Ultrasonic coupling pad with supporting structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure, which comprises a supporting piece and acoustic transmission gel, the supporting piece is positioned in the acoustic transmission gel, two ends of the supporting piece extend out of the acoustic transmission gel, and a fixing piece is arranged on the supporting piece positioned outside the acoustic transmission gel. The supporting pieces located on the two sides of the sound transmission gel can be fixed into a whole through the two fixing pieces. The ultrasonic coupling pad is simple and ingenious in structure, the probability that the coupling pad is torn in the moving process can be effectively reduced by arranging the supporting piece in the sound transmission gel, the production cost can be greatly reduced due to the fact that the ultrasonic coupling pad is simple in structure and convenient to manufacture, then the use cost of a user is reduced, and application and popularization of the ultrasonic coupling pad in the market are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of medical materials, in particular to an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure. Background Art

[0002] During ultrasound examination, liquid gel-like ultrasonic coupling agent is often used as a sound-transmitting medium for ultrasound examination. However, during superficial examination, due to the special acoustic field performance of the ultrasound probe, it cannot focus normally on the superficial part, resulting in poor image quality and affecting the viewing of the results. To ensure the focusing effect, it is usually necessary to place a sound-transmitting material with a certain thickness, namely a solid coupling pad, between the probe and the superficial tissue to ensure that the probe can focus on the superficial target position.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, coupling pads have gradually emerged in the market. Acoustically transparent coupling pads are generally solid hydrogels with the same acoustic impedance as water and no obvious acoustic loss, which does not cause obvious adverse effects on the image quality of other parts. The surface of the coupling pad is smooth, and the probe can slide easily on its surface without being damaged. The coupling pad can effectively separate the probe from the inspected part to prevent the probe from damaging tissue and cross-infection during sliding. In terms of image performance and use effect, solid coupling pads are superior to liquid coupling agents. However, the current mainstream in the market is still liquid coupling agents, mainly because: the existing coupling pads are relatively expensive, with the price of one piece ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan. As a consumable, the price is too high, and the existing coupling pads are easily scratched and torn, affecting the use effect, which is not conducive to the promotion and application of existing coupling pads in the market. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the defects in the above-mentioned prior art, the utility model object of the utility model is to provide an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure. The ultrasonic coupling pad has a simple and ingenious structure and is easy to manufacture. It can greatly reduce the user's usage cost and enhance the user's usage experience, which is conducive to the promotion and application of the above-mentioned ultrasonic coupling pad in the market.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the utility model, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme: an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure, including a supporting member and a sound-transmitting gel, wherein the supporting member is located inside the sound-transmitting gel, and both ends of the supporting member extend outside the sound-transmitting gel, and a fixing member is provided on the supporting member located outside the sound-transmitting gel, and the supporting members located on both sides of the sound-transmitting gel can be fixed together through the two fixing members.

[0006] As a preferred solution of the utility model, the support member is located in the middle of the sound-transmitting gel and is integrally cast with the sound-transmitting gel.

[0007] As a preferred solution of the utility model, the support member is a porous structure and is made of a non-metallic material with toughness, and the acoustic impedance ranges from 1 to 3 MRayl.

[0008] As a preferred solution of the utility model, the support member material is any one of a plastic fiber mesh, a porous membrane or a porous sponge.

[0009] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the fixing piece is fixed by elastic binding, bonding, magnetic attraction or buckling.

[0010] As a preferred solution of the utility model, a hand-held portion convenient for holding is formed between the sound-transmitting gel and the fixing member.

[0011] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the thickness of the sound-transmitting gel can be less than 1 mm.

