An ultrasound probe interface safety aid

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of ultrasonic probe interface security auxiliary devices, belong to ultrasonic testing technical field.The device is installed in the outside of probe interface, including acoustic wave detection device and the mechanical fixing clamp for installing acoustic wave detection device;The acoustic wave detection device includes shell, controller and ultrasonic ranging circuit, first transducer and second transducer are respectively installed in the two sides of the shell, the controller is used to switch the transmission mode of ultrasonic ranging circuit.The ultrasonic ranging circuit of the present application cooperates with controller and alternately emits a series of electric pulse signals to first transducer and second transducer, first transducer and second transducer feed back electric pulse signals to controller by ultrasonic ranging circuit, controller analyzes the distance of probe interface and liquid level and the inclination angle of probe interface, operator adjusts probe interface angle and distance according to display data, avoid ultrasonic system damage, improve the measurement accuracy of ultrasonic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ultrasonic testing technology, and specifically relates to a safety auxiliary device for an ultrasonic probe interface. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic systems are widely used in various ultrasonic testing fields. As a crucial component of the ultrasonic transmission system, the ultrasonic probe requires periodic inspection and replacement as needed, often resulting in situations where the probe interface is directly exposed or its orientation is deflected. Existing ultrasonic probe interfaces are mostly non-watertight structures. Since ultrasonic testing frequently involves ultrasonic coupling with liquids, when the probe interface is directly exposed or deflected, it may come into direct contact with the liquid surface, potentially damaging the ultrasonic system. Changes in the interface's orientation can also lead to measurement errors. Current technology lacks safety auxiliary devices for real-time monitoring of the distance between the ultrasonic probe interface and the liquid surface, as well as the horizontal tilt of the probe interface. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a safety auxiliary device for ultrasonic probe interfaces that can detect the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe interface in real time in order to solve the above problems. This device can effectively reduce the risk of system damage and measurement errors caused by probe replacement operations.

[0004] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions:

[0005] An ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device is installed on the outside of the probe interface by a mechanical structure. The device includes an acoustic wave detection device, which includes a ranging module, a controller for switching the ranging module's transmission mode, and a data display.

[0006] The ranging module includes an ultrasonic ranging circuit, an electronic switch, and two transducers symmetrically arranged on both sides of the probe interface. The controller uses the electronic switch to cause the two transducers to alternately transmit and receive electrical pulse signals. The ultrasonic ranging circuit measures the transmission and reception time data of the two transmission modes and feeds the data back to the controller. The controller constructs a mathematical model of the distance d2 from the probe interface to the liquid surface and the angle θ between the probe interface and the horizontal plane based on the data fed back by the ranging module. The controller displays the distance d2 and the angle θ through a data display. When the operator inspects or replaces the probe interface, to avoid the probe interface directly contacting the liquid or deflecting its posture during use, a safety auxiliary device for the ultrasonic probe interface is installed on the probe interface through a mechanical structure. The position and posture of the probe interface are analyzed by an acoustic wave detection device, and the position and posture of the probe interface are reflected by the distance d2 and the angle θ displayed on the data display.

[0007] As a further optimization of the present invention, the transducer is divided into a first transducer and a second transducer;

[0008] In the first transmission mode, the first transducer is a transmitting probe, the second transducer is a receiving probe, and the ultrasonic path is L3+L4. L3 is the path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer from the center point of the first transducer's radiating surface to the liquid surface, and L4 is the path of the echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer from the liquid surface to the center point of the second transducer's radiating surface.

[0009] In the second transmission mode, the second transducer is a transmitting probe, the first transducer is a receiving probe, and the ultrasonic path is L1+L2. L1 is the path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer from the center point of the second transducer's radiating surface to the liquid surface, and L2 is the path of the echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer from the liquid surface to the center point of the first transducer's radiating surface.

[0010] As a further optimization of the present invention, the ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device uses the reflection method to construct a mathematical model of the distance d2 and the included angle θ. The transmitting probe emits an ultrasonic signal to the liquid surface, and the receiving probe receives the echo reflected from the liquid surface. Let the time for one ultrasonic transmission and reception in the first transmission mode be t1, and let the time for one ultrasonic transmission and reception in the second transmission mode be t2. Let the speed of sound of the ultrasonic signal be denoted as c.

[0011] When L1 = L3, let t = t1 = t2, at this time:

[0012]

[0013] When L1≠L3, at this time:

[0014]

[0015] Wherein, r is the center distance between the first transducer and the second transducer, the radiation surfaces of the first transducer and the second transducer are in the same plane, and d1 is the distance from the plane to the bottom of the probe interface.

