Automatic adjusting device for focus of ultrasonic probe

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic focus adjusting device for an ultrasonic probe. The automatic focus adjusting device comprises a mounting frame; the flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity is arranged in the mounting frame, and the bottom end of the flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity is always in contact with the skin surface of the patient; the ultrasonic probe is arranged in the containing cavity, and the position of the ultrasonic probe enables a target spot in the body of a patient to be located on the axis penetrating through the focal point of the ultrasonic probe; and the adjusting assembly is arranged in the mounting frame, is positioned above the accommodating cavity, and is used for driving the ultrasonic probe to move along the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe so as to adjust the focus of the ultrasonic probe to a target spot and driving the flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity to perform self-adaptive adjustment. According to the utility model, the focus of the ultrasonic probe can be adjusted, and the position is accurately controlled during adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical structure technology, and in particular to an automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of medical technology, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is receiving increasing attention in the field of ultrasound diagnosis and treatment, especially in non-invasive and non-surgical procedures. HIFU utilizes the ability of ultrasound waves to penetrate human tissue without damage and focus within the body, producing thermal effects (the primary effect), cavitation effects, and mechanical effects. The temperature at the focal point can reach 60-100℃, causing coagulative necrosis of the tissue at the focal point without damaging normal structures outside the focal point.

[0003] The ultrasound probe is an essential component of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology. During operation, the focus of the ultrasound probe needs to be adjusted to the lesion inside the body. Conventionally, the focus of the ultrasound probe is adjusted using a motor, a sling winding mechanism, and a winding spring. However, this method is not precise in controlling the position of the ultrasound probe's focus, and with continuous use, the elasticity of the winding spring decreases, causing the sling winding mechanism to sag. Another option is to use a motor and pulley structure to adjust the ultrasound probe's focus, but this structure also suffers from decreased accuracy in focusing the ultrasound probe as the belt ages. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe. This utility model can realize the adjustment of the focus of the ultrasonic probe and accurately control the position during adjustment.

[0005] Technical solution: This utility model provides an automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe, comprising:

[0006] Mounting framework;

[0007] The flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity is set within the mounting frame, and its bottom end is always in contact with the patient's skin surface;

[0008] An ultrasound probe is placed within the accommodating cavity, positioned such that the target point within the patient's body lies on an axis passing through its focal point.

[0009] An adjustment component, located within the mounting frame above the accommodating cavity, is used to drive the ultrasonic probe to move along its axial direction to adjust its focal point to the target point, and to drive the flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity to adaptively adjust.

[0010] Specifically, the adjustment component includes:

[0011] The driving component has a first bevel gear mounted on its output shaft;

[0012] The transmission component has a second bevel gear at its lower end that meshes with the first bevel gear, and a transmission plate at its upper end that is axially perpendicular to the ultrasonic probe. The upper end surface of the transmission plate is provided with threads arranged circumferentially.

[0013] The folding mechanism includes a gear rod and at least three sets of arms that are rotatably connected to each other to achieve folding. The lower end of the gear rod is provided with a gear that engages with a thread on the transmission plate to drive the transmission plate to rotate. The upper end is rotatably connected to the first arm of the rotatably connected arms. The upper end of the last arm of the rotatably connected arms is rotatably connected to the top of the mounting frame.

[0014] More specifically, the folding mechanism also includes a synchronizing element corresponding to the number of mutually rotatably connected arms, the middle portion of which is rotatably mounted on its corresponding synchronizing element.

[0015] More specifically, the adjustment assembly further includes an adjustment seat, which is connected to the receiving cavity.

[0016] The adjusting seat includes a base and a bushing disposed on the base, the bushing having a shaft hole along the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe;

[0017] The lower end of the transmission component is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole of the bushing.

[0018] Furthermore, the adjusting seat also includes a plurality of columns disposed on the base, and each column is equidistant from the bushing;

[0019] An ear is installed at the upper end of the column, and the ear has a rotating groove perpendicular to the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe. The gear at the lower end of the gear rod is rotatably mounted on it through its gear shaft, so that the rotation of the transmission plate drives the gear at the lower end of the gear rod to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the gear rod around the gear shaft of its lower end gear.

