Wireless palm-sized color ultrasonic imaging device and working method thereof

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of diagnostic technology, specifically relating to ultrasound diagnosis, and more particularly to a wireless handheld color Doppler ultrasound imaging device and its working method. In this device, when the probe is working, the lifting mechanism is in a lowered state, and a coupling agent is filled in the gap near the top surface of the probe. When the probe finishes working, the lifting mechanism rises, pushing the coupling agent upwards into the gap. This avoids the sound beam irradiating the inner wall of the outer shell, thus preventing sidewall reflection noise and ensuring the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of diagnostic technology, specifically relating to ultrasound diagnosis, and more particularly to a wireless handheld color Doppler ultrasound imaging device and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] Handheld ultrasound is a highly portable ultrasound imaging device. Compared to ultrasound equipment in hospitals, handheld ultrasound is widely used in bedside examinations in primary hospitals or remote mountainous areas due to its small size and portability, making it convenient for patients with various mobility impairments. In order to improve the scanning range of handheld ultrasound, a wide-screen convex array probe type handheld ultrasound has been developed. Its probe surface is arc-shaped and convex, so that the sound beam emitted during scanning spreads in a fan shape. However, this method still has some problems. The sound beam of the convex array probe spreads outward in a fan shape, which requires extremely high assembly accuracy for the arc-shaped probe. If the dimensional accuracy of the shell is insufficient, the side wall of the top arc surface of the probe will be lower than the top surface of the shell after installation. This will cause the sound beam to irradiate the inner wall of the shell, generating side wall reflection clutter, which will interfere with the imaging of the edge of the fan-shaped field of view.

[0003] Therefore, due to the technical problem of sidewall reflection clutter caused by insufficient dimensional accuracy of the outer shell, it is necessary to design a wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device and its working method.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the present application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute prior art information. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides at least one wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device and its operating method.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device, comprising: The outer casing has a through hole on its top surface, and a probe is installed inside the through hole. A gap is left between the side wall of the probe and the inner wall of the through hole. The probe sleeve is equipped with a lifting mechanism, and part of the lifting mechanism is located between the outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the through hole. When the probe is working, the lifting mechanism is in a lowered state, and the gap near the top surface of the probe is filled with coupling agent. When the probe finishes working, the lifting mechanism rises and pushes the coupling agent in the gap upwards.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism includes: a lifting ring; The lifting ring is sleeved on the outside of the probe, and the inner wall of the lifting ring is in contact with the outer wall of the probe; The shape of the lifting ring is adapted to the probe; Part of the lifting ring is located within the gap; An annular bladder is provided on the outer wall of the lifting ring.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, a limiting part is provided at the bottom of the lifting ring, and the limiting part is located below the bottom surface of the probe; The bottom surface of the limiting part is provided with an extension, which is L-shaped.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, an absorbing film is provided on the side of the lifting ring that contacts the probe.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, a mounting bracket is provided inside the housing, and the mounting bracket is connected to the circuit board; The probe is electrically connected to the circuit board; The side wall of the fixing frame is provided with a groove, and the extension extends into the groove.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, when the probe is working, the lifting ring descends so that the extension contacts the inner wall of the groove, and the annular bladder is located at the bottom edge of the through hole. At this time, the heat generated by the circuit board is transferred to the annular bladder through the extension, and the annular bladder expands to block the gap between the bottom edge of the through hole and the lifting ring.

[0012] In one alternative implementation, when the probe finishes working, the lifting ring rises, with the top of the lifting ring higher than the top of the probe, pushing the coupling agent in the gap upwards into the gap.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, a lever is provided on the side wall of the lifting ring; The outer casing has a strip-shaped hole on its side wall, and the lever extends out of the outer casing through the strip-shaped hole; The lifting ring is raised and lowered by a lever.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, a button module is provided on the side wall of the housing; The button module is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0015] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a method for operating the aforementioned wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device, comprising: When the probe is working, the lifting mechanism is in a lowered state, and the gap near the top surface of the probe is filled with coupling agent. When the probe finishes working, the lifting mechanism rises and pushes the coupling agent in the gap upwards.

