Compact ultrasound device having annular ultrasound array peripherally electrically connected to flexible printed circuit board and method of assembly thereof
US11224895B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB06B1/0625
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Ultrasound devices, and associated methods of assembly thereof, are disclosed whereby an annular electrode array of an ultrasound transducer is electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board in a compact configuration. The flexible circuit board includes an elongate flexible segment and a distal distribution segment, where the distribution segment is attached to a peripheral support ring that surrounds at least a portion of the ultrasound transducer. The distribution segment includes a plurality of spatially distributed contact pads, and electrical connections are provided between the contact pads and the annular electrodes of the annular array. A backing material may be provided that contacts and extends from the annular array electrodes, and a distal portion of the elongate flexible segment may be encapsulated in the backing material, such that the distal portion extends inwardly from the peripheral support ring, without contacting the electrical connections and without contacting the array surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.