[0020] Furthermore, crossbars are provided between the columns, and the ends of the crossbars are provided with arc-shaped grooves. The arc-shaped grooves of each crossbar cooperate with each other to form the bushing.

[0021] More specifically, the mounting frame includes an upper frame and a lower frame, which are connected by a number of support rods. The bottom end of the accommodating cavity passes through the lower frame and contacts the patient's skin surface.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes a mounting flange, through which the adjusting assembly and the receiving cavity are connected, and the mounting flange is slidably mounted on the support rod via a linear bearing.

[0023] Furthermore, the mounting frame also includes a top frame, which is fixed above the upper frame. A corresponding rotating shaft is provided at a corresponding position on the top frame, and the upper end of the last arm among the mutually rotatably connected arms is provided with a corresponding rotating groove. The two cooperate to achieve a rotatable connection.

[0024] Specifically, the receiving cavity is provided with an inlet and an outlet, so that when the receiving cavity moves with the adjustment component, the receiving cavity can be adaptively adjusted by adjusting the water inlet and outlet, so that the bottom end of the receiving cavity is always in contact with the patient's skin surface.

[0025] Beneficial effects: This invention enables adjustment of the ultrasonic probe's focal point with precise position control during adjustment. It features a compact structure, small footprint, and light weight. During adjustment, multiple positions are simultaneously subjected to force, resulting in smooth and uninterrupted adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic focus adjustment device for the ultrasonic probe of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment component of this utility model.

[0029] Among them, 10. Installation frame, 20. Adjustment component, and 30. Folding water bladder;

[0030] 11. Upper shelf, 12. Lower shelf, 13. Top frame, 14. Support rod, 15. Connecting rod, 16. Linear bearing;

[0031] 21. Adjustment seat; 22. Motor; 23. Transmission mechanism; 24. Folding mechanism; 25. Mounting flange;

[0032] 211. Base, 212. Bushing, 213. Column, 214. Crossbar, 215. Ear;

[0033] 231. First bevel gear; 232. Transmission component;

[0034] 2321. Drive shaft; 2322. Drive plate; 2323. Second bevel gear;

[0035] 241. Gear rod; 242. First arm; 243. First synchronizing element; 244. Second arm;

[0036] 31. Imports; 32. Exports. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this utility model should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic focus adjustment device for the ultrasonic probe of this utility model. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasound probe of this invention includes a mounting frame 10, an adjustment component 20, an ultrasound probe, and a folded water-filled bladder 30. The ultrasound probe is positioned within the folded water-filled bladder 30 such that the target point within the patient's body is located on the axis passing through its focus. The adjustment component 20 and the folded water-filled bladder 30 are housed within the mounting frame 10. The adjustment component 20 is connected to the ultrasound probe and the folded water-filled bladder 30 and can move the ultrasound probe along its axial direction to adjust its focus. Simultaneously, it can move the top of the folded water-filled bladder 30 accordingly. The bottom of the folded water-filled bladder 30 is designed to contact the patient's skin surface, ensuring that the bottom of the folded water-filled bladder remains in contact with the patient's skin surface throughout the focus adjustment process. The folded water-filled bladder 30 is equipped with an inlet 31 and an outlet 32, allowing for adaptive adjustment of the folded water-filled bladder 30 by adjusting the inlet and outlet water flow as it moves with the adjustment component 20, thus ensuring that the bottom of the folded water-filled bladder 30 remains in contact with the patient's skin surface.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, a metal top cover is provided above the folded water bladder 30 to seal the folded water bladder 30. The ultrasonic probe is fixed on the metal top cover, and only the cable of the ultrasonic probe extends out of the metal top cover, and the cable is conventionally sealed.

[0041] In this invention, the folded water bladder 30 can also be an adaptively adjustable flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity that can input and output liquid medium, so as to ensure that when adjusting the focus of the ultrasound probe, its end can always be in contact with the patient's skin surface through adaptive adjustment.

