Ultrasonic probe replaceable part, ultrasonic probe and detection method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic probe, and a detection method thereof, wherein the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe comprises: an acoustic permeability structure, a mounting portion, a marking component, and a positioning component; the mounting portion is connected to the acoustic permeability structure; the marking component and the positioning component are arranged on the mounting portion; wherein the position of the marking component uniquely corresponds to the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe. The present invention can achieve the installation and positioning of the entire replaceable ultrasonic probe by arranging the acoustic permeability structure on the mounting portion, and arranging a positioning component for positioning and installation on the mounting portion, and can identify the model of the replaceable ultrasonic probe portion by the marking component on the mounting portion. If the replaceable ultrasonic probe portion is successfully connected to the ultrasonic probe body, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed, thereby meeting the clinical needs of testing different types of patients and reducing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of transient elastic imaging, and in particular to a replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic probe and a detection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Clinical practice has found that changes in the hardness or elasticity of biological tissues are often closely related to the degree of tissue lesions. Elastography has important research significance in the early diagnosis of soft tissue lesions. Transient elastography (TE), as a liver disease detection technology, is non-invasive, rapid, and quantitative. It can provide an effective tool for early screening, diagnosis, and treatment evaluation of liver disease in patients with chronic liver disease. It addresses the trauma and inaccuracy of traditional diagnostic methods and has broad application prospects. Currently, due to its accuracy in diagnosing the degree of fibrosis, it has been recommended by major global liver disease guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization.

[0003] The principle of transient elastography technology is to determine the hardness of the liver by measuring the propagation speed of low-frequency shear waves in liver tissue fibers, thereby evaluating the degree of liver fibrosis. The shear wave in transient elastography uses the mechanical vibration of the ultrasonic transducer itself to act on the surface of the detection target, stimulate shear waves inside the detection target, and track and detect the propagation of shear waves along the central axis area directly below the ultrasonic transducer. Among them, when the size of the ultrasonic transducer used to stimulate the shear wave becomes larger, the stimulated shear wave will have a certain degree of diffraction. When the shear wave is used for elasticity detection, the shear wave velocity obtained will deviate from the true value, resulting in deviations or errors in the detection results.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional transient elastography uses different elastic detection handles for patients of different body types. Currently, three types of handles are used: S, M, and XL. The S-type elastic detection handle has a top structure size of 5mm and is primarily used for elasticity testing in children (whose rib spaces are relatively narrow). The M-type handle is primarily for elasticity testing in adults. Considering the rib space and elasticity testing effect of adults, the top structure size of the M-type elastic detection handle is set to 7mm. The XL-type elastic detection handle is primarily for elasticity testing in obese patients. Increasing the top structure size increases the detection depth to a certain extent, improving the detection depth effect.

[0005] However, in conventional transient elastography technology, the size of the top structure of the elastic detection handle is related to the size of the ultrasonic transducer itself, and the size of the ultrasonic transducer is limited by the requirements of different model sizes. If the size of the ultrasonic transducer is too small, the two-dimensional image guidance function cannot be performed in conventional transient elastography. In addition, when testing patients with different degrees of obesity, it is necessary to switch to elastic detection handles of different sizes or shapes, so that hospitals and institutions need to purchase multiple elastic detection handles of different models to meet the clinical needs of testing different types of patients, resulting in high costs.

[0006] Therefore, the existing technology still needs to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe with a replaceable end, an ultrasonic probe and a detection method thereof, so as to solve the problem of high cost caused by the need for multiple elastic detection handles of different models in transient elastography technology to meet the clinical needs of testing different types of patients.

[0008] The technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0009] A replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe comprises: an acoustically transparent structure, a mounting portion, a marking component, and a positioning component; the mounting portion is connected to the acoustically transparent structure; the marking component and the positioning component are arranged on the mounting portion; wherein the position of the marking component uniquely corresponds to the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe.

[0010] The present invention further provides that the number of the positioning component is at least one.

[0011] The present invention further provides that the positioning component is at least one of a positioning column, a positioning groove, and a positioning hole.

[0012] The present invention further provides that a first magnetic component is provided on the mounting portion.

[0013] The present invention further provides that the mounting portion is provided with a first accommodating groove.