[0016] As a further optimization of the present invention, the acoustic detection device further includes an alarm module. The controller transmits the distance d2 and the included angle θ discrimination signal to the alarm module in real time. When the discrimination signal exceeds the threshold, the alarm module sends an alarm message.

[0017] As a further optimization of the present invention, the acoustic wave detection device further includes a temperature detection module, which is used to correct the sound velocity in conjunction with the controller.

[0018] As a further optimization of the present invention, the acoustic wave detection device further includes a power supply module and a micro switch for controlling the switching state of the power supply module. When the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the probe interface, the micro switch is pressed and closed to turn off the power supply module; otherwise, the micro switch is opened to turn on the power supply module.

[0019] As a further optimization of the present invention, the mechanical structure is a mechanical fixing clamp, which includes a clamping connection part. One end of the clamping connection part is detachably connected to a clamping clamping part. When the clamping connection part and the clamping clamping part are connected, they form a clamping contour cavity for clamping the probe interface. The clamping connection part is provided with a mounting hole corresponding to the micro switch, and the other end of the clamping connection part is fixedly provided with a mounting plate.

[0020] As a further optimization of the present invention, the mounting plate is provided with a foolproof protrusion, the foolproof protrusion is located on the side of the mounting plate away from the clamp connection part, and the acoustic wave detection device also includes a housing for fixing the ranging module, the housing having a groove corresponding to the foolproof protrusion.

[0021] Working Principle: When the operator inspects or replaces the probe interface, to prevent the probe interface from directly contacting the liquid or deflecting during use, a safety auxiliary device for the ultrasonic probe interface is installed on the probe interface using a mechanical clamp. A foolproof protrusion is provided on the mounting plate; the operator aligns the groove on the outer shell with the foolproof protrusion and then secures the outer shell to the mounting plate. When the ultrasonic probe is not embedded in the probe interface, the microswitch opens, activating the power supply. At this time, the ultrasonic ranging circuit continuously emits a series of pulses, switching between different emission modes under the control of the controller. The temperature detection module collects the atmospheric temperature signal and corrects for the sound velocity. Then, the controller calculates the current distance between the probe interface and the liquid surface, as well as the angle between the probe interface and the horizontal plane, according to a custom algorithm. The microcontroller displays the calculated distance and angle results to the operator, who can adjust the probe interface angle and distance accordingly. When the distance between the probe interface and the liquid surface is less than the alarm threshold, the microcontroller controls the alarm module to issue an alarm signal to alert the operator. Finally, when the ultrasonic probe is embedded in the probe interface, pressing the microswitch closes the power supply, shutting off the power module.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] 1) This invention uses a mechanical clamp to install a safety auxiliary device on the probe interface. Under the control of a microcontroller, the ultrasonic ranging circuit alternately transmits a series of electrical pulse signals to the first and second transducers. The first and second transducers feed back the electrical pulse signals to the controller through the ultrasonic ranging circuit. The controller calculates the current distance between the probe interface and the liquid surface, as well as the angle between the probe interface and the horizontal plane, according to a custom algorithm. The operator can adjust the angle and distance of the probe interface appropriately according to the displayed data to prevent the probe interface from directly contacting the liquid or causing attitude deflection, thereby avoiding damage to the ultrasonic system and improving the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic system.

[0024] 2) The present invention adds an alarm module to the acoustic wave detection device. When the distance or angle is large, the discrimination signal transmitted by the controller to the alarm module exceeds the discrimination threshold. The alarm module issues an alarm to remind the operator to adjust the probe interface, so as to avoid the operator's negligence from causing abnormal position and posture of the probe interface, thereby improving the reliability of the safety auxiliary device.

[0025] 3) The present invention is equipped with a micro switch on the mechanical fixing clamp. When the ultrasonic probe is not inserted into the probe interface, the micro switch is turned on and the power module is started. When the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the probe interface, the micro switch is pressed and closed, and the power module is automatically turned off. The opening and closing state of the power module is adjusted synchronously by the action of inserting and unplugging the ultrasonic probe, which improves the ease of operation of the safety auxiliary device and also reduces the power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the acoustic wave detection device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ranging module of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a simulation diagram of launch under horizontal conditions according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a simulation diagram of the launch under the condition of rightward tilt of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a simulation diagram of the launch under the condition of the present invention tilting to the left;

[0031] Figure 6 This is an axial view of the ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a axial view of the mechanical fixing clamp of the present invention.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Acoustic wave detection device; 11. Ranging module; 111. Ultrasonic ranging circuit; 112. Electronic switch; 113. Transducer; 12. Controller; 13. Data display; 14. Alarm module; 15. Temperature detection module; 16. Power module; 17. Micro switch; 18. Housing; 2. Mechanical clamp; 21. Clamp connection part; 22. Clamp clamping part; 23. Clamping contour cavity; 24. Mounting hole; 25. Mounting plate; 26. Anti-fooling protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following specific embodiments are only used to further illustrate the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.