[0012] As a preferred solution of the utility model, the sound-transmitting gel is solidified by a hydrogel stock solution through heating, low temperature or radiation treatment.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water content of the sound-transmitting gel is greater than 80%, and the viscosity of the gel stock solution of the sound-transmitting gel is no more than 5000 mPa.s during pouring.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the material of the sound-permeable gel is any one of food starch, cyclodextrin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, chitosan or polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows: an ultrasonic coupling pad with a support structure in the utility model has a simple and ingenious structure. By arranging a support member in the sound-transmitting gel, the probability of the coupling pad being torn during movement can be effectively reduced. Moreover, due to its simple structure and convenient manufacturing, the production cost can be greatly reduced, thereby reducing the user's use cost and enhancing the user's use experience, which is conducive to the promotion and application of the above-mentioned ultrasonic coupling pad in the market. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure in Example 1;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a fixed state of an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure in Example 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member in an ultrasonic coupling pad with a support structure in Example 1;

[0019] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member in an ultrasonic coupling pad with a support structure in Example 2;

[0020] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member in an ultrasonic coupling pad with a support structure in Example 3;

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing member in an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure in Example 4;

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing member in an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure in Example 5;

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing member in an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure in Example 6;

[0024] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the ultrasound coupling pad assembly in Example 7 applied to breast screening.

[0025] Figure numerals: 1. support member; 2. sound-transmitting gel; 3. fixing member; 4. hand-held part; 5. ultrasonic probe control assembly; 6. ultrasonic coupling pad assembly; 7. fixing assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the utility model is described below by specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. In addition, in the following description, the description of well-known structures and technologies is omitted to avoid unnecessary confusion of the concept of the utility model.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0028] The embodiments of the utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Example 1: Figures 1 to 3As shown, an ultrasonic coupling pad with a support structure is mainly composed of a support member 1 and a sound-transmitting gel 2, that is, the sound-transmitting gel 2, i.e., a solid gel, is coated on a layer of the support member 1 by an integral molding method. The support member 1 can be made of different materials and structural designs according to different use requirements, which can effectively solve the technical problem of high use cost and improve the market use coverage. Specifically, the support member 1 is located inside the sound-transmitting gel 2, and the two ends of the support member 1 extend outside the sound-transmitting gel 2. A fixing member 3 is provided on the support member 1 outside the sound-transmitting gel 2. The two fixing members 3 can fix the support members 1 located on both sides of the sound-transmitting gel 2 into one body, which reduces the manufacturing cost and the use cost, and is convenient for operators to transfer and fix it. In this process, the support member 1 can be provided to effectively reduce the probability of tearing and damage of the coupling pad, thereby ensuring the practicality of the coupling pad.

[0030] In order to ensure the structural strength of the ultrasonic coupling pad, in this embodiment, the support member 1 is located in the middle of the sound-transmitting gel 2 and is integrally cast with the sound-transmitting gel 2, that is, the thickness of the sound-transmitting gel 2 on both sides of the support member 1 is the same. The sound-transmitting gel 2 is the material of a conventional coupling pad sold in the market, which is generally formed by curing some hydrogel stock solution by heating, low temperature or radiation treatment.

[0031] The coupling pads in the prior art usually need to have multiple properties such as water wettability, toughness, tear resistance, high fit, etc., and the raw materials used are less selective, and the formula design, material cost and process difficulty are all high, which is also the reason why the practical coupling pads are sold at a high price. In this embodiment, by setting the above-mentioned support member 1 in the middle position of the above-mentioned sound-permeable gel 2, it can make up for the shortcomings of the existing coupling pads in terms of tear resistance, easy transfer and fixation, long-term moisturizing, etc., and reduce the material cost and preparation process difficulty of the coupling pad.

[0032] In order to further reduce the manufacturing cost, the sound-transmitting gel 2 in this embodiment can preferably use low-cost materials, such as food starch, cyclodextrin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, chitosan, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, etc. In order to further reduce the cost of material use, the total thickness of the sound-transmitting gel layer of the ultrasonic coupling pad can be less than 1 mm on the basis of the existing support member 1, thereby saving manufacturing materials. In order to ensure mechanical strength, the existing coupling pads on the market generally need to be more than 5 mm thick, which results in more manufacturing materials and high manufacturing costs.