[0014] The present invention further provides that an annular incision structure is provided on the mounting portion, and the annular incision structure is arranged along the circumference of the mounting portion.

[0015] The present invention further provides that a conductive structure is provided at the end of the marking component.

[0016] The present invention further provides that a cavity is provided below the sound-permeable structure.

[0017] The present invention further provides that the sound-permeable structure further includes: a raised portion; the raised portion is arranged at the top of the sound-permeable structure; and the cross-section of the raised portion is circular, elliptical, rectangular or rounded rectangular.

[0018] The present invention further provides that the marking component is a marking column.

[0019] An ultrasonic probe comprises the above-mentioned replaceable ultrasonic probe end, a mounting plate compatible with the replaceable ultrasonic probe end, an ultrasonic transducer, a housing, and a switching circuit; the switching circuit is adapted to the marker post, and the switching circuit is turned on or off by the adapted marker post; the ultrasonic transducer is disposed below the replaceable ultrasonic probe end; and the housing is connected to the mounting plate via an elastic medium.

[0020] The present invention further provides that a marking post through hole adapted to the marking post is provided on the mounting plate; wherein the position of the marking post through hole corresponds to the adapted marking post.

[0021] An ultrasonic probe comprises the above-mentioned replaceable ultrasonic probe end, a mounting plate matching the replaceable ultrasonic probe end, an ultrasonic transducer, a housing, and a switching circuit; the switching circuit is adapted to the marking component, and the switching circuit is turned on or off by the adapted marking component; the ultrasonic transducer is disposed below the replaceable ultrasonic probe end; and the housing is connected to the mounting plate via an elastic medium.

[0022] The present invention further provides that a positioning fitting corresponding to the positioning component is provided on the mounting plate.

[0023] The present invention further provides that the positioning component is a positioning column, and the positioning fitting is a positioning hole or a positioning groove; or the positioning component is a positioning hole or a positioning groove, and the positioning fitting is a positioning column.

[0024] The present invention further provides that a second magnetic component is provided at a position of the mounting plate corresponding to the first magnetic component, and the mounting portion is magnetically connected to the mounting plate.

[0025] The present invention further provides that a second accommodating groove is provided on the mounting plate, a sealing ring is provided in the second accommodating groove, and the positions of the first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove correspond to each other.

[0026] The present invention is further configured to include a circuit board, and the switch circuit is located on the circuit board.

[0027] The present invention further provides that the ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the mounting plate.

[0028] The present invention is further configured to include: a driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly is connected to the mounting plate, and the driving assembly is used to drive the mounting plate and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe to synchronously perform mechanical vibration.

[0029] The present invention is further configured to include: a driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly is connected to the mounting plate, and the driving assembly is used to drive the mounting plate and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe to synchronously perform mechanical vibration.

[0030] The present invention further provides that a connector is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe.

[0031] The present invention further provides that an elastic member is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the mounting plate.

[0032] An ultrasonic detection method, applied to the ultrasonic probe described above, comprising:

[0033] When the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is mounted on the mounting plate, the marking component controls the switch circuit to be turned on, and the switch circuit outputs instruction information to determine whether the connection is successful. If the connection is successful, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed;

[0034] If the connection fails, the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is replaced until the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is successfully connected.

[0035] The present invention provides a replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic probe, and a detection method thereof, wherein the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe includes: an acoustic permeability structure, a mounting portion, a marking component, and a positioning component; the mounting portion is connected to the acoustic permeability structure; the marking component and the positioning component are arranged on the mounting portion; wherein the position of the marking component uniquely corresponds to the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe. The present invention can achieve the installation and positioning of the entire ultrasonic replaceable probe by arranging the acoustic permeability structure on the mounting portion, and the mounting portion is provided with a positioning component for positioning and installation, and can identify the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe by the marking component on the mounting portion. If the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is successfully connected to the ultrasonic probe body, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed, thereby meeting the clinical needs of testing different types of patients and reducing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary personnel in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ultrasonic probe in the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe in the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ultrasonic probe in the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 .

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 .

[0045] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the operation of the marking column and the push button switch in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 .

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 .

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the mounting portion and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 .

[0050] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of a positioning column in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the installation of the capsule bag and the sound-permeable structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 16 It is a flow chart of the detection method of the ultrasonic probe of the present invention.

