Crystal as medium ultrasonic-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device and method

Abstract

This invention provides a device and method for characterizing bone simulation materials using ultrasound-stress coupling with crystal as the medium. The device includes a pressure testing machine comprising a movable platform, an upper pressure plate, a base, and a lower pressure plate. The upper pressure plate has a probe receiving cavity extending to its lower surface, and a first crystal plate is located at the opening. The lower pressure plate has a probe receiving cavity, and a second crystal plate is located at the opening. A first ultrasonic probe and a second ultrasonic probe are respectively disposed within the probe receiving cavities of the upper and lower pressure plates, and are respectively mounted facing each other against the first and second crystal plates. This invention enables both classical pressure testing of bone materials and dynamic detection of ultrasonic signals. The obtained dynamic ultrasonic signals can be used as characterization data to assist in evaluating the consistency between the bone simulation material and the actual bone material, contributing to the development of bone simulation materials, the establishment of bone finite element models, and research in bone physiology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of materials testing, and specifically to a device and method for characterizing bone simulation materials using crystal as a medium via ultrasound-stress coupling. Background Technology

[0002] Bone is a complex and precise biomaterial. Considering the complexity of its constitutive structure and the diversity of the microstructure of its constituent materials, bone simulation materials are difficult to accurately simulate the biomass itself. Therefore, making the performance of simulation materials as consistent as possible with that of living organisms is a key research direction in the field.

[0003] Currently, in common bone mechanical performance tests, researchers only examine a limited number of indicators such as density, tensile and compressive strength, Young's modulus, and yield stress. In the paper "Compressive properties of commercially available polyurethane foams as mechanical models for osteoporotic human cancellous bone" by Patel PSD, Shepherd DET, and Hukins DWL [J]. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2008, 9(1): 1-7, and Oroszlány... In the paper "Compressive properties of commercially available PVC foams intended for use as mechanical models for human cancellous bone" by Nagy P and Kovács JG [J]. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 2015, 12(2): 89-101, the researchers initially obtained materials that could simulate human cancellous bone and normal bone by conducting quasi-static compression tests on the simulated materials and measuring their Young's modulus, yield strength, and absorbed energy. However, using a limited number of indicators such as density, tensile and compressive strength, Young's modulus, and yield stress as the standard for judging the consistency of material properties has significant limitations, and further comparative studies of these materials are needed to obtain more convincing results. Therefore, if an additional characterization method, i.e., an additional verification indicator, could be added, the evaluation of material consistency and the simulation effect would be more convincing.

[0004] Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive testing technique for detecting macroscopic defects, microstructure, and mechanical properties of materials, and it is highly sensitive to changes in the internal structure of materials. For example, Chinese patent CN2891973U discloses an ultrasonic bone density measurement and analysis device, which uses ultrasound to evaluate bone quality by assessing the density, structure, and characteristics of materials. This demonstrates the feasibility of using ultrasound as a characterization method for bone simulation materials. However, the information obtained solely through static ultrasonic detection is far from sufficient to characterize bone simulation materials. Chinese patent CN101915807A discloses an ultrasonic testing auxiliary device for the failure process of non-metallic materials. This device tests the failure process of non-metallic materials by measuring the change in ultrasonic wave velocity during the failure process. However, this device can only measure the dynamic information of ultrasonic wave velocity. Considering that the medium between the ultrasonic probe and the material sample is air, the ultrasonic wave loss is significant when air is used as the medium. Therefore, the information collected cannot yet be used as a characterization method for bone simulation materials. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a device and method for characterizing bone simulation materials using crystal as a medium via ultrasound-stress coupling.

[0006] This invention provides a device for characterizing bone simulation materials using ultrasound-stress coupling with crystal as the medium. The device comprises: a pressure testing machine including a liftable movable platform, an upper pressure plate mounted on the movable platform, a base, and a lower pressure plate mounted on the base. The upper pressure plate has a probe receiving cavity extending to its lower surface, and a first crystal plate is installed at the lower opening of the probe receiving cavity. The lower pressure plate has a probe receiving cavity extending to its upper surface, and a second crystal plate is installed at the upper opening of the probe receiving cavity. The device also includes a first ultrasonic probe and a second ultrasonic probe, respectively disposed within the probe receiving cavities of the upper and lower pressure plates, and respectively mounted facing each other against the first and second crystal plates. One ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic signals, and the other ultrasonic probe is used to acquire ultrasonic signals.