[0016] The beneficial effect of this invention is that, when the probe is working, the lifting mechanism is in a lowered state, and the gap near the top surface of the probe is filled with coupling agent. When the probe is finished working, the lifting mechanism rises and pushes the coupling agent in the gap upward, thereby avoiding the generation of side wall reflection noise when the sound beam irradiates the inner wall of the outer shell, thus ensuring the effect of ultrasound imaging.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a lifting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a button module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] In the picture: 1. Outer shell; 11. Gap; 12. Strip hole; 13. Through hole; Probe 2; Lifting mechanism 3, lifting ring 31, annular bladder 32, limiting part 33, extension part 34, and lever 35; Fixture 4, Groove 41; Circuit board 5, button module 51. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] As used herein, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” etc., generally refer to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase can be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic can be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure, such that these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., are used to “serve as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation, aspect, or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations, aspects, or designs. Rather, the use of the terms “example,” “exemplary,” etc., is intended to present concepts in a specific manner.

[0024] Handheld ultrasound is a highly portable ultrasound imaging device. Compared to ultrasound equipment in hospitals, handheld ultrasound is widely used in bedside examinations in primary hospitals or remote mountainous areas due to its small size and portability, making it convenient for patients with various mobility impairments. In order to improve the scanning range of handheld ultrasound, a wide-screen convex array probe type handheld ultrasound has been developed. Its probe surface is arc-shaped and convex, so that the sound beam emitted during scanning spreads in a fan shape. However, this method still has some problems. The sound beam of the convex array probe spreads outward in a fan shape, which requires extremely high assembly accuracy for the arc-shaped probe. If the dimensional accuracy of the shell is insufficient, the side wall of the top arc surface of the probe will be lower than the top surface of the shell after installation. This will cause the sound beam to irradiate the inner wall of the shell, generating side wall reflection clutter, which will interfere with the imaging of the edge of the fan-shaped field of view.

[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0026] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, at least one disclosed embodiment provides a wireless handheld color Doppler ultrasound imaging device, including: a housing 1, the top surface of which has a through hole 13, a probe 2 disposed within the through hole 13, and a gap 11 between the side wall of the probe 2 and the inner wall of the through hole 13; a lifting mechanism 3 is fitted over the probe 2, a portion of which is located between the outer wall of the probe 2 and the inner wall of the through hole 13; when the probe 2 is working, the lifting mechanism 3 is in a lowered state, and the gap 11 near the top surface of the probe 2 is filled with a coupling agent; when the probe 2 is not working, the lifting mechanism 3 rises, pushing the coupling agent in the gap 11 upwards, thereby avoiding the generation of side wall reflection clutter on the inner wall of the housing 1 and ensuring the effect of ultrasound imaging.

[0028] In this embodiment, even if there is a precision error in the outer shell 1, the error will not be large. Therefore, when installing the probe 2, a gap 11 is left between the outer wall of the probe 2 and the inner wall of the through hole 13 to avoid the sound beam irradiating the inner wall of the through hole 13 and generating side wall reflection noise.

[0029] In this embodiment, since there is a gap 11 between the probe 2 and the through hole 13, a lifting mechanism 3 is provided in the gap 11 to prevent the coupling agent from entering the housing, and the coupling agent in the gap 11 is cleaned by lifting the lifting mechanism 3.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism 3 includes: a lifting ring 31; the lifting ring 31 is sleeved on the probe 2, and the inner wall of the lifting ring 31 contacts the outer wall of the probe 2; the shape of the lifting ring 31 is adapted to the probe 2; a portion of the lifting ring 31 is located in the gap 11; and an annular bladder 32 is provided on the outer wall of the lifting ring 31.