[0053] The marks in the accompanying drawings are: 1. shell; 2. ultrasonic transducer; 3. mounting portion; 31. annular incision structure; 4. sound-permeable structure; 41. raised portion; 42. transition structure; 5. mounting plate; 51. marking column through hole; 6. positioning column; 7. positioning groove; 8. first magnetic member; 9. second magnetic member; 10. driving assembly; 101. driving column; 102. driving plate; 103. driving motor; 11. circuit board; 111. processor; 112. memory; 113. indicator light; 114. push button switch; 12. marking column; 121. conductive structure; 13. elastic pad; 14. elastic medium; 15. connecting member; 16. first accommodating groove; 17. sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe with a replaceable tip, an ultrasonic probe, and a detection method therefor. To clarify the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of the present invention, the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0055] In the embodiments and patent claims, unless otherwise specified herein, the words "a," "an," "the," and "the" may include plural forms. If the embodiments of the present invention include descriptions of "first," "second," etc., such descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features.

[0056] It should be further understood that the term "comprising" as used in the description of the present invention refers to the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we refer to an element as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there can be intermediate elements. In addition, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein can include wireless connections or wireless couplings. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all or any units and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0057] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be understood to have meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the prior art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless specifically defined as herein.

[0058] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0059] The inventors discovered that conventional transient elastography (TEI) technology uses different elastic detection handles for patients of different body shapes. These handles require different sizes or shapes for different patient types, and if the ultrasonic transducer is too small, two-dimensional image guidance cannot be performed. Consequently, hospitals need to purchase multiple elastic detection handles of different sizes to meet the clinical needs of testing different patient types, which increases costs and, to a certain extent, limits the promotion and use of the product's technical functions. Therefore, existing TEI technology suffers from the following technical problems: 1. The size of the ultrasonic transducer in TEI technology is limited by the requirements of different sizes of elastic detection handles, making two-dimensional imaging impossible; 2. Multiple elastic detection handles are required to meet the clinical needs of using elastic detection handles of different sizes for different patient types, increasing costs.

[0060] In response to the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic probe, and a detection method thereof. By arranging the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer to replace the ultrasonic transducer for elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging, and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is detachably connected to the ultrasonic probe body, it is possible to equivalently switch elasticity detection handles of different sizes or shapes by replacing the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe with one of different sizes or shapes. When the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is mounted on the mounting plate, the marking component controls the conduction of the switch circuit, and the switch circuit identifies the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe based on the designated conduction circuit signal formed by the marking component conducting the switch circuit. If the identification is successful, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed, which can meet the clinical needs of testing different types of patients, thereby reducing costs.

[0061] Please also see Figures 1 to 15 , the present invention provides a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic probe.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe, which includes: a housing 1, an ultrasonic transducer 2, a mounting plate 5, a switching circuit, and a replaceable portion of the ultrasonic probe. Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is a multi-element ultrasonic transducer that can realize a two-dimensional B-image imaging function. In some embodiments, in order to meet the detection frequency requirements of different types of patients, for example, for obese patients, the lower the ultrasonic signal frequency, the deeper the penetration depth of the ultrasonic signal. Therefore, the multi-element ultrasonic transducer 2 can use a broadband ultrasonic transducer, wherein the frequency range of the broadband ultrasonic transducer 2 is 1-20MHz. The ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged in the housing 1, the replaceable portion of the ultrasonic probe is arranged on the mounting plate 5, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is arranged below the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe, and the housing 1 is connected to the mounting plate 5 via an elastic medium 14.

[0063] In some embodiments, the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip includes: an acoustically transparent structure 4, a mounting portion 3, a marking component, and a positioning component. The mounting portion 3 is connected to the acoustically transparent structure 4; the marking component and the positioning component are disposed on the mounting portion 3; the position of the marking component uniquely corresponds to the model of the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip.

[0064] Specifically, a cavity is provided below the sound-permeable structure 4, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is partially accommodated in the cavity. The marking component and the positioning component are arranged at the bottom of the mounting portion 3. The sound-permeable structure 4 is made of a material that can be penetrated by ultrasonic signals and is placed at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer to replace the ultrasonic transducer 2 itself to vibrate and generate shear waves. The position of the marking component uniquely corresponds to the model of the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe. When the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe is mounted on the mounting plate 5, the marking component controls the conduction of the switch circuit. The switch circuit identifies the model of the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe based on the designated conduction circuit signal formed by the marking component conducting the switch circuit. If the identification is successful, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed.

