Flexible ultrasound array

The present invention provides a flexible ultrasound transducer (1) for an ultrasound monitoring system for examining a curved object. The ultrasound transducer (1) comprises an integrated circuit structure (7) and a multi-layered structure (2), said multi-layered structure (2) comprising an array (3) of ultrasound transducing elements (3a) arranged in a first layer structure (4) and configured for generating ultrasonic energy propagating along a main transducer axis Z and an array (5) of control circuits (5a) arranged in a second layer structure (6), and wherein the array (5) of control circuits and the integrated circuit structure (7) are configured for operating the array (3) of ultrasound transducing elements in said first layer structure (4), Further, the multi-layered structure (2) comprises at least one flexible layer (8, 9) arranged so that the bending flexibility of the multi-layered structure (2) permits the ultrasound transducer (1) to form a continuous contact with said curved object during operation.

Octrooi-publicatienummer: WO2020182926

Jaar aanvraag: 2020

Jaar toekenning: 2021

Jaar van publicatie: 2020

Status: Aangevraagd

Technologiedomeinen: Chemische ingenieurswetenschappen en techniek

Gevalideerd voor IOF-sleutel: Ja

Toegewezen aan: Associatie KULeuven