An ultrasonic probe
By introducing sound-transparent elements and sound-transparent materials into the ultrasonic probe, raising the transducer distance to the tissue to be tested, focusing and clear imaging of superficial tissue is achieved, and the difficulty of superficial display and high-frequency probes in the prior art are solved The problem of low popularity has improved image resolution and equipment popularity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN201910832365.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-09-04
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-09-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing ultrasonic probes are difficult to achieve near-field focus in superficial tissue display, with a lot of image noise and poor resolution, which makes it difficult to meet diagnostic requirements, and high-frequency probes are low in popularity and cost.
An ultrasonic probe was designed. By introducing a sound-transmissive element into the probe, the transducer distance is raised using the sound-transmissive material and the sound-transmissive shell, so that the ultrasonic waves can focus on the shallow surface and achieve clear imaging of the shallow surface tissue. .
It effectively improves the focus ability of the ultrasonic probe on superficial tissue, improves image resolution, reduces noise, meets diagnostic needs, reduces costs, and improves the popularity of equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN112438750B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical equipment, and in particular to an ultrasonic probe. Background Art
[0002] With the increasing popularity of ultrasound technology, the fields involved in superficial ultrasound applications are becoming more and more extensive, including dermatology, rheumatology, sports medicine, cosmetology, anesthesiology, phlebology, veterinary (racehorse Achilles tendon), etc., which require the superficial tissue structure to be displayed more clearly.
[0003] In order to solve the problem of clear display of superficial ultrasound, ultra-high frequency probes (25MHZ, 30MHZ) are often used. However, due to the limitations of technology and cost, their popularity is low and most hospitals cannot afford them. Conventional high-frequency probes are too superficial to achieve near-field focusing, and ultrasound images are noisy and have poor resolution, making it difficult to meet diagnostic requirements. Summary of the invention
[0004] The present application provides an ultrasound probe.
[0005] In one embodiment of the present application, an ultrasound probe is provided, comprising:
[0006] A transducer assembly, the transducer assembly comprising a transducer and a wire electrically connected to the transducer, wherein the transducer is used to convert an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and convert an ultrasonic echo into an electrical signal, and the transducer assembly comprises an acoustic lens located in front of the transducer;
[0007] a housing, the housing enclosing a receiving space, the transducer assembly being connected to the housing, and at least a portion of the transducer assembly being received in the receiving space;
[0008] A sound-transmitting element, wherein the sound-transmitting element is connected to the transducer assembly or the housing, wherein the sound-transmitting element is arranged in front of the transducer assembly, and in a working state, the sound-transmitting element is located between the transducer assembly and the scanning object of the ultrasound probe.
[0009] In one embodiment, the sound-permeable element includes a sound-permeable material and a sound-permeable shell wrapping the sound-permeable material, and the sound-permeable shell is connected to the shell.
[0010] In one embodiment, the sound-permeable shell is made of a solid sound-permeable material, and the sound-permeable material is made of a solid or liquid sound-permeable material.
[0011] In one embodiment, the sound-transmitting element is fixedly connected to the housing via a connecting piece.
[0012] In one embodiment, the sound-permeable element is detachably connected to the housing via a connecting piece.
[0013] In one embodiment, the sound-transmitting element is connected to the housing by at least one of a buckle, a screw or an interference fit.
[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting member is a first connecting member, which is fixedly connected to the sound-transmitting element; a first connecting structure is provided on the first connecting member, and a second connecting structure is provided on the outer shell, and the first connecting structure is connected and cooperated with the second connecting structure to connect the sound-transmitting element and the outer shell.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first connection structure and the second connection structure are mutually matching protrusions and grooves, internal threads and external threads, or nails and holes.
[0016] In one embodiment, a plurality of holes are formed at the front end of the first connecting member, and the sound-permeable element penetrates the holes so that the connecting member is fixedly connected to the sound-permeable element.
[0017] In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves are formed on the inner wall of the first connecting member, the front end of the grooves is an arc surface, and the rear end of the grooves is a plane; the side outer wall of the sound-transmitting element is embedded in the grooves.
[0018] In one embodiment, the connecting member and the sound-permeable element are made of the same material.
[0019] In one embodiment, the connecting member is a second connecting member, and the second connecting member is fixedly connected to the outer shell; a third connecting structure is provided on the second connecting member, and a fourth connecting structure is provided on the sound-permeable element, and the third connecting structure is connected and cooperated with the fourth connecting structure to connect the sound-permeable element and the outer shell.
[0020] In one embodiment, the third connection structure and the fourth connection structure are mutually matching protrusions and grooves, internal threads and external threads, or nails and holes.
[0021] In one embodiment, the connecting member and the housing are made of the same material.