[0065] During implementation, an acoustic permeability structure 4 is provided at the front end of the ultrasonic transducer 2, which vibrates to generate shear waves for elasticity testing, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is used to achieve two-dimensional imaging. The acoustic permeability structure 4 of the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip is detachably connected to the mounting plate 5, allowing for the equivalent switching of ultrasonic probes of different sizes or shapes by replacing the acoustic permeability structure 4 with one of different sizes or shapes. When the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip is mounted on the ultrasonic transducer 2, the marking post 12 activates the switching circuit, which outputs a designated conduction signal to automatically identify the model of the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip and outputs instruction information to determine whether the connection is successful. If the connection is successful, elasticity testing or two-dimensional imaging is performed. If the connection fails, reconnection is performed until a successful connection is achieved. This can meet clinical testing needs for different patient types, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip can be disposable, allowing the replaceable ultrasonic probe tip to be replaced during testing to avoid cross-infection.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 3 may be, but is not limited to, made of a sound-permeable material. When the mounting portion 3 is made of a sound-permeable material, the mounting portion 3 may be integrally formed with the sound-permeable structure 4. The ultrasonic transducer 2 is accommodated in the cavity formed by the mounting portion 3 and the sound-permeable structure 4. Because the lower wall of the sound-permeable structure 4 covers the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2, and the shape of the lower wall of the sound-permeable structure 4 matches the surface shape of the ultrasonic transducer 2, when the sound-permeable structure 4 is connected to the housing 1, the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the lower wall of the sound-permeable structure 4 can be tightly fitted.

[0067] See also Figures 3 to 8In a further implementation of an embodiment, the marking component is a marking column 12, and a marking column through hole 51 adapted to the marking column 12 is provided on the mounting plate 5; wherein the position of the marking column through hole 51 corresponds to the marking column 12 specified by the sound-permeable structure 4.

[0068] Specifically, the positions of the marker posts 12 differ for different types of acoustically permeable structures 4. The mounting plate 5 is provided with marker post through-holes 51 adapted to accommodate the marker posts 12. Each marker post through-hole 51 corresponds one-to-one with the position of a marker post 12 in a different type of acoustically permeable structure 4. That is, each marker post through-hole 51 corresponds to the position of a marker post 12 of a specific type of acoustically permeable structure 4. By distinguishing the positions of the marker posts 12, the type of acoustically permeable structure 4 can be determined. The number of marker post through-holes 51 is at least one, and may be multiple. These through-holes 51 are located in the area surrounding the lower end of the mounting plate 5, and the positions of the marker posts 12 vary depending on the type of acoustically permeable structure 4.

[0069] See also Figures 3 to 8 In a further implementation of an embodiment, a first electrical contact (not marked in the figure) and a second electrical contact (not marked in the figure) are provided on the circuit board 11, and the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact both correspond to the position of the marking column through hole 51.

[0070] Specifically, the circuit board 11 is arranged at the lower end of the mounting plate 5, and a pair of first and second electrical contacts to be connected are provided at positions corresponding to each marker post through-hole 51. When a certain type of replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe is connected to the mounting plate 5 in the ultrasonic probe body, the marker post 12 in the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe of this type contacts the pair of electrical contacts on the circuit board 11 through the marker post through-hole 51 in the mounting plate 5. A conductive structure 121 (e.g., copper foil) is provided on the marker post 12. Since the conductive structure 121 is provided at the lower end of the marker post 12, when the mounting portion 3 is connected to the mounting plate 5, the first and second electrical contacts at the position of the circuit board 11 are connected. The conductive structure 121 at the lower end of the marker post 12 allows the corresponding circuit signal to be conducted, and the circuit is in a conducting state. Therefore, the type of the sound-permeable structure 4 can be automatically identified through the circuit signal.

[0071] It should be noted that the circuit board 11 may also be arranged above the mounting plate 5. When the circuit board 11 is located above the mounting plate 5, the mounting plate 5 does not need to be designed with through holes.