[0042] In this invention, a flexible cable with redundancy is connected to the top of the ultrasonic probe to supply power to it. When the ultrasonic probe moves along its axial direction, the flexible cable, due to its redundancy, can ensure the safety and connection of the cable, thereby ensuring power supply.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The mounting frame 10 includes an upper frame 11, a lower frame 12, and a top frame 13. The upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 are connected by several support rods 14. The bottom end of the folded water bag 30 passes through the lower frame 12 and contacts the patient's skin surface. The top frame 13 is fixed above the upper frame 11. Specifically, the top frame 13 is fixed above the upper frame 11 by several connecting rods.

[0044] In this invention, the number of support rods 14 can be set to 4.

[0045] In this invention, the number of connecting rods can be set to 3.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , 2 The adjustment assembly 20 includes an adjustment base 21, a motor 22, a transmission mechanism 23, and a folding mechanism 24. The adjustment base 21 is connected to the folding water bladder 30 via a mounting flange 25, which is slidably mounted on the support rod 14 via a linear bearing 16. The motor 22 can be mounted on the adjustment base 21 or on the mounting flange 25. The transmission mechanism 23 is mounted on the adjustment base 21 and is connected to the motor shaft of the motor 22 to transmit the driving force of the motor 22 to the folding mechanism 24. The folding mechanism 24 is located on the adjustment base 21. The space between the seat 21 and the top frame 13 of the mounting frame 10 can be folded by the drive of the motor 22, thereby driving the adjustment seat 21 to move along the axial direction of the ultrasound probe to adjust the focal position of the ultrasound probe. During this process, the adjustment seat 21 drives the mounting flange 25 to slide along the support rod 14, so that the folding water bag 30 is folded. By adjusting the water inlet and outlet of the folding water bag 30, the pressure inside the folding water bag 30 is adjusted to ensure that the bottom of the folding water bag 30 is always in contact with the patient's skin surface and the contact position remains unchanged.

[0047] In this utility model, the linear bearing 16 is sleeved on the support rod 14, and its end face is fixedly connected to the mounting flange 25 by screws.

[0048] In this invention, the top of the folded water bladder 30 is also fixedly connected to the lower end face of the mounting flange 25 by screws.

[0049] Furthermore, a through hole is provided on the mounting flange 25 at the position of the aforementioned support rod 14, and the aforementioned support rod 14 passes through the through hole to guide the sliding of the mounting flange 25.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , 2 The adjusting seat 21 includes a base 211, a bushing 212, and a column 213. The base 211 is fixedly installed on the mounting flange 25. The bushing 212 is set on the base 211 and has a shaft hole along the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe. Several columns 213 are fixed on the base 211, and the distance between each column 213 and the bushing 212 is the same.

[0051] In this utility model, the bushing 212 can be mounted on the base 211 via a bracket installed on the base 211.

[0052] Furthermore, crossbars 214 are provided between the columns 213, and arc-shaped grooves are provided at the ends of the crossbars 214. The arc-shaped grooves of each crossbar 214 cooperate with each other to form the aforementioned bushing 212.

[0053] In this utility model, there are 3 columns 213.

[0054] Continue to participate Figure 1 , 2 The transmission mechanism 23 includes a first bevel gear 231 and a transmission component 232. The first bevel gear 231 is sleeved on the motor shaft of the motor 22. The transmission component 232 includes a transmission shaft 2321 whose lower end extends along the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe and a transmission plate 2322 whose upper end is perpendicular to the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe. The transmission shaft 2321 rotatably passes through the shaft hole of the bushing 212. A second bevel gear 2323 that meshes with the first bevel gear 231 is provided at the lower end of the transmission shaft 2321. The upper end face of the transmission plate 2322 is provided with threads arranged circumferentially. With this design, when the motor shaft of the motor 22 rotates, the transmission plate 2322 can be rotated by the engagement of the first bevel gear 231 and the second bevel gear 2323.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to ensure the rotational stability of the transmission plate 2322, a bearing can be installed between the transmission shaft 2321 and the bushing 212.