[0035] Example

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, an ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device is mechanically mounted on the outside of the probe interface. The device includes an acoustic wave detection device 1, which comprises a ranging module 11, a controller 12 for switching the transmission modes of the ranging module 11, and a data display 13. To prevent direct contact between the probe interface and liquids or attitude deflection during use, the ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device is mechanically fixed to the probe interface to detect its position and attitude. The ranging module 11 includes an ultrasonic ranging circuit 111, an electronic switch 112, and two transducers 113 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the probe interface. The electronic switch 112 enables the two transducers 113 to alternately transmit and receive electrical pulse signals. The ultrasonic ranging circuit 111 measures the transmission and reception time data of the two transmission modes and feeds the data back to the controller 12. The controller 12 constructs a mathematical model of the distance d2 from the probe interface to the liquid surface and the angle θ between the probe interface and the horizontal plane based on the data fed back by the ranging module 11. The controller 12 displays the distance d2 and the angle θ through the data display 13. The operator adjusts the probe interface angle and the distance between the probe interface and the liquid surface according to the information displayed on the data display 13 to prevent the probe interface from directly contacting the liquid or causing attitude deflection during use, thereby avoiding damage to the ultrasonic system and reducing the measurement error of the ultrasonic system.

[0037] like Figure 2-5 As shown, transducer 113 is divided into a first transducer and a second transducer.

[0038] In the first transmission mode, the first transducer is the transmitting probe, the second transducer is the receiving probe, and the ultrasonic path is L3+L4. Point A is the center point of the radiating surface of the second transducer, point B is the center point of the radiating surface of the first transducer, point C is the intersection of the perpendicular line from point A on the radiating surface of the second transducer and the liquid surface, point D is the intersection of the perpendicular line from point B on the radiating surface of the first transducer and the liquid surface, L3 is the path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer from the center point of the radiating surface of the first transducer to the liquid surface, that is, the distance between points B and D, and L4 is the path of the echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer from the liquid surface to the center point of the radiating surface of the second transducer, that is, the distance between points D and A.

[0039] In the second transmission mode, the second transducer is the transmitting probe and the first transducer is the receiving probe. The ultrasonic path is L1+L2, where L1 is the path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer from the center point of the second transducer's radiating surface to the liquid surface, i.e., the distance between points A and C. L2 is the path of the echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer from the liquid surface to the center point of the first transducer's radiating surface, i.e., the distance between points C and B. The controller 12 obtains the specific values ​​of the ultrasonic path in the two transmission modes through the ultrasonic ranging circuit 111, and calculates the distance d2 and the included angle θ based on the values. The controller 12 displays the distance d2 and the included angle θ in real time through the data display 13.

[0040] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device uses the reflection method to construct a mathematical model of distance d2 and included angle θ. The transmitting probe emits ultrasonic signals towards the liquid surface, and the receiving probe receives the echoes reflected from the liquid surface. Let the time for one ultrasonic transmission and reception cycle in the first transmission mode be t1, and let the time for one ultrasonic transmission and reception cycle in the second transmission mode be t2, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the center distance between the first transducer and the second transducer is r, the speed of sound of the ultrasonic signal is denoted as c, the radiation surfaces of the first transducer and the second transducer are in the same plane, the distance from this plane to the bottom of the probe interface is denoted as d1, the distance from the bottom of the probe interface to the liquid surface is denoted as d2, and the angle between the probe interface and the horizontal plane is θ.

[0041] Under horizontal conditions, such as Figure 3 As shown, from right triangle ABC and right triangle ABD, we can obtain:

[0042]

[0043] Since the launch is under horizontal conditions, L1 = L3, therefore t = t1 = t2; so at this time we have:

[0044]

[0045] Wherein, r is the center distance between the first transducer and the second transducer, the radiation surfaces of the first transducer and the second transducer are in the same plane, and d1 is the distance from the plane to the bottom of the probe interface.