[0072] See also Figure 9In some embodiments, when the marker column 12 is not provided with a conductive structure 121, a button switch 114 is provided at the corresponding position of the circuit board 11. When the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic probe body, the marker column 12 can press the button switch 114 in the circuit board 11 to make the switch circuit conductive. When the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe is removed, the button switch 114 automatically resets and is in a normally open state.

[0073] See also Figures 3 to 8 In a further implementation of an embodiment, a positioning fitting corresponding to the positioning component is provided on the mounting plate 5, and the positioning component is at least one of a positioning column 6, a positioning groove 7, and a positioning hole, and the number of the positioning components is at least one.

[0074] The positioning component is a positioning column 6 , and the positioning fitting is a positioning hole or a positioning groove 7 ; or the positioning component is a positioning hole or a positioning groove 7 , and the positioning fitting is a positioning column 6 .

[0075] Specifically, the size of the positioning groove 7 is larger than the size of the positioning column 6, so that the positioning column 6 can be snap-fitted with the positioning groove 7 or the positioning hole, and the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe is positioned and fixed to the mounting plate 5 through the positioning column 6 or the positioning groove 7, the positioning hole and the mounting plate 5 on the mounting portion 3. In one implementation, the number of the positioning columns 6 is two, and they are spaced apart on the mounting portion 3 or the mounting plate 5 to ensure the accuracy of positioning. In one implementation, the number of the positioning columns 6 can be set to three, and the stability between the mounting portion 3 and the mounting plate 5 is enhanced by utilizing the stability of the triangle. In some embodiments, the shape of the positioning column 6 can be cylindrical, triangular, etc., and the shape of the positioning groove 7 is adapted to the shape of the positioning column 6. Please combine Figure 14 In one implementation, the positioning post 6 is triangular, and the positioning groove 7 is triangular in shape. The use of a triangular positioning post 6 can enhance the accuracy and stability of position positioning.

[0076] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a further implementation of an embodiment, a first magnetic member 8 is provided on the mounting portion 3, a second magnetic member 9 is provided on the mounting plate 5 at a position corresponding to the first magnetic member 8, and the mounting portion 3 is magnetically connected to the mounting plate 5.

[0077] Specifically, the lower end of the mounting portion 3 is provided with a first magnetic member 8, which can be arranged in a circular shape around the periphery of the cavity. The mounting plate 5 is provided with a second magnetic member 9 having a shape and position corresponding to that of the mounting portion 3. The mounting portion 3 and the mounting plate 5 are magnetically connected, providing a secure, convenient, and simple connection between the acoustically permeable structure 4 and the mounting plate 5. It should be noted that the shape and position of the first magnetic member 8 can also be arranged in other ways, such as a disc-shaped, multi-point arrangement.

[0078] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In a further implementation of an embodiment, a second accommodating groove (not shown in the figure) is provided on the mounting plate 5, and a first accommodating groove 16 is provided at a position of the mounting portion 3 corresponding to the second accommodating groove, and a sealing ring 17 is provided in the first accommodating groove 16.

[0079] Specifically, the sealing ring 17 is a rubber ring, and the second accommodating groove and the first accommodating groove 16 are annular sealing grooves. When the mounting portion 3 is mounted on the mounting plate 5, the sealing ring 17 can achieve a good sealing effect.

[0080] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In a further implementation of an embodiment, the sound permeable structure 4 includes: a protrusion 41, and the protrusion 41 is arranged on the top of the sound permeable structure 4.

[0081] Specifically, the mounting portion 3 is integrally formed with the acoustically transparent structure 4, and the raised portion 41 directly or indirectly contacts the skin tissue. During elasticity testing, the raised portion 41 mechanically vibrates on the surface of the tissue being tested, thereby generating shear waves within the skin tissue. Different sizes and shapes of raised portions 41 allow for different models or types of acoustically transparent structures 4 to be obtained, and the acoustically transparent structures 4 are not affected by the ultrasonic transducer 2. The replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe is detachably connected to the housing 1 of the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, different types of ultrasonic probes can be obtained by replacing acoustically transparent structures 4 with raised portions 41 of different sizes and shapes.