[0056] In this invention, to ensure the stability and safety of the structure, the transmission plate 2322 can be set as a hollow structure.

[0057] Continue to participate Figure 1 , 2The folding mechanism 24 includes a gear rod 241, several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms, and a synchronizing element corresponding to the number of arms in the several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms. Specifically, the lower end of the gear rod 241 is provided with a gear that meshes with the aforementioned transmission element 2322 to drive its upper end to rotate, and its upper end is rotatably connected to the first arm 242 in the several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms. The corresponding mating ends of the several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms are rotatably connected to each other, wherein the upper end of the last arm in the several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms is rotatably connected to the top frame 13 of the mounting frame 10. The middle part of the arm in the several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms is rotatably mounted on its corresponding synchronizing element, thereby realizing the synchronous control of the corresponding arms in the several sets of mutually rotatably connected arms.

[0058] In this invention, an ear 215 is installed on the upper end of the column 213 of the adjusting seat 21. This ear has a rotating groove perpendicular to the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe. The gear at the lower end of the gear rod 241 is rotatably mounted on this ear via its gear shaft. The rotation of the transmission plate 2322 drives the gear at the lower end of the gear rod 241 to rotate, thereby causing the gear rod 241 to rotate around the gear shaft of its lower end gear. This, in turn, drives the rotation of the first arm 242, and further drives the rotation of the second arm 244, thus achieving the folding movement of the gear rod 241, the first arm 242, and the second arm 244. During this process, the first synchronizing element 243 and the second synchronizing element move linearly along the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe as the first arm 242 and the second arm 244 rotate.

[0059] In this utility model, the number of arms in several sets of mutually rotating and connected arms is determined according to the distance that needs to be adjusted, and they are evenly arranged; in this embodiment, taking two arms as an example, namely the first arm 242 and the second arm 244, correspondingly, two synchronization components are designed, namely the first synchronization component 243 and the second synchronization component. Specifically, the first synchronizing element 243 consists of mounting ears evenly spaced on the top frame 13, corresponding to the number of sets of arms rotatably connected to each other. The second synchronizing element consists of mounting ears evenly spaced on a mounting frame fixed between the top frame 13 and the adjusting seat 21, corresponding to the number of sets of arms rotatably connected to each other. Each mounting ear has a rotation groove perpendicular to the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe. The middle part of the first arm 242 has a rotating shaft that corresponds to the rotation groove of the mounting ear on the first synchronizing element 243, thereby enabling the rotational installation of the first arm 242. Correspondingly, the second arm 244 is rotatably installed on the second synchronizing element through the same structure, and the top end of the second arm 244 is rotatably installed on the top frame 13. Through the aforementioned design, the synchronous rotation of each set of first arms 242 and second arms 244 can be achieved.

[0060] In this utility model, a corresponding rotating shaft can be set at a corresponding position on the top frame 13, and a corresponding rotating groove is opened at the upper end of the second arm 244. The two work together to realize the rotating installation of the upper end of the second arm 244.

[0061] In this invention, at least three sets of arms are configured to rotate and connect with each other.

[0062] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0063] When the focus of the ultrasound probe needs to be adjusted, the motor shaft of motor 22 is controlled to rotate according to the direction of adjustment. In this embodiment, the focus is adjusted towards the patient as an example. The motor shaft of motor 22 drives the second bevel gear 2323 to rotate through the first bevel gear 231, which in turn drives the transmission component 232 to rotate. The transmission component 232 drives the gear at the lower end of the gear rod 241 to rotate through its thread, which in turn drives the gear rod 241 to rotate, which in turn drives the first arm 242 and the second arm 244 to rotate, thereby realizing the unfolding of the folding mechanism 24. Since the upper end of the second arm 244 is installed in conjunction with the second synchronous component on the top frame 13, when the folding mechanism 24 is unfolded, only the adjusting seat 21 moves as a whole towards the patient, thereby pushing the mounting flange 25 to slide on the support rod 14 through the linear bearing on it, which in turn causes the folding water bag 30 to fold. At this time, the folding water bag 30 needs to be adjusted by the inlet and outlet of water to achieve adaptive adjustment, so as to ensure that the bottom end of the folding water bag 30 is always in contact with the patient's skin surface, and finally realize the adjustment of the focus of the ultrasound probe.