[0007] The ultrasonic-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device with crystal as the medium provided by the present invention may also have the following feature: a coupling agent is applied between the contact surfaces of the first ultrasonic probe and the first crystal plate and between the contact surfaces of the second ultrasonic probe and the second crystal plate to reduce the interface effect.

[0008] The ultrasonic-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as a medium provided by the present invention may also have the following features: both the upper and lower pressure plates include connected sleeve portions and plate portions. The sleeve portion of the upper pressure plate is mounted on a movable platform via an upper pressure plate joint, and the plate portion of the upper pressure plate is connected to the lower end of the sleeve portion. A stepped hole corresponding to the inner cavity of the sleeve portion is opened in the center of the plate portion. The sleeve portion of the lower pressure plate is mounted on a base via a lower pressure plate joint, and the plate portion of the lower pressure plate is connected to the upper end of the sleeve portion. A stepped hole corresponding to the inner cavity of the sleeve portion is opened in the center of the plate portion. A first crystal plate is embedded in the lower end of the stepped hole of the upper pressure plate, and its lower surface is flush with the lower surface of the plate portion of the upper pressure plate. A second crystal plate is embedded in the upper end of the stepped hole of the lower pressure plate, and its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the plate portion of the lower pressure plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the ultrasonic-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as a medium provided by the present invention may also have the following features: both the upper and lower pressure plate joints are T-shaped cylinders, the large-diameter end of the upper pressure plate joint is disposed on the upper surface of the moving platform, the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate joint passes downward through the moving platform and is connected to the sleeve portion of the upper pressure plate, the large-diameter end of the lower pressure plate joint is connected to the base, and the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate joint faces upward and is connected to the sleeve portion of the lower pressure plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the ultrasonic-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device with crystal as the medium provided by the present invention may also have the following features: a first ultrasonic probe is set in the stepped hole of the upper pressure plate and connected to the small diameter end of the upper pressure plate joint by means of a threaded connection; a second ultrasonic probe is set in the stepped hole of the lower pressure plate and connected to the small diameter end of the lower pressure plate joint by means of a threaded connection.

[0011] The ultrasonic-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device with crystal as the medium provided by the present invention may also have the following feature: the first crystal plate and the second crystal plate are made of transparent pressure-resistant crystal.

[0012] This invention also provides a method for characterizing bone simulation materials using crystal as a medium via ultrasound-stress coupling. The method employs the aforementioned crystal-med ultrasound-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization equipment, comprising: performing a pressure test on a bone simulation material sample using a pressure testing machine; wherein, during the pressure destruction of the material sample by an upper pressure plate and a first crystal plate, a lower pressure plate and a second crystal plate are used to transmit ultrasonic signals along a path of the first crystal plate, the material sample, and the second crystal plate, or vice versa, and simultaneously recording ultrasonic signal decay data; and analyzing the obtained ultrasonic signal decay data to obtain dynamic structural information within the material sample.