[0031] In this embodiment, the shape of the probe 2 is adapted to the shape of the through hole 13, and the shape of the lifting ring 31 is adapted to the probe 2, so that when the lifting ring 31 moves upward, it can push all the coupling agent in the gap 11 around the probe 2 out of the gap 11, which facilitates the complete cleaning of the coupling agent in the gap 11.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the lifting ring 31 rises to its maximum height, the annular bladder 32 protrudes from the top of the gap 11 between the outer wall of the probe 2 and the inner wall of the through hole 13, and is partially located between the outer wall of the probe 2 and the inner wall of the through hole 13. This ensures that the coupling agent in the gap 11 is completely pushed out of the gap 11 to ensure the cleaning effect, and also ensures that when the lifting ring 31 descends, the annular bladder 32 enters between the outer wall of the probe 2 and the inner wall of the through hole 13.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, in one optional embodiment, the bottom of the lifting ring 31 is provided with a limiting part 33, which is located below the bottom surface of the probe 2; the bottom surface of the limiting part 33 is provided with an extension part 34, which is L-shaped.

[0034] In this embodiment, the limiting part 33 can limit the maximum rising height of the lifting ring 31, while the extension part 34 can ensure contact with the fixing frame 4.

[0035] In one alternative embodiment, a microwave absorbing film is provided on the side of the lifting ring 31 that contacts the probe 2, which is not shown in the figure.

[0036] In this embodiment, the heat generated on the circuit board 5 can be transferred to the annular capsule 32 through the fixing frame 4 by the absorbing film, thus slowing down the heat transfer to the probe 2.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, in one optional embodiment, a fixing frame 4 is provided inside the housing 1, and the fixing frame 4 is connected to the circuit board 5; the probe 2 is electrically connected to the circuit board 5; a groove 41 is provided on the side wall of the fixing frame 4, and the extension 34 extends into the groove 41.

[0038] In one alternative embodiment, when the probe 2 is working, the lifting ring 31 descends so that the extension 34 contacts the inner wall of the groove 41, and the annular bladder 32 is located at the bottom edge of the through hole 13. At this time, the heat generated by the circuit board 5 is transferred to the annular bladder 32 through the extension 34, and the annular bladder 32 expands to block the gap 11 between the bottom edge of the through hole 13 and the lifting ring 31.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the probe 2 is working, the heat causes the annular bladder 32 to expand, blocking the gap 11 between the bottom of the through hole 13 and the probe 2, thus better preventing the coupling agent applied when the probe 2 is working from entering the interior of the outer shell 1.

[0040] In one alternative implementation, when the probe 2 finishes working, the lifting ring 31 rises, with the top of the lifting ring 31 higher than the top of the probe 2, pushing the coupling agent in the gap 11 upwards out of the gap 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, after the probe 2 finishes working, the lifting ring 31 raises the annular capsule 32, and the annular capsule 32 contacts the inner wall of the through hole 13 to completely push out the coupling agent that has entered the gap 11, so as to facilitate cleaning of the coupling agent.

[0042] like Figure 4As shown, in one optional embodiment, a lever 35 is provided on the side wall of the lifting ring 31; a strip hole 12 is provided on the side wall of the outer shell 1, and the lever 35 extends out of the outer shell 1 through the strip hole 12; the lifting ring 31 is driven to rise and fall by the lever 35.

[0043] In this embodiment, the strip hole 12 can guide and limit the movement of the dial plate 35. The width of the strip hole 12 is greater than the width of the dial plate 35, which facilitates the movement of the dial plate 35. The dial plate 35 can be manually moved up and down to make the lifting ring 31 rise and fall. The maximum rising height of the lifting ring 31 can be limited by the width of the strip hole 12 or the position of the limiting part 33.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, in one optional embodiment, a button module 51 is provided on the side wall of the housing 1; the button module 51 is electrically connected to the circuit board 5.

[0045] In this embodiment, the circuit board 5 is provided with a control module and corresponding circuits such as probe 2 and button module 51. The button module 51 can be used to start and stop probe 2, and the control module can be used to control the operation of probe 2.