[0022] In one embodiment, the sound-transmissive element is bonded to the transducer assembly or the housing.
[0023] In one embodiment, the sound-permeable element is made of a solid sound-permeable material; or the sound-permeable element includes a liquid sound-permeable material and a solid sound-permeable material shell that wraps the liquid sound-permeable material.
[0024] The present application increases the distance between the transducer and the tissue to be measured by using the sound-transmitting element, so that the ultrasound wave can be focused on the superficial surface of the tissue to be measured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an ultrasonic probe;
[0026] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of an ultrasonic probe;
[0027] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of an ultrasonic probe;
[0028] Figure 4 It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of another embodiment of an ultrasonic probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.
[0030] The serial numbers assigned to the components herein, such as "first", "second", etc., are only used to distinguish the objects described and do not have any order or technical meaning. The "connection" and "coupling" mentioned in this application, unless otherwise specified, include direct and indirect connections (couplings). In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application.
[0031] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature. Similarly, the directions or positional relationships indicated by "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like should also be interpreted as above and should not be understood as limitations to the present application.
[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an ultrasound probe, including a transducer assembly 2 , a housing 3 and a sound-transmitting element 1 .
[0033] The transducer assembly 2 includes a transducer 22 and a wire 23 electrically connected to the transducer 22, wherein the transducer 22 is used to convert an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and convert an ultrasonic echo into an electrical signal, and the transducer assembly 2 includes an acoustic lens 21 located in front of the transducer 22. For the convenience of description, the end of the ultrasonic probe that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves is designated as the front end, and the corresponding direction is the front.
[0034] The housing 3 encloses a receiving space, the transducer assembly 2 is connected to the housing 3, and at least a portion of the transducer assembly 2 is received in the receiving space. Optionally, the connection between the transducer assembly 2 and the housing 3 may be direct or indirect. The exemplary housing 3 is made of a hard material to play a supporting role. The housing 3 may be of any shape, not limited to, depending on different clinical requirements such as the scanning position and the grip requirements. Figure 1 Shape shown.
[0035] The sound-transmitting element 1 is connected to the transducer assembly 2 or the housing 3, and the sound-transmitting element 1 is arranged in front of the transducer assembly 2. In the working state, the sound-transmitting element 1 is located between the transducer assembly 2 and the scanned object of the ultrasonic probe. In one embodiment, the sound-transmitting element 1 may be connected only to the front end of the transducer assembly 2 without extending to the housing 3; in another embodiment, the sound-transmitting element 1 is connected to the front end of the transducer assembly 2, and the periphery of the sound-transmitting element 1 extends to connect to the housing 3. The connection between the sound-transmitting element 1 and the transducer assembly 2 or the housing 3 may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection. In one embodiment, the sound-transmitting element 1 is bonded to the transducer assembly 2 or the housing 3, and the bonding connection may be a fixed bonding or a detachable bonding.
[0036] Exemplarily, the sound-permeable element 1 may be made of a solid sound-permeable material; or may include a liquid sound-permeable material and a solid sound-permeable material shell that wraps the liquid sound-permeable material, forming a structure similar to a water bag. The solid sound-permeable material may be gel, etc., and the liquid sound-permeable material may be a coupling agent, a coupling liquid, or water, etc.
[0037] When the ultrasonic probe is in use, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer assembly 2 pass through the sound-transmitting element 1 to reach the tissue to be measured. Due to the action of the sound-transmitting element 1, the distance between the transducer assembly 2 and the tissue to be measured is raised, so that the ultrasonic waves can be focused on the superficial surface of the tissue to be measured, thereby achieving the requirement of superficial tissue imaging.
[0038] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the sound-transmitting element 1 includes a sound-transmitting material 11 and a sound-transmitting shell 12 wrapping the sound-transmitting material 11, and the sound-transmitting shell 12 is connected to the shell 3. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer assembly 2 are shallowly focused on the tissue to be measured through the sound-transmitting material 11 and the sound-transmitting shell 12. The sound-transmitting material 11 is placed inside the sound-transmitting shell 12, which makes the appearance of the entire ultrasonic probe more concise, and the scanning and moving process of the tissue to be measured is smoother, and it is easy to clean and disinfect.
[0039] In one embodiment, the shell 3 is made of a material different from that of the sound-transmitting shell 12. The material of the shell 3 can be a sound-transmitting material or a sound-impermeable material. The shell 3 is assembled with the sound-transmitting shell 12 or connected in one piece. In another embodiment, the shell 3 is made of the same sound-transmitting material as that of the sound-transmitting shell 12. The shell 3 and the sound-transmitting shell 12 can be formed in one piece. Optionally, the shell 3 and the sound-transmitting shell 12 can be fixedly connected or detachably connected. In the embodiment in which the shell 3 and the sound-transmitting shell 12 are detachably connected, the probe can be maintained by replacing the sound-transmitting material 11, and the focusing depth of the ultrasonic probe can be changed by replacing the sound-transmitting material 11 of different thicknesses, so as to realize ultrasonic scanning of different tissues to be tested or different depths of tissues to be tested.