[0082] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 ,and Figure 8In some embodiments, the cross-section of the raised portion 41 is circular, elliptical, rectangular, or rounded-rectangular. That is, the raised portion 41 can be shaped like a cylinder, cone, or terrace, among other structures. By adjusting the size of the raised portion 41, it can be adapted to different ultrasonic probe models. For example, if the raised portion 41 is a truncated cone with a diameter of D1, it can be used for elasticity testing in children with narrow intercostal spaces. In this case, the diameter D1 can be 5 mm. A truncated cone with a diameter of D2 can be used for elasticity testing in adults with larger intercostal spaces. In this case, the diameter D2 can be 7 mm. This increased size allows for increased testing depth, thereby improving the testing depth. It is understood that for elasticity testing of obese patients, the size of the truncated cone can be further increased. Therefore, the size of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is not limited by the size requirements of different models. Simply replacing the acoustically transparent structure 4 with the correspondingly sized raised portion 41 can meet the clinical needs of using elasticity testing handles of different sizes for different patient types.

[0083] See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, a transition structure 42 is provided between the mounting portion 3 and the raised portion 41, and the surface of the transition structure 42 is a curved surface. The side surface of the raised portion 41 is a curved surface, and the side of the transition structure 42 connected to the raised portion 41 is connected to the side surface of the raised portion 41 and forms a concave curved surface; in addition, the side of the transition structure 42 connected to the mounting portion 3 is a convex curved surface.

[0084] Specifically, during imaging, the greater the contact area between the acoustically permeable structure 4 and the skin tissue being tested, the better the two-dimensional imaging effect. Therefore, by configuring the surface where the transition structure 42 connects to the raised portion 41 as a convex surface, the contact area between the acoustically permeable structure 4 and the skin tissue can be increased during two-dimensional imaging, allowing the convex surface to exert a force on the skin tissue. By utilizing the acoustically permeable structure 4, an ultrasonic signal channel is formed, thereby facilitating two-dimensional imaging. However, to prevent the effect of excessive vibration in the intercostal space on elasticity testing, the transition structure 42 and the raised portion 41 are configured as concave surfaces to reduce the pressure caused by the contact of the surrounding structures of the raised portion 41 on the skin tissue. This allows the force-bearing surface of the vibration to remain concentrated on the raised portion 41, thereby reducing the influence of the surrounding structures of the raised portion 41 on the shear waves generated by the vibration, thereby enabling high-quality transient elasticity imaging testing.

[0085] See also Figure 12In some embodiments, the end face of the raised portion 41 is convex, so as to realize convex array detection on the same ultrasonic probe to meet the needs of clinicians for probes of different detection models, and can equivalently realize convex array ultrasonic transducer detection, thereby improving the imaging effect.

[0086] See also Figure 13 In some embodiments, the surface of the raised portion 41 is planar to meet the needs of clinicians for different detection probe types and can be equivalent to linear array ultrasound transducer detection. For example, using a planar replaceable end can achieve planar compression elastography.

[0087] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the circuit board 11 is further provided with a memory 112, a processor 111, and an indicator light 113. The memory 112 stores parameter information related to the type of the protrusion 41, such as its size, shape, and other parameters. The processor 111 can retrieve the data corresponding to the type of the protrusion 41 from the memory based on the designated conductive circuit signal generated by the marker post 12, thereby automatically identifying different types of acoustically permeable structures 4. After the processor 111 makes the identification, it also provides an indication of whether the identification is correct. This indication can be provided by the indicator light 113 on the circuit board 11 displaying a specific color, indicating whether the acoustically permeable structure 4 is correctly connected or successfully connected. Of course, the prompt information display method is not limited to visual information display through light; it can also be an auditory prompt or a tactile prompt such as a vibration. When the operator sees the indicator light 113 display in a certain color or form, they can determine whether the protrusion 41 is correctly connected. If the connection fails, a reconnection attempt is made. If the connection is successful, the operator can prepare to begin the subsequent elasticity test.

[0088] Please continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a further embodiment, a groove structure (not shown) is provided on the mounting plate 5. The position of the groove structure corresponds to the opening position of the cavity, and the ultrasonic transducer 2 is fixed to the mounting plate 5 via the groove structure. The mounting plate 5 is also provided with a threading hole (not shown) to facilitate the extraction of the data cable of the ultrasonic transducer 2.