[0046] The tilting conditions are divided into rightward tilt and leftward tilt. Point E is the intersection of the straight line passing through points A and B and the liquid surface. ∠E is the angle between the straight line passing through points A and B and the liquid surface. Under the tilting conditions, the distance from the center point of the radiation surface of a transducer 113 near the liquid surface to the liquid surface is h. The specific analysis is as follows:

[0047] like Figure 4 Under the condition of rightward tilt shown, we can similarly obtain equation (1). Since the emission is under tilted conditions, L1 ≠ L3. From the similarity between right triangle ACE and right triangle BDE, we can obtain:

[0048]

[0049] In right triangle ACE, we have:

[0050]

[0051] Let θ = ∠E, h ≈ d2 + d1, and then combine equations (1), (3), and (4) to obtain:

[0052]

[0053] When adjusting the probe interface, it should be parallel to the liquid surface. To clearly demonstrate the geometric relationships between points A, B, C, D, and E under inclined conditions, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The tilt angle of the probe interface is increased. In actual operation, when the tilt angle of the probe interface is large, the operator can easily observe the abnormal posture of the probe interface and adjust the probe interface to a roughly horizontal state. At this time, the parallelism between the probe interface and the liquid surface is maintained at a high level. Then, the operator can fine-tune the slightly tilted probe interface through the safety auxiliary device. Therefore, under the tilt condition, the height difference between the center point of the first transducer radiation surface and the center point of the second transducer radiation surface can be ignored. In the process of adjusting the probe interface posture to a horizontal state, the height difference approaches zero, and the length difference between h and d2+d1 also approaches zero. Therefore, h in equation (4) can be approximately equal to d2+d1.

[0054] like Figure 5 Under the leftward tilt condition shown, we can similarly obtain equation (1). Since the launch is under tilt conditions, L1 ≠ L3. From the similarity between right triangle ACE and right triangle BDE, we can obtain:

[0055]

[0056] In right triangle ACE, we have:

[0057]

[0058] Let -θ = ∠E, h ≈ d2 + d1, and then combine equations (1), (5), and (6) to obtain:

[0059]

[0060] In summary, the analytical expressions for θ and d2 are the same under both rightward and leftward tilt conditions. Therefore, when L1 ≠ L3:

[0061]

[0062] When the probe interface is tilted to the right, θ = ∠E, and the calculated result of θ is a positive number; when the probe interface is tilted to the left, -θ = ∠E, and the calculated result of θ is a negative number. Therefore, a positive θ indicates that the probe interface is tilted to the right, and a negative θ indicates that the probe interface is tilted to the left. The absolute value of θ represents the tilt angle of the probe.

[0063] Furthermore, the acoustic wave detection device 1 also includes an alarm module 14 connected to the output of the controller 12. The alarm module 14 has a preset discrimination threshold. The controller 12 transmits a discrimination signal to the alarm module 14 based on the real-time detected distance d2 and angle θ. When the discrimination signal exceeds the threshold, the alarm module 14 sends an alarm message. In order to avoid operator negligence, an alarm module 14 is added to the acoustic wave detection device 1. When the distance d2 or angle θ is large, the discrimination signal transmitted by the controller 12 to the alarm module 14 exceeds the discrimination threshold, and the alarm module 14 issues an alarm to remind the operator to adjust the probe interface. Alternatively, the alarm module 14 can be set to wirelessly connect to the mobile device carried by the operator, and the alarm module 14 sends an alarm message to the mobile device via a wireless signal.

[0064] Furthermore, the acoustic wave detection device 1 also includes a temperature detection module 15 connected to the input terminal of the controller 12. The temperature detection module 15 is used to collect temperature signals and transmit the temperature signals to the controller 12 in real time. The controller 12 corrects the sound velocity c according to the temperature signal to improve the accuracy of the probe interface adjustment.

[0065] Furthermore, the acoustic wave detection device 1 also includes a power supply module 16 and a micro switch 17 for controlling the switching state of the power supply module 16. When the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the probe interface, the micro switch 17 is pressed and closed to turn off the power supply module 16; otherwise, the micro switch 17 is opened to turn on the power supply module 16.

[0066] Furthermore, the mechanical structure is a mechanical fixing clamp 2, which includes a clamp connecting part 21. One end of the clamp connecting part 21 is detachably connected to a clamp clamping part 22. When the clamp connecting part 21 and the clamp clamping part 22 are connected, they form a clamping contour cavity 23 for clamping the probe interface. The clamp connecting part 21 has a mounting hole 24 corresponding to the micro switch 17, which is similar in principle to a clamp and can clamp the probe interface. The other end of the clamp connecting part 21 is fixed with a mounting plate 25, which is used to install the acoustic wave detection device 1.