[0040] In one embodiment, the sound-permeable shell 12 is made of a solid sound-permeable material, and the sound-permeable material 11 can be a solid sound-permeable material or a liquid sound-permeable material. For example, the solid sound-permeable material can be a gel, etc., and the liquid sound-permeable material can be a coupling agent, a coupling liquid or water, etc.
[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the sound-permeable element 1 is connected to the housing 3 via a connector. In different embodiments, the sound-permeable element 1 and the housing 3 may be detachably connected via the connector or may be fixedly connected via the connector. Optionally, the detachable connection between the sound-permeable element 1 and the housing 3 may include but is not limited to a snap, a screw, or an interference fit.
[0042] In one embodiment, a first connecting member is further included, the first connecting member is fixedly connected to the sound-permeable element 1, a first connecting structure is provided on the first connecting member, a second connecting structure is provided on the housing 3, the first connecting structure is connected and matched with the second connecting structure, so that the first connecting member is connected to the housing 3, thereby connecting the sound-permeable element 1 and the housing 3. Optionally, the first connecting member can be made of a different material from the sound-permeable element 1, can be made of the same material, or can be formed together with the sound-permeable element 1 by the same material.
[0043] Exemplarily, the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be mutually matching protrusions and grooves, internal threads and external threads, or nails and holes. It should be emphasized that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure can be any connecting structures that can match each other, and are not limited to the connecting structures listed above.
[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the first connecting member 5 is a ring-like structure, the sound-permeable element 1 is a cylindrical structure, the first connecting member 5 surrounds the outer circumference of the sound-permeable element 1, and the first connecting member 5 is fixedly connected to the sound-permeable element 1. The first connecting member 5 is provided with a first connecting structure, which is an annular groove 53 surrounding the inner wall of the first connecting member 5, and the outer shell 3 is provided with a second connecting structure, which is an annular protrusion 31 surrounding the outer surface of the outer shell, and the annular groove 53 cooperates with the annular protrusion 31, so that the first connecting member 5 is connected to the outer shell 3. By applying a forward external force, the annular protrusion 31 can be separated from the annular groove 53, so that the first connecting structure 5 is separated from the outer shell 3; by applying a backward external force, the annular protrusion 31 can be pressed into the annular groove 53, so that the first connecting structure 5 is connected to the outer shell 3. By separating and connecting the first connecting structure 5 with the outer shell 3, the separation and connection of the sound-permeable element 1 with the outer shell 3 can be achieved. The first connection structure and the second connection structure may be an annular groove and an annular protrusion that cooperate with each other, or may be a convex point and a concave hole that cooperate with each other, or other snap-fit structures that can cooperate with each other.
[0045] It should be emphasized that the first connecting member 5 shown in the figure is only exemplary. The first connecting member may also be a strip structure, a part of a circular ring structure or a truncated cone ring structure, etc. that connects the sound transparent element 1 and the shell 3. The corresponding sound transparent element 1 is not limited to a cylindrical structure, and may be a rectangular structure, a truncated cone structure, etc. The shape of the sound transparent element 1 can be configured according to the overall shape of the ultrasound probe, and the shape of the first connecting member can be configured according to the shape of the sound transparent element 1. The first connecting member may be of any shape that can connect the sound transparent element and the shell.
[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the front end of the first connecting member 5 is bent toward the axis of the ultrasonic probe and is provided with a plurality of holes 52, and the sound-transmitting element 1 is penetrated through the holes 52, so that the first connecting member 5 is fixedly connected to the sound-transmitting element 1. Exemplarily, during the processing, the first connecting member 5 can be formed first, and then the sound-transmitting element material is poured into the mold of the first connecting member 5, and the sound-transmitting element material is penetrated into the opening 52 at the front end of the first connecting member 5, so that the sound-transmitting element 1 is mutually embraced with the first connecting member through the holes 52 of the first connecting member 5, thereby increasing the connection stability between the sound-transmitting element 1 and the first connecting member 5. The holes 52 provided on the first connecting member 5 can also be semi-holes or mesh structures, etc., which strengthen the connection area between the first connecting member 5 and the sound-transmitting element 1. The front end of the first connecting member 5 is bent toward the axis of the ultrasonic probe, and optionally, the outer surface of the first connecting member 5 is correspondingly formed into a circular arc surface, which ensures safety and comfort when contacting with the tissue to be measured.