[0089] Please continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a further implementation of an embodiment, an elastic pad 13 is further provided between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the groove structure.

[0090] Specifically, in order to ensure that the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is tightly and effectively connected to the lower wall of the sound-transmitting structure 4 after the sound-transmitting structure 4 is connected to the ultrasonic probe body, an elastic pad 13 is arranged between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the groove structure, wherein the elastic pad 13 can be a colloid pad, which can provide an upward force during the connection process of the sound-transmitting structure 4 and the ultrasonic probe body. This force can further ensure that the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 is tightly connected to the lower wall of the sound-transmitting structure 44.

[0091] Please continue reading Figure 2 In a further implementation of an embodiment, the ultrasonic probe further includes: a driving component 10, which is arranged in the shell 1 and connected to the mounting plate 5, and is used to drive the mounting plate 5 and the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe to perform mechanical vibration synchronously.

[0092] Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is disposed on and fixedly connected to the mounting plate 5. The drive assembly 10 includes a drive column 101, a drive plate 102, and a drive motor 103. The drive motor 103 is connected to the drive plate 102. One end of the drive column 101 is connected to the drive plate 102, and the other end of the drive column 101 is threadedly connected to the mounting plate 5, for driving the mounting plate 5, the ultrasonic transducer 2, the circuit board 11, the mounting portion 3, and the acoustically transparent structure 4 to mechanically vibrate.

[0093] In other embodiments, the ultrasonic probe includes a drive assembly 10 connected to the mounting plate 5 and configured to drive the mounting plate 5 and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe to synchronously mechanically vibrate. A connector 15 is provided between the ultrasonic transducer 2 and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe.

[0094] Specifically, the ultrasonic transducer 2 is not arranged on the mounting plate 5, but is directly or indirectly arranged on the shell 1. The driving assembly 10 is used to drive the mounting plate 5 and the ultrasonic probe replaceable end sound-permeable structure 4 to synchronously perform mechanical vibration. The ultrasonic transducer 2 and the sound-permeable structure 4 are connected by a connector 15. The connector 15 can be an elastic sound-permeable cavity filled with liquid. It can ensure that the sound-permeable structure 4 vibrates independently while maintaining the connection between the sound-permeable structure 4 and the ultrasonic transducer 2, and also ensure that the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 2 is smoothly transmitted through the connector. The connector not only has a buffering effect, but also a connecting effect. The connecting effect can make the ultrasonic signal channel formed between the sound-permeable structure 4 and the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2 smoother, such as Figure 15 shown.

[0095] See also Figure 2In a further embodiment, a triangular annular cutout 31 is provided on the mounting portion 3 and extends along the perimeter of the mounting plate 5. This annular cutout 31 provides a force point for the operator when removing or replacing the acoustically transparent structure 4 from the ultrasonic elasticity detection body, facilitating removal of the acoustically transparent structure 4 from the ultrasonic probe body. The force point design is not limited to an annular cutout and can also be implemented through other means, such as providing threads around the mounting portion 3.

[0096] Please continue reading Figure 3 In some embodiments, an elastic medium is provided between the mounting plate and the housing to facilitate mechanical vibration operation of the driving assembly.

[0097] Specifically, the elastic medium 14 is arranged between the mounting plate 5 and the shell 1 by adhesion. When performing elastic detection, the mounting plate 5 is driven by the driving component 10 to vibrate. The function of the elastic medium 14 is to maintain the connection with the shell 1 when the mounting plate 5 vibrates, thereby maintaining the closedness of the entire detection handle.

[0098] See also Figure 16 In some embodiments, the present invention further provides an ultrasonic detection method, using the ultrasonic probe as described above, which includes the steps of:

[0099] S100, when the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is mounted on the mounting plate, the marking component controls the switch circuit to be turned on;

[0100] S200 , the switch circuit identifies the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the designated conduction circuit signal formed by the marking component conducting the switch circuit. If the identification is successful, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed.

[0101] Specifically, by setting the sound-permeable structure on the mounting part and providing a positioning component for positioning installation on the mounting part, the installation positioning of the entire ultrasonic replaceable probe can be achieved, and the model of the ultrasonic probe replaceable part can be identified by the marking component on the mounting part. If the ultrasonic probe replaceable part is successfully connected to the ultrasonic probe body, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed, thereby meeting the clinical needs of testing different types of patients and reducing costs.