[0033] In order to solve the problem of long-term moisture retention of the ultrasonic coupling pad and the problem of bubble removal during the casting process, the water content of the above-mentioned sound-permeable gel 2 in this embodiment should be as high as possible on the basis of meeting the basic acoustic transmission and mechanical properties, generally reaching more than 80%, and ensuring that the viscosity of the gel stock solution is not greater than 5000mPa.s during casting. In addition, for some products with special storage or transportation conditions, it is also necessary to add a certain amount of antifreeze, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, etc., to the gel stock solution to prevent the product from being damaged by ice in a scene below 0°C. At the same time, in order to ensure water wetness and elasticity, the amount of antifreeze added should not exceed 10%.

[0034] The most important thing in this embodiment is the material selection and structural design of the intermediate support member 1, as well as the process method for integrally molding and curing the support member 1 and the aqueous sound-permeable gel 2. As for the selection and formulation of the sound-permeable gel 2, on the premise of meeting the above-mentioned basic requirements, it can be flexibly selected according to different usage requirements, and has great versatility.

[0035] The support 1 needs to be made of porous non-metallic material with a certain toughness, and its acoustic impedance needs to be close to that of water, ranging from 1-3 MRayl. The thickness of the support 1 material should be as thin as possible while meeting the requirements, and can be determined according to specific requirements and material types, and specific restrictions can be made on this. Figure 3 As shown, the material of the support member 1 in this embodiment can be a plastic fiber mesh, specifically, a nylon mesh, a polyester mesh, etc. The mesh number can be determined according to the performance of the selected sound-transmitting gel 2. Generally, the sound-transmitting gel 2 with better toughness uses a fiber mesh with a larger mesh to reduce the loss during the transmission of sound waves. Otherwise, a fiber mesh with a smaller mesh is required to improve the overall mechanical strength, but it cannot exceed 200 meshes. The thickness of the fiber mesh is generally within 0.1 mm. The fiber mesh is woven from fibers, and the thickness is determined by the weaving method and the diameter of the fiber. It has good toughness and a large porosity, which can effectively avoid the loss of sound energy, but it is easy to tear and deform (the mesh is twisted and deformed), thereby causing the sound-transmitting gel 2 to tear at the contact position with it.

[0036] The area of ​​the support member 1 that is not in contact with the sound-conducting gel can be designed with a certain structure according to the specific situation, that is, the fixing member 3 mentioned above is used for fixing. The fixing member 3 in this embodiment is fixed or transferred by elastic binding. Specifically, the ultrasonic coupling pad is fixed by designing the fixing member 3 as an elastic band. When the ultrasonic coupling pad needs to be transferred, it is only necessary to untie the elastic band, which can effectively solve the problems of coupling pad transfer, poor fit and loose fixation.

[0037] A hand-held portion 4 is formed between the sound-transmitting gel 2 and the fixing part 3, and the non-gel area, i.e., the hand-held portion 4, can be directly held during the transfer and fixation of the coupling pad to avoid direct contact with the sound-transmitting gel 2 during the transfer process, which not only solves the problem that the coupling pad is too smooth to be taken and placed, but also avoids the problem of cross-infection on the surface of the coupling pad. According to some special usage scenarios, a structural component that matches the system can be designed, and the internal support structure can be fixed to the structural component by injection molding or bonding, and the final ultrasound coupling pad component can be prepared by one-piece molding, such as a breast ultrasound sound-transmitting component.

[0038] The coupling pad is prepared by integral casting, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0039] 1) According to the design size of the ultrasonic coupling pad, a casting tool that meets the requirements is manufactured. The casting tool is required to simultaneously meet the requirements of fixing the intermediate support structure and sealing all around, and the flatness of the cavity must be less than 0.1 mm;

[0040] 2) In the process of fixing the intermediate support member 1, the tightness of the support member 1 can be adjusted in a certain way to ensure that the support member 1 is always in a taut state during the process of pouring the gel stock solution;

[0041] 3) After the support 1 is fixed, the casting tooling should be sealed all around and be able to withstand a pressure of at least 1 atmosphere to ensure that the gel stock solution will not leak during the casting and degassing process;

[0042] 4) The pouring process can be determined according to the viscosity and fluidity of the gel stock solution. It is best to operate under vacuum conditions (below -80KPa) to ensure that there are no bubbles in the final ultrasonic coupling pad. However, for some products with higher viscosity, the gel stock solution can also be poured into the corresponding pouring cavity first, and then degassed by standing or vacuum exhaust. The degassing time should not be too long, generally less than 2 minutes, to prevent excessive volatilization of water.