[0046] At least one other disclosed embodiment also provides a method of working with the above-described wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device, including: when the probe 2 is working, the lifting mechanism 3 is in a lowered state, and the gap 11 near the top surface of the probe 2 is filled with coupling agent; when the probe 2 finishes working, the lifting mechanism 3 rises and pushes the coupling agent in the gap 11 upward out of the gap 11.

[0047] In summary, this wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device achieves the following: when the probe 2 is working, the lifting mechanism 3 is in a lowered state, and the gap 11 near the top surface of the probe 2 is filled with coupling agent. When the probe 2 finishes working, the lifting mechanism 3 rises, pushing the coupling agent in the gap 11 upwards. This avoids the sound beam irradiating the inner wall of the outer shell 1 and generating side wall reflection noise, thus ensuring the effect of ultrasound imaging.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless expressly indicated herein. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed above may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0050] Spatially relative terms, such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “up,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature illustrated in the figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0051] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device, characterized in that, include: The outer shell (1) has a through hole (13) on its top surface. A probe (2) is installed in the through hole (13). A gap (11) is left between the side wall of the probe (2) and the inner wall of the through hole (13). The probe (2) is fitted with a lifting mechanism (3), and part of the lifting mechanism (3) is located between the outer wall of the probe (2) and the inner wall of the through hole (13); When the probe (2) is working, the lifting mechanism (3) is in a lowered state. The gap (11) near the top surface of the probe (2) is filled with coupling agent. When the probe (2) finishes working, the lifting mechanism (3) rises and pushes the coupling agent in the gap (11) upward out of the gap (11).

2. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (3) includes: a lifting ring (31); The lifting ring (31) is sleeved on the outside of the probe (2), and the inner wall of the lifting ring (31) is in contact with the outer wall of the probe (2); The shape of the lifting ring (31) is adapted to the probe (2); Part of the lifting ring (31) is located within the gap (11); An annular bladder (32) is provided on the outer wall of the lifting ring (31).

3. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the lifting ring (31) is provided with a limiting part (33), which is located below the bottom surface of the probe (2); The bottom surface of the limiting part (33) is provided with an extension part (34), which is L-shaped.

4. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A microwave absorbing film is provided on the side of the lifting ring (31) that contacts the probe (2).

5. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: A fixing frame (4) is provided inside the outer casing (1), and the fixing frame (4) is connected to the circuit board (5); The probe (2) is electrically connected to the circuit board (5); The side wall of the fixing frame (4) is provided with a groove (41), and the extension (34) extends into the groove (41).

6. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: When the probe (2) is working, the lifting ring (31) descends so that the extension (34) contacts the inner wall of the groove (41). At this time, the annular bladder (32) is located at the bottom edge of the through hole (13). The heat generated by the circuit board (5) is transferred to the annular bladder (32) through the extension (34). The annular bladder (32) expands and blocks the gap (11) between the bottom edge of the through hole (13) and the lifting ring (31).

7. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: When the probe (2) finishes working, the lifting ring (31) rises, and the top of the lifting ring (31) is higher than the top of the probe (2), pushing the coupling agent in the gap (11) upward out of the gap (11).

8. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A lever plate (35) is provided on the side wall of the lifting ring (31). The outer casing (1) has a strip hole (12) on its side wall, and the lever (35) extends out of the outer casing (1) through the strip hole (12). The lifting ring (31) is raised and lowered by the lever (35).

9. The wireless handheld color ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A button module (51) is provided on the side wall of the outer casing (1). The button module (51) is electrically connected to the circuit board (5).

10. A method for operating the wireless handheld color Doppler ultrasound imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the probe (2) is working, the lifting mechanism (3) is in a lowered state. The gap (11) near the top surface of the probe (2) is filled with coupling agent. When the probe (2) finishes working, the lifting mechanism (3) rises and pushes the coupling agent in the gap (11) upward out of the gap (11).

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