[0102] It should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the above examples. For those skilled in the art, improvements or changes can be made based on the above description. All these improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. A replaceable end portion of an ultrasonic probe for mounting on a mounting plate of an ultrasonic probe, characterized in that: include: An acoustic permeability structure, a mounting portion, a marking component, and a positioning component; the mounting portion is connected to the acoustic permeability structure; the marking component and the positioning component are disposed on the mounting portion; wherein the position of the marking component uniquely corresponds to the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe; The acoustically transparent structure further comprises a raised portion, which is disposed at the top of the acoustically transparent structure. During elasticity testing, the raised portion mechanically vibrates on the surface of the skin of the tissue being tested, thereby generating shear waves in the skin tissue. Raised portions of different sizes and shapes can produce acoustically transparent structures of different models or types. The sound-permeable structure is detachably connected to the mounting portion; The positioning component is at least one of a positioning post, a positioning groove, and a positioning hole; a conductive structure is provided at the end of the marking component; the marking component is a marking post, and the marking posts of different types of acoustically transparent structures have different positions; When the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe is installed on the mounting plate, the marking component controls the switching circuit on the ultrasonic probe to be turned on. The switching circuit identifies the model of the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe according to the specified conduction circuit signal formed by the marking component turning on the switching circuit. If the identification is successful, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed.

2. The replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the positioning component is at least one.

3. The replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting portion is provided with a first magnetic component.

4. The replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting portion is provided with a first accommodating groove.

5. The replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting portion is provided with an annular incision structure, and the annular incision structure is arranged along the circumference of the mounting portion.

6. The replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: A cavity is provided below the sound-permeable structure.

7. The replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, wherein: The cross section of the protrusion is circular, elliptical, rectangular or rounded rectangular.

8. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that: It comprises the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, a mounting plate matching the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transducer, a shell and a switching circuit; the switching circuit is adapted to the marking column, and the on or off of the switching circuit is controlled by the adapted marking column; the ultrasonic transducer is arranged below the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe; and the shell is connected to the mounting plate via an elastic medium.

9. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, characterized in that The mounting plate is provided with a marking post through-hole adapted to the marking post; wherein the position of the marking post through-hole corresponds to the adapted marking post.

10. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that: It comprises the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, a mounting plate matching the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transducer, a shell and a switching circuit; the switching circuit is adapted to the marking component, and the on or off of the switching circuit is controlled by the adapted marking component; the ultrasonic transducer is arranged below the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe; and the shell is connected to the mounting plate via an elastic medium.

11. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mounting plate is provided with a positioning fitting corresponding to the positioning component.

12. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 11, characterized in that The positioning component is a positioning column, and the positioning fitting is a positioning hole or a positioning groove; or the positioning component is a positioning hole or a positioning groove, and the positioning fitting is a positioning column.

13. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein: A second magnetic component is provided on the mounting plate at a position corresponding to the first magnetic component, and the mounting portion is magnetically connected to the mounting plate.

14. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, characterized in that A second accommodating groove is provided on the mounting plate, a sealing ring is provided in the second accommodating groove, and the positions of the first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove correspond to each other.

15. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 10, wherein: A circuit board is also included, and the switch circuit is located on the circuit board.

16. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the mounting plate.

17. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 16, wherein: Also includes: A driving assembly is connected to the mounting plate, and is used to drive the mounting plate and the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe to perform mechanical vibration synchronously.

18. The ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: Also includes: A driving assembly is connected to the mounting plate, and is used to drive the mounting plate and the replaceable end of the ultrasonic probe to perform mechanical vibration synchronously.

19. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 18, wherein: A connecting piece is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe.

20. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 16, wherein An elastic member is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the mounting plate.

21. An ultrasonic detection method, applied to the ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that: include: When the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe is mounted on the mounting plate, the marking component controls the switch circuit to be turned on; The switch circuit identifies the model of the replaceable end portion of the ultrasonic probe according to the designated conduction circuit signal formed by the marking component conducting the switch circuit. If the identification is successful, elasticity detection or two-dimensional imaging is performed.

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