[0043] 5) The gel stock solution in the casting cavity should be placed on a calibrated horizontal platform during the curing process, with a flatness difference within 0.1mm to ensure uniform thickness of the gel during the curing process. The curing method can be determined according to the properties of the gel material itself, which can be heating, low temperature or radiation treatment. Note that the curing process needs to be carried out in a closed space to prevent the volatilization of moisture.

[0044] 6) After the coupling pad is cured, the tooling needs to be disassembled under sufficiently moist conditions, preferably immersed in water, and the final product needs to be carefully removed to prevent damage to the surface of the coupling pad. After removal, it needs to be immersed for a certain period of time, generally not less than 30 minutes, to ensure the moisture and smoothness of the final product.

[0045] The casting tooling used in the casting process of the ultrasonic coupling pad should be designed according to the above requirements, and no detailed structural constraints are given here.

[0046] Example 2: Figure 4 As shown, the feature that distinguishes this embodiment from embodiment 1 is that: in this embodiment, an ultrasonic coupling pad with a support structure is provided, wherein the support member 1 is made of a porous membrane, specifically, a PP membrane, a PE membrane, an ABS membrane, etc. The size and density of the pores in the membrane are also determined according to the mechanical properties of the sound-permeable gel, and the basic principle is consistent with that of the plastic fiber mesh, and the thickness is generally within 0.1 mm. Compared with the fiber mesh material, the porous membrane material is less prone to the above-mentioned deformation, and the material can be made very thin, but its toughness is slightly poor, and strong pulling should be avoided during use. The material to be selected can be determined based on the usage scenario.

[0047] Example 3: Figure 5 As shown, the feature that distinguishes this embodiment from Embodiment 1 is that: in this embodiment, an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure is provided, wherein the material of the supporting member 1 is a porous sponge, specifically an EVA sponge, a PVA sponge, etc. The porosity of the sponge is as large as possible while ensuring the mechanical strength of the coupling pad, and generally needs to be above 85%, so that water can be stored or continuously provided with the help of an external water source to ensure that the coupling pad is in a moist state for a long time. To ensure the transmission performance of sound waves, the thickness of the sponge is generally within 2 mm. The porous sponge material has a large water absorption capacity, and can be continuously supplied with water by contact with an external water source to ensure that it is in a moist state for a long time, but such materials are generally thicker than a mesh or a membrane, and the internal supporting member 1 is denser, resulting in a greater loss of sound energy. In summary, the three types of supporting materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, and can be selected according to specific circumstances during actual use.

[0048] Example 4: Figure 6 As shown, the feature that distinguishes this embodiment from the first embodiment is that: in this embodiment, an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure, the fixing member 3 is a Velcro fixing method, similar to the fixing method of a sphygmomanometer, with strong bonding strength, and the fixing tightness can be adjusted at will, suitable for different user groups, and can be used for long-term fixed inspection sites, such as breast screening. When the ultrasonic coupling pad needs to be moved, it only needs to unfasten the Velcro, which is simple, convenient and easy to operate.

[0049] Example 5: Figure 7 As shown, the feature that distinguishes this embodiment from Embodiment 1 is that: in this embodiment, an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure is provided, wherein the fixing member 3 is a hook-fastening method, and the hooks can be in a single row or in multiple rows. Specifically, the hooks can be determined according to the width of the coupling pad. The fixing is firm and easy to remove. The device can be used in positions that require frequent position adjustment and have certain requirements on the fixing force, such as ankle joints.