[0013] The role and effect of invention

[0014] The ultrasound-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device and method using crystal as a medium according to the present invention includes a pressure testing machine and two ultrasound probes. The upper and lower pressure plates of the pressure testing machine each have probe housing cavities, and crystal plates are installed at the cavity openings as the ultrasonic medium. The two ultrasound probes are respectively positioned within the probe housing cavities of the upper and lower pressure plates, and are respectively mounted facing each other against the corresponding crystal plates. During use, classical pressure testing of the bone material can be performed simultaneously with dynamic detection of ultrasound signals. The obtained dynamic ultrasound signals can be used as characterization data to assist in evaluating the consistency between the bone simulation material and the actual bone material. Therefore, the present invention uses ultrasound as a new characterization method, providing a new characterization device and method for bone material simulation, which helps to promote the development of bone simulation materials, the establishment of bone finite element models, and research in bone physiology. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as a medium in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as a medium in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as a medium, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0019] 1. Material sample; 10. Pressure testing machine; 11. Moving platform; 12. Upper bearing plate; 121. Sleeve part; 122. Plate body part; 1221. Stepped hole; 13. Base; 14. Lower bearing plate; 141. Sleeve part; 142. Plate body part; 1421. Stepped hole; 15. Upper bearing plate joint; 16. Lower bearing plate joint; 17. First pin; 18. Second pin; 20. First ultrasonic probe; 30. Second ultrasonic probe; 40. First crystal plate; 50. Second crystal plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Example

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a crystal-based ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a crystal-based ultrasound-stress-coupled bone simulation material characterization device.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a characterization device for ultrasonic-stress coupled bone simulation materials using crystal as a medium, including a pressure testing machine 10, a first ultrasonic probe 20, and a second ultrasonic probe 30.

[0024] The pressure testing machine 10 adopts a classic material pressure testing machine, mainly including a movable platform 11 driven by a lifting mechanism for lifting, an upper pressure plate 12 installed on the movable platform 11, a base 13 set below the movable platform 11, and a lower pressure plate 14 installed on the base 13.

[0025] The upper pressure plate 12 and the lower pressure plate 14 are both provided with probe receiving cavities. The probe receiving cavity of the upper pressure plate 12 is connected to the lower surface of the upper pressure plate 12, and a first crystal plate 40 flush with the lower surface is installed at its lower opening. The probe receiving cavity of the lower pressure plate 14 is connected to the upper surface, and a second crystal plate 50 flush with the upper surface is installed at its upper opening. The materials of the first crystal plate 40 and the second crystal plate 50 can be diamond, zircon or other existing pressure-resistant crystals.

[0026] The first ultrasonic probe 20 and the second ultrasonic probe 30 are respectively disposed in the probe receiving cavity of the upper pressure plate 12 and the probe receiving cavity of the lower pressure plate 14, and are respectively installed facing each other in close contact with the first crystal plate 40 and the second crystal plate 50. Any one of the first ultrasonic probe 20 and the second ultrasonic probe 30 is used to transmit ultrasonic signals, and the other ultrasonic probe is used to collect ultrasonic signals. In this way, when the pressure test is performed, the ultrasonic signals can be transmitted and received according to the path of the crystal, the material sample 1, and the crystal.

[0027] The following is a detailed explanation of some of the installation structures.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of an ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as the medium.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the installation structure of the movable platform 11 and the upper pressure plate 12 is as follows: A T-shaped cylindrical upper pressure plate connector 15 is centrally mounted on the movable platform 11. The large-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector 15 is located on the upper surface of the movable platform 11, and the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector 15 passes downward through the movable platform 11. The upper pressure plate 12 includes a sleeve portion 121 and a plate body portion 122 connected together. The sleeve portion 121 of the upper pressure plate 12 is fitted onto the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector 15 and is connected to the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector 15 through a radially arranged first pin 17. The plate body portion 122 of the upper pressure plate 12 is connected to the lower end of the sleeve portion 121, and a stepped hole 1221 is opened in the center of the plate body portion 122, which is a vertically penetrating stepped hole corresponding to the inner cavity of the sleeve portion 121. This stepped hole 1221 is the probe receiving cavity of the upper pressure plate 12.

[0030] The first crystal plate 40 is embedded in the lower end of the stepped hole 1221. The lower surface of the first crystal plate 40 is flush with the lower surface of the plate body 122 of the upper pressure plate 12. The first crystal plate 40 and the plate body 122 of the upper pressure plate 12 are used to directly apply pressure to the material sample 1 during the test. The first ultrasonic probe 20 is disposed in the stepped hole 1221. The head of the first ultrasonic probe 20 is facing downward and is disposed in close contact with the upper surface of the first crystal plate 40. A coupling agent is coated between the head of the first ultrasonic probe 20 and the upper surface of the first crystal plate 40 to reduce the interface effect. The tail of the first ultrasonic probe 20 has a stud. The small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector 15 has a threaded hole along the axis. The first ultrasonic probe 20 is connected to the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector 15 through the stud and the threaded hole.