[0047] In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves 51 are provided on the inner wall of the first connecting member 5, the front end of the groove 51 is an arc surface, the rear end of the groove 51 is a plane, and the side outer wall of the corresponding sound-transmitting element 1 has a corresponding protruding structure 11 embedded in the groove. The grooves 51 provided on the inner wall of the first connecting member 5 and the protruding structure 11 of the sound-transmitting element 1 further increase the connection stability between the sound-transmitting element 1 and the first connecting member 5, so that during the use of the ultrasonic probe, the sound-transmitting element 1 will not shake and affect the conduct of the ultrasonic scan and the effectiveness of the results.
[0048] The method of connecting the sound-permeable element 1 to the housing 3 through the first connecting member 5 in the above embodiment is not limited. In one embodiment, a second connecting member (not shown) may be included. The second connecting member is fixedly connected to the housing 3. A third connecting structure is provided on the second connecting member. A fourth connecting structure is provided on the sound-permeable element 1. The third connecting structure is connected and matched with the fourth connecting structure, so that the second connecting member and the sound-permeable element 1 are detachably connected, thereby detachably connecting the sound-permeable element 1 and the housing 3. The discussion of the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure in the above embodiment can be referred to. The third connecting structure and the fourth connecting structure can be any connecting structure that can achieve the matching of the third connecting structure and the fourth connecting structure, such as mutually matching protrusions and grooves, internal threads and external threads, or nails and holes. Optionally, the second connecting member and the housing 3 can be made of different materials, the same material, or integrally formed of the same material.
[0049] The sound-transmitting element 1 is detachably connected to the housing 3 via a connector, so that different clinical needs can be met by replacing sound-transmitting elements of different thickness specifications, thereby maximizing the use of the probe.
[0050] The above are preferred implementations of the present application. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present application.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection, characterized in that: include, A transducer assembly, the transducer assembly comprising a transducer and a wire electrically connected to the transducer, wherein the transducer is used to convert an electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and convert an ultrasonic echo into an electrical signal, and the transducer assembly comprises an acoustic lens located in front of the transducer; a housing, the housing enclosing a receiving space, the transducer assembly being connected to the housing, and at least a portion of the transducer assembly being received in the receiving space; A sound-transmitting element, the sound-transmitting element is connected to the housing, wherein the sound-transmitting element is arranged in front of the transducer assembly, and in a working state, the sound-transmitting element is located between the transducer assembly and a scanned object of the ultrasound probe; The sound-transmitting element and the housing define a containing space, and the acoustic lens is located in the containing space.
2. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound-permeable element comprises a sound-permeable material and a sound-permeable shell wrapping the sound-permeable material, and the sound-permeable shell is connected to the shell.
3. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sound-permeable shell is made of a solid sound-permeable material, and the sound-permeable material is made of a solid or liquid sound-permeable material.
4. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound-transmitting element is fixedly connected to the housing via a connecting piece.
5. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound-transmitting element is detachably connected to the housing via a connecting piece.
6. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sound-transmitting element is connected to the housing by at least one of a buckle, a screw or an interference fit.
7. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting member is a first connecting member, which is fixedly connected to the sound-permeable element; a first connecting structure is provided on the first connecting member, and a second connecting structure is provided on the outer shell, and the first connecting structure is connected and cooperated with the second connecting structure to connect the sound-permeable element and the outer shell.
8. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first connection structure and the second connection structure are mutually matching protrusions and grooves, internal threads and external threads, or nails and holes.
9. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The front end of the first connecting member is bent toward the axis of the ultrasonic probe and is provided with a plurality of holes, and the sound-transmitting element penetrates the holes so that the first connecting member is fixedly connected to the sound-transmitting element.
10. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: A plurality of grooves are formed on the inner wall of the first connecting member, the front end of the grooves is an arc surface, and the rear end of the grooves is a plane; The side outer wall of the sound-transmitting element is embedded in the groove.
11. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting member is a second connecting member, which is fixedly connected to the shell; a third connecting structure is provided on the second connecting member, and a fourth connecting structure is provided on the sound-permeable element. The third connecting structure is connected and cooperated with the fourth connecting structure to connect the sound-permeable element and the shell.
12. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 11, characterized in that: The third connection structure and the fourth connection structure are mutually matching protrusions and grooves, internal threads and external threads, or nails and holes.
13. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that: The connecting piece and the sound-permeable element are made of the same material.
14. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to any one of claims 5, 11 and 12, characterized in that: The connecting piece and the housing are made of the same material.
15. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound-transmitting element is bonded to the housing.
16. The ultrasonic probe for superficial inspection according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that: The sound-transmitting element is made of a solid sound-transmitting material; or The sound-permeable element comprises a liquid sound-permeable material and a solid sound-permeable material shell encapsulating the liquid sound-permeable material.