Acoustic module and control system for handheld ultrasound device

US11241591B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Access Business Group International LLC · US

Inventors

• Ronald L. Stoddard · Kentwood, US
• Michael E. Miles · Grand Rapids, US
• Matthew J. Norconk · Grand Rapids, US
• Joshua K. Schwannecke · Grand Ledge, US
• Joseph C. Van Den Brink · Coopersville, US
• Colin J. Moore · Lowell, US
• A. Esai Umenei · Grand Rapids, US
• Ryan D. Schamper · Grand Haven, US
• Mark S. Bartrum · Shawnee, US
• Benjamin C. Moes · Wyoming, US
• Karlis Vecziedins · Caledonia, US
• Ziqi Wu · Grand Rapids, US
• Mark C. Smith · Rockford, US
• Bradley J. Pippel · Grandville, US
• David S. Vachon · Fennville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 11, 2016
• Grant date: Feb 8, 2022
• Expiry date: Dec 7, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2007/0086
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An acoustic module with a transducer and a solid waveguide. The transducer and waveguide may be curved to focus the acoustic energy along a focal line. The transducer, the top surface of the waveguide and the bottom surface of the waveguide may extend along coaxial curves. The waveguide may include a recess closely receiving the transducer. The waveguide may include an integral skirt that provides a thermal mass. The acoustic module may include a space to accommodate thermal management options. For example, the acoustic module may include a heatsink, an active ventilation system and/or a phase change material. The ultrasound device may include a controller configured to perform a uniformity scan sweep during supply of operating power to the transducer. The uniformity scan sweep can extend through a frequency range that includes the operating point of the acoustic module and does not exceed an acceptable efficiency loss.