[0031] The mounting structure of the base 13 and the lower pressure plate 14 is as follows: A T-shaped cylindrical lower pressure plate connector 16 is mounted on the base 13. The large-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector 16 is connected to the base 13 by a plurality of screws evenly distributed along the circumference, and the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector 16 is set upward. The lower pressure plate 14 includes a sleeve portion 141 and a plate portion 142 connected together. The sleeve portion 141 of the lower pressure plate 14 is fitted onto the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector 16 and is connected to the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector 16 by a radially arranged second pin 18. The plate portion 142 of the lower pressure plate 14 is connected to the upper end of the sleeve portion 141, and a stepped hole 1421 is opened in the center of the plate portion 142, which is a through hole corresponding to the inner cavity of the sleeve portion 141. This stepped hole 1421 is the probe receiving cavity of the lower pressure plate 14.

[0032] The second crystal plate 50 is embedded in the upper end of the stepped hole 1421. The upper surface of the second crystal plate 50 is flush with the upper surface of the plate body 142 of the lower pressure plate 14. The second crystal plate 50 and the plate body 142 of the lower pressure plate 14 are used to support the material sample 1. The second ultrasonic probe 30 is disposed in the stepped hole 1421. The head of the second ultrasonic probe 30 faces upward and is disposed close to the lower surface of the second crystal plate 50. A coupling agent is applied between the head of the second ultrasonic probe 30 and the lower surface of the second crystal plate 50 to reduce the interface effect. The tail of the second ultrasonic probe 30 has a stud portion. The small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector 16 has a threaded hole along the axis. The second ultrasonic probe 30 is connected to the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector 16 through the stud portion and the threaded hole.

[0033] The method and process for characterizing bone-simulated materials using this equipment are as follows: During the test, the material sample 1 of the bone-simulated material is placed on the plate body 142 of the lower pressure plate 14 and the second crystal plate 50. The pressure testing machine 10 is started, and the moving platform 11 drives the upper pressure plate 12 to move downward until the plate body 122 of the upper pressure plate 12 and the first crystal plate 40 come into contact with the material sample 1, thus initiating pressure destruction of the material sample 1. During the pressure destruction of the material sample 1, the first ultrasonic probe 20 and the second ultrasonic probe 30 transmit and receive ultrasonic signals along the path of the first crystal plate 40, the material sample 1, and the second crystal plate 50, or the reverse path. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic signal attenuation data is detected and recorded by an ultrasonic detector or other device connected to the ultrasonic probes. Furthermore, by analyzing the ultrasonic signal attenuation data using a computer or other instruments, the dynamic structural information inside the material sample 1 can be obtained. This dynamic structural information can be used to assist in evaluating the consistency between the bone-simulated material and bone material.

[0034] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, the actual testing is not limited to pressure testing and ultrasonic coupling; testing can also be achieved through tensile, bending, shearing, and other tests coupled with ultrasonic coupling. The material sample is not limited to bone simulation material; other materials can also be used for testing and characterization. The material of the first crystal plate 40 and the second crystal plate 50, which serve as the ultrasonic wave transmission medium, can be a transparent pressure-resistant crystal, which can be further coupled with other characterization methods such as optical signals.

[0035] The role and effect of the embodiments

[0036] According to the ultrasound-stress coupling bone simulation material characterization device and method using crystal as a medium involved in this embodiment, it includes a pressure testing machine and two ultrasound probes. The upper and lower pressure plates of the pressure testing machine each have probe receiving cavities, and crystal plates are installed at the cavity openings as the ultrasonic medium. The two ultrasound probes are respectively placed in the probe receiving cavities of the upper and lower pressure plates, and are installed facing each other, closely attached to their respective crystal plates. During use, while performing classical pressure tests on the bone material, dynamic detection of ultrasound signals can be achieved. The obtained dynamic ultrasound signals can be used as characterization data to assist in evaluating the consistency between the bone simulation material and the actual bone material. Therefore, this invention uses ultrasound as a new characterization method, providing a new characterization device and method for bone material simulation, which helps to promote the development of bone simulation materials, the establishment of bone finite element models, and research in bone physiology.

