. A system for producing a vortex ultrasound focal field comprising:
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a mechanically formed ultrasound transducer having an irregular shape for creating said vortex; and
an activation switch.
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11. A method of creating a vortex transducer comprising the steps of:
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(a) shaping a piezoelectric ceramic into a desired form, the form having a front end and a back end;
(b) dicing said front end create a plurality of elements, said elements being attached to said back end and separated by dicing channels;
(c) filling said dicing channels with an epoxy material and allowing said epoxy to gel;
(d) creating a transducer form by removing said back end such that said elements are separated from one another;
(e) pressing said transducer form into a mold and heating said transducer form such that the epoxy is heated above the B-stage and allowing the resin to cross link and cool in a set shape;
(f) treating at least one surface of the transducer form with a conductive material such that all elements are in contact with said conductive material; and
(g) making a shape irregularity in the transducer form such that the transducer will produce a vortex effect. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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Specification