[0050] Example 6: Figure 8 As shown, the feature that distinguishes this embodiment from Embodiment 1 is that: in this embodiment, an ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure is provided, wherein the fixing member 3 is a magnetic fixing structure, which generally has a small fixing force and is mainly used for some positions that require simple fixing and do not take too long to be removed, such as the neck position. This type of fixing method is not strictly classified for use, and generally, as long as the use requirements are met, the fixing structure can be flexibly selected.

[0051] Example 7: Fig. 9 As shown, in order to cooperate with the breast screening system of the automatic breast full-volume ultrasound diagnostic system, an ultrasound coupling pad assembly 6 that can automatically match the ultrasound probe control assembly 5 is designed. The interior of the assembly contains the ultrasound coupling pad with the water replenishing function mentioned in the above embodiment, and the exterior is a mechanical fixing structure that can match the upper ultrasound probe control assembly 5. There is also a corresponding frame-shaped fixing assembly 7 at the bottom for reinforcement to prevent the ultrasound coupling pad assembly 6 from falling off during use.

[0052] The ultrasonic coupling pad in the above embodiment can reduce the production cost by reducing the cost of raw materials, and thus can greatly reduce the use cost of the coupling pad, which is conducive to mass promotion and use; by arranging the support member 1 at the middle position, the toughness and tear resistance of the coupling pad can be effectively improved, its performance and service life can be guaranteed, and the use cost can be reduced; by arranging fixing members 3 at both ends of the middle support member 1, such as elastic bands, Velcro, hidden buckles, etc., the smooth coupling pad can be tightly fitted and fixed on the surface of the tissue to be tested; by forming a hand-held part 4 between the fixing member 1 and the sound-transmitting gel 2, during the transfer and fixing operation, the sound-conducting gel part can be avoided, and the hand-held part 4 can be directly held, which is convenient for taking and placing and can effectively avoid cross infection.

[0053] The ultrasonic coupling pad prepared by the above method can be used in multiple scenarios when combined with some fixed structures, greatly broadening the scope of use of the coupling pad, thereby being able to completely replace the use of ultrasonic coupling agents.

[0054] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention; therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0055] Although the following terms are used more frequently in this article: 1. support member; 2. sound-transmitting gel; 3. fixing member; 4. hand-held part; 5. ultrasonic probe control assembly; 6. ultrasonic coupling pad assembly; 7. fixing assembly, etc., the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. These terms are used only to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of the utility model; interpreting them as any additional limitation is contrary to the spirit of the utility model.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic coupling pad having a supporting structure, characterized in that: The invention comprises a support member (1) and a sound-transmitting gel (2), wherein the support member (1) is located inside the sound-transmitting gel (2), and both ends of the support member (1) extend outside the sound-transmitting gel (2). A fixing member (3) is provided on the support member (1) located outside the sound-transmitting gel (2), and the support member (1) located on both sides of the sound-transmitting gel (2) can be fixed together by the two fixing members (3).

2. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member (1) is located in the middle of the sound-transmitting gel (2) and is integrally cast with the sound-transmitting gel (2).

3. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member (1) is a porous structure and is made of a non-metallic material with toughness, and the acoustic impedance ranges from 1 to 3 MRayl.

4. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support member (1) is made of any one of a plastic fiber mesh, a porous membrane or a porous sponge.

5. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing member (3) is fixed by elastic binding, bonding, magnetic attraction or buckling.

6. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hand-held portion (4) that is convenient for hand-holding is formed between the sound-transmitting gel (2) and the fixing member (3).

7. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the sound-transmitting gel (2) can be less than 1 mm.

8. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sound-transmitting gel (2) is solidified from a hydrogel stock solution by heating, low temperature or radiation treatment.

9. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water content of the sound-transmitting gel (2) is greater than 80%, and the viscosity of the gel stock solution of the sound-transmitting gel (2) is not greater than 5000 mPa.s during pouring.

10. The ultrasonic coupling pad with a supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the sound-transmitting gel (2) is any one of food starch, cyclodextrin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, chitosan or polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

Images