[0037] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for characterizing bone simulation materials using crystal as a medium via ultrasound-stress coupling, characterized in that, Includes a pressure testing machine, a first ultrasonic probe, and a second ultrasonic probe. The pressure testing machine includes a liftable movable platform, an upper pressure plate mounted on the movable platform, a base, and a lower pressure plate mounted on the base. The upper pressure plate has a probe receiving cavity inside that extends to the lower surface, and a first crystal plate is installed at the lower opening of the probe receiving cavity. The lower pressure plate has a probe receiving cavity that extends to the upper surface, and a second crystal plate is installed at the upper opening of the probe receiving cavity. The first crystal plate and the second crystal plate are made of transparent, pressure-resistant crystal. Both the upper pressure plate and the lower pressure plate include a connected sleeve portion and a plate body portion. The sleeve portion of the upper pressure plate is mounted on the movable platform via an upper pressure plate joint. The plate body portion of the upper pressure plate is connected to the lower end of the sleeve portion, and a stepped hole corresponding to the inner cavity of the sleeve portion is opened in the center of the plate body portion. The sleeve portion of the lower pressure plate is mounted on the base via a lower pressure plate connector. The plate body portion of the lower pressure plate is connected to the upper end of the sleeve portion, and a stepped hole with vertical penetration and corresponding to the inner cavity of the sleeve portion is opened in the center of the plate body portion. The first crystal plate is embedded at the lower end of the stepped hole in the upper pressure plate, and its lower surface is flush with the lower surface of the plate body of the upper pressure plate. The second crystal plate is embedded in the upper end of the stepped hole of the lower pressure plate, and its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the plate body of the lower pressure plate. The first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe are respectively disposed in the probe receiving cavity of the upper pressure plate and the probe receiving cavity of the lower pressure plate, and are respectively installed facing each other in close contact with the first crystal plate and the second crystal plate. One ultrasonic probe is used to emit ultrasonic signals, and the other ultrasonic probe is used to acquire ultrasonic signals.

2. The ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein A coupling agent is applied between the contact surfaces of the first ultrasonic probe and the first crystal plate, and between the contact surfaces of the second ultrasonic probe and the second crystal plate, to reduce interface effects.

3. The ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, Both the upper pressure plate joint and the lower pressure plate joint are T-shaped cylindrical. The large-diameter end of the upper pressure plate joint is disposed on the upper surface of the movable platform, and the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate joint passes downward through the movable platform and connects with the sleeve portion of the upper pressure plate. The large-diameter end of the lower pressure plate joint is connected to the base, and the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate joint faces upward and is connected to the sleeve portion of the lower pressure plate.

4. The ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: in, The first ultrasonic probe is disposed in the stepped hole of the upper pressure plate and is connected to the small-diameter end of the upper pressure plate connector by means of a threaded connection. The second ultrasonic probe is disposed in the stepped hole of the lower pressure plate and is connected to the small-diameter end of the lower pressure plate connector by means of a threaded connection.

5. A method for characterizing ultrasound-stress coupled bone simulation materials using crystals as a medium, characterized in that, The ultrasonic-stress coupled bone simulation material characterization device using crystal as a medium as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 comprises: A pressure testing machine is used to conduct pressure tests on material samples of bone simulation materials. During the process of pressure destruction of the material sample by the upper pressure plate and the first crystal plate, the first and second ultrasonic probes are used to transmit ultrasonic signals along the path of the first crystal plate, the material sample, and the second crystal plate or the opposite path, and the ultrasonic signal decay data is recorded simultaneously. The dynamic structural information inside the material sample is obtained by analyzing the decay data of the acquired ultrasonic signal.

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