Ultrasound patch with integrated flexible transducer assembly
Inventors
EIBL, Joseph • Fredericks, Kyle • MUNDING, Chelsea • EIBL, Andrew • Kenny, Jon-Emile S.
Assignees
1929803 Ontario Corp D/b/a Flosonics Medical • 1929803 Ontario Corp
Publication Number
US-11937976-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-26
Expiration Date
2041-07-06
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Abstract
A self-contained ultrasound patch assembly for detecting fluid flow in a vessel includes piezo elements that can transmit ultrasonic energy and detect echo signals. A flex module has two support portions connected to respective ones of the elements with a hinged portion coupled to the support portions, allowing them to be positioned angularly relative to each other. Electronics that direct the elements to transmit ultrasonic energy and process detected echo signals are in communication with the elements through the flex module. A transducer frame includes an alignment portion engaging a flex module alignment portion to retain the flex module in an aligned position. The frame supports the elements at a fixed angular position with respect to each other. A housing encloses the electronics and frame, and fixedly retains the frame to position the elements to transmit toward a bottom surface and away from a top surface of the housing.
Core Innovation
The invention is a self-contained ultrasound patch assembly designed for use on a patient's skin to detect fluid flow within a vessel. It includes piezoelectric elements configured to transmit ultrasonic energy and detect echo signals, integrated with a flex module that has first and second support portions connected to respective piezo elements and a hinged portion allowing angular positioning between these support portions. Electronics communicate with the piezo elements via the flex module to control ultrasonic energy transmission and process detected echo signals. A transducer frame engages with the flex module to retain it in alignment and fix the angular position of the piezo elements with respect to each other. The assembly is enclosed within a housing configured to orient the piezo elements for transmission toward the skin and away from the top surface.
The invention addresses problems in clinical and diagnostic ultrasound flow assessment where traditional transducers require an operator to hold and position the device manually, limiting hands availability for other tasks. Prior ultrasound patch devices permitted affixation to the subject for continuous or periodic measurements, but improvements were sought in the design to enhance alignment, angular positioning of piezo elements, manufacturing, and sealing features, thereby facilitating more effective and reliable fluid flow detection in vessels.
A key aspect of the invention is the flexible transducer assembly employing two piezo elements mounted on a flex module allowing angular adjustment via a hinged portion, which can be fixed in a transducer frame to achieve various imaging depths by varying the angular relationship of the elements. The design includes air-backed piezo elements to enhance ultrasonic energy transmission toward the vessel and reduce rearward loss, with a conductive tape providing efficient electrical interconnection without complex assembly processes. The housing and frame combination supports precise placement, retains the assembly securely, and facilitates acoustic coupling via a wedge-shaped skin interface to position close to target anatomy such as carotid and jugular vessels.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims describing ultrasound patch assemblies featuring flexible transducer assemblies with angularly positionable piezo elements supported in a transducer frame within a housing. The main inventive features relate to the structural configuration of the flex module, transducer frame, and housing to achieve precise angular positioning and efficient signal transmission and processing.
Ultrasound patch assembly with flex module hinged for angular positioning
An ultrasound patch assembly comprising two piezoelectric elements connected to a flex module having first and second support portions joined by a hinged portion allowing angular positioning. The flex module includes a first alignment portion that mates with a second alignment portion on a transducer frame, which supports the elements at a fixed angular position within a housing that orients the elements for transmission toward the patient skin.
Air-backed piezo elements with conductive interconnection on flex module
The assembly comprises piezo elements with front and rear surfaces transmitting and detecting ultrasound signals, a flex module with first and second support portions and a hinged portion, electrodes on support portions electrically interconnected with the rear surfaces via conductive material which forms air gaps between piezo elements and electrode-free areas of the flex module. A transducer frame retains the flex module and piezo elements in an angular arrangement, housed within a top shell and base forming a cavity that positions the elements toward the skin.
The independent claims cover ultrasound patch assemblies integrating piezoelectric elements on a hinged flex module that enables angular positioning supported by a transducer frame within a housing designed to orient ultrasonic energy transmission toward a patient's skin. The claims emphasize the use of air-backed piezo elements, conductive interconnections via anisotropic tape, structural alignment features between the flex module and the frame, and housing configurations with cavities and wedges to facilitate precise and effective fluid flow detection.
Stated Advantages
Allows hands-free operation by affixing the ultrasound patch to the patient, freeing caregivers to perform other tasks.
Angular positioning of piezo elements enhances targeting of ultrasound beams for improved flow imaging at various depths.
Use of anisotropic conductive tape simplifies assembly without requiring complex processes like wire bonding or soldering.
Air-backed piezo elements increase forward ultrasound energy transmission and reduce acoustic losses.
The wedge-shaped housing interface facilitates positioning near targeted vessels for lower power operation and better signal acquisition.
Multipurpose transducer frames with different angles allow economical manufacturing for varied imaging applications.
Potting methods and mechanical alignment features ensure consistent assembly, reliable acoustic coupling, and ease of manufacturing.
Array configurations and software-controlled selective element activation improve signal-to-noise ratio and energy efficiency.
Waterproof housing enables sterilization and potential reuse of the device for multiple patients.
Documented Applications
Continuous or periodic measurement of blood flow in vessels, such as carotid artery and jugular vein, especially in the neck region.
Non-invasive monitoring of internal jugular venous waveform velocity and Doppler power to assess central venous pressure.
Use in clinical and diagnostic ultrasound flow assessment scenarios where hands-free ultrasound patch devices improve workflow.
Simultaneous imaging of multiple vessels including vessels with opposing flow directions.
Applications involving patients of varied anatomies including infants, pediatric, and bariatric patients.
Integration with external devices such as smartphones or tablets for data display, control, and assistance in patch placement.
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