[0064] This invention enables precise adjustment of the ultrasonic probe's focal point. During adjustment, the volume of the liquid medium within the folded water bladder changes with the probe's displacement, ensuring the bottom of the folded water bladder remains in contact with the human body. Furthermore, this invention features a compact structure, occupies little space, and is lightweight. During adjustment, multiple points are simultaneously subjected to force, resulting in smooth and uninterrupted adjustment.

[0065] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the embodiments of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.

[0066] The embodiments of this utility model are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: Mounting framework; The flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity is set within the mounting frame, and its bottom end is always in contact with the patient's skin surface; An ultrasound probe is placed within the accommodating cavity, positioned such that the target point within the patient's body lies on an axis passing through its focal point. An adjustment component, located within the mounting frame above the accommodating cavity, is used to drive the ultrasonic probe to move along its axial direction to adjust its focal point to the target point, and to drive the flexible liquid medium accommodating cavity to adaptively adjust.

2. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment component includes: The driving component has a first bevel gear mounted on its output shaft; The transmission component has a second bevel gear at its lower end that meshes with the first bevel gear, and a transmission plate at its upper end that is axially perpendicular to the ultrasonic probe. The upper end surface of the transmission plate is provided with threads arranged circumferentially. The folding mechanism includes a gear rod and at least three sets of arms that are rotatably connected to each other to achieve folding. The lower end of the gear rod is provided with a gear that engages with a thread on the transmission plate to drive the transmission plate to rotate. The upper end is rotatably connected to the first arm of the rotatably connected arms. The upper end of the last arm of the rotatably connected arms is rotatably connected to the top of the mounting frame.

3. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The folding mechanism also includes a synchronizing element corresponding to the number of mutually rotatably connected arms, with the middle part of each mutually rotatably connected arm rotatably mounted on its corresponding synchronizing element.

4. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly further includes an adjustment seat, which is connected to the receiving cavity. The adjusting seat includes a base and a bushing disposed on the base, the bushing having a shaft hole along the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe; The lower end of the transmission component is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole of the bushing.

5. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjusting seat also includes a plurality of columns disposed on the base, and each column is at the same distance from the bushing; An ear is installed at the upper end of the column, and the ear has a rotating groove perpendicular to the axial direction of the ultrasonic probe. The gear at the lower end of the gear rod is rotatably mounted on it through its gear shaft, so that the rotation of the transmission plate drives the gear at the lower end of the gear rod to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the gear rod around the gear shaft of its lower end gear.

6. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, A crossbar is provided between the columns, and an arc-shaped groove is provided at the end of the crossbar. The arc-shaped grooves of each crossbar cooperate with each other to form the bushing.

7. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting frame includes an upper frame and a lower frame, which are connected by several support rods. The bottom end of the accommodating cavity passes through the lower frame and contacts the patient's skin surface.

8. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting flange, the adjusting assembly and the receiving cavity are connected by the mounting flange, and the mounting flange is slidably mounted on the support rod by a linear bearing.

9. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting frame also includes a top frame, which is fixed above the upper frame. A corresponding rotating shaft is provided at a corresponding position on the top frame. The upper end of the last arm among the mutually rotatable arms is provided with a corresponding rotating groove, and the two cooperate to achieve a rotatable connection.

10. The automatic focus adjustment device for an ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accommodating cavity is provided with an inlet and an outlet, so that when the accommodating cavity moves with the adjusting component, the accommodating cavity can be adaptively adjusted by adjusting the water inlet and outlet, so that the bottom end of the accommodating cavity is always in contact with the patient's skin surface.

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