[0067] Furthermore, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The mechanical clamp 2 in the diagram is rotated 180°. The mounting plate 25 is fixed with a foolproof protrusion 26, which is located on the side of the mounting plate 25 away from the clamp connection part 21. The acoustic detection device 1 also includes a housing 18 for fixing the ranging module 11. The housing 18 has a groove corresponding to the foolproof protrusion 26. The operator can fix the housing 18 to the mounting plate 25 only when the groove on the housing 18 is aligned with the foolproof protrusion 26 to avoid incorrect installation direction. The ultrasonic ranging circuit 111, electronic switch 112, controller 12 and power module 16 of the ranging module 11 are all fixedly installed inside the housing 18. The first transducer and the second transducer are respectively installed on the two sides of the bottom wall of the housing 18. The data display 13 and the alarm module 14 are both installed on the outside of the housing 18. The temperature detection module 15 is located between the first transducer and the second transducer and is fixed to the housing 18.

[0068] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasound probe interface safety aid device, which is mounted by a mechanical structure outside the probe interface, characterized in that: The application relates to a sound wave detection device (1) comprising a distance measuring module (11) and a controller (12) for switching the transmission mode of the distance measuring module (11) and a data display (13); The distance measuring module (11) comprises an ultrasonic distance measuring circuit (111), an electronic switch (112) and two transducers (113) symmetrically arranged on both sides of a probe interface, the controller (12) makes the two transducers (113) alternately transmit and receive electric pulse signals through the electronic switch (112), the ultrasonic distance measuring circuit (111) measures the data of the transmission and reception ultrasonic time of the two transmission modes and feeds back the data to the controller (12), the controller (12) constructs a mathematical model of the distance d2 from the probe interface to the liquid surface and the included angle theta between the probe interface and the horizontal plane according to the data fed back by the distance measuring module (11), and the controller (12) presents the distance d2 and the included angle theta through the data display (13); the transducer (113) is divided into a first transducer and a second transducer; In a first transmission mode, the first transducer is a transmission probe, the second transducer is a receiving probe, the ultrasonic wave path is L3+L4, L3 is the path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer from the center point of the radiation surface of the first transducer to the liquid surface, and L4 is the path of the echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the first transducer from the liquid surface to the center point of the radiation surface of the second transducer; In a second transmission mode, the second transducer is a transmission probe, the first transducer is a receiving probe, the ultrasonic wave path is L1+L2, L1 is the path of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer from the center point of the radiation surface of the second transducer to the liquid surface, and L2 is the path of the echo of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the second transducer from the liquid surface to the center point of the radiation surface of the first transducer; The ultrasonic probe interface safety auxiliary device adopts a reflection method to construct the mathematical model of the distance d2 and the included angle theta, transmits ultrasonic wave signals from the transmission probe to the liquid surface, and receives the echo reflected from the liquid surface by the receiving probe; let the ultrasonic time of one transmission and reception in the first transmission mode be t1, let the ultrasonic time of one transmission and reception in the second transmission mode be t2, and let the sound velocity of the ultrasonic wave signal be c; When L1=L3, let t=t1=t2, at this time: ； When at this time: ； Wherein, r is the center distance between the first transducer and the second transducer, the radiation surface of the first transducer and the radiation surface of the second transducer are in the same plane, and d1 is the distance from the plane to the bottom of the probe interface; The sound wave detection device (1) further comprises a power module (16) and a micro switch (17) for controlling the switching state of the power module (16); The mechanical structure is a mechanical fixing clamp (2), the mechanical fixing clamp (2) includes a clamp connecting part (21), one end of the clamp connecting part (21) is detachably connected with a clamp clamping part (22), when the clamp connecting part (21) is connected with the clamp clamping part (22), a clamping profiling cavity (23) for clamping a probe interface is formed, a mounting hole (24) corresponding to the micro switch (17) is formed in the clamp connecting part (21), and the other end of the clamp connecting part (21) is fixedly provided with a mounting plate (25).

2. The ultrasound probe interface safety aid of claim 1, wherein: The sound wave detection device (1) further comprises an alarm module (14), the controller (12) transmits the distance d2 and the included angle θ discrimination signal to the alarm module (14) in real time, and when the discrimination signal exceeds the threshold value, the alarm module (14) sends alarm information.

3. The ultrasound probe interface safety aid of claim 1, wherein: The sound wave detection device (1) further comprises a temperature detection module (15), which is used to cooperate with the controller (12) to correct the sound velocity.

4. The ultrasound probe interface safety aid of claim 3, wherein: The mounting plate (25) is fixedly provided with a foolproof block (26), the foolproof block (26) is located on the side of the mounting plate (25) away from the clamp connecting part (21), the sound wave detection device (1) further comprises a shell (18) for fixing the distance measuring module (11), and the shell (18) is provided with a groove corresponding to the foolproof block (26).

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