Type-B ultrasonic coupling agent temporary storage device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a temporary storage device for a B-ultrasonic coupling agent, and aims to solve the problems that in the conventional B-ultrasonic examination, the coating efficiency of the coupling agent is low, the using amount is uneven, cross infection is easily caused, and waste and pollution are caused by the fact that the coupling agent flows out after the detection is finished. The storage sleeve, the liquid storage and release part and the driving assembly are arranged, and the driving assembly drives the B-ultrasonic probe to move relative to the storage sleeve, so that the liquid storage and release part is extruded, and a coupling agent is released and smeared on a detection head of the B-ultrasonic probe. By means of the design, the coupling agent can be automatically and evenly smeared, low efficiency and non-uniformity of manual smearing are avoided, and the B-ultrasonic examination efficiency is remarkably improved. Meanwhile, as the coupling agent is extruded and released in the movement process of the probe and is directly smeared on the detection head, the use amount of the coupling agent can be effectively controlled, waste is reduced, and the cross infection risk possibly caused by the fact that the coupling agent is directly exposed in the air is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasound medical equipment technology, and in particular to an ultrasound coupling agent temporary storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In medical diagnosis, ultrasound (B-scan) technology is widely used due to its non-invasive, real-time, and dynamic characteristics, particularly in examining orbital lesions, determining the nature of tumors, and assessing the relationship between the optic nerve and extraocular muscles. The core of ultrasound examination lies in acquiring image information by utilizing the propagation and reflection of ultrasound waves between different tissues. However, the impedance difference between air and the test material can severely affect the effective propagation of ultrasound waves, leading to blurry images or even complete failure to form a coherent image. To address this issue, a coupling agent is typically applied between the ultrasound probe and the patient's skin to fill the air gap, ensuring that ultrasound waves can smoothly enter and return within the body, thereby obtaining clear diagnostic images.

[0003] In B-mode ultrasound examinations of the eye and orbit, the application of coupling gel is particularly crucial. If there is insufficient coupling gel on the probe, the doctor may need to apply greater pressure to ensure adequate contact between the probe and the eyeball, which can not only cause discomfort to the patient but may also damage the delicate eye. Furthermore, traditional methods of applying coupling gel are usually manual, which is not only inefficient but also prone to uneven application and may even lead to the risk of cross-infection.

[0004] In the prior art, for example, Chinese patent CN202023347469.2 discloses an ophthalmic ultrasound device, which includes an ultrasound probe and a silicone coupling agent storage sleeve fitted onto the front end of the probe. The storage sleeve contains a bowl-shaped storage bowl with its opening facing the surface of the eyeball. The front end of the ultrasound probe passes through the storage bowl and is located at the bottom of the bowl. This device performs detection using an indirect immersion method, with the coupling agent in the storage bowl directly applied to the surface of the eyeball. However, this method has significant drawbacks: after the ultrasound examination, when the storage bowl is removed from the patient, a large amount of remaining coupling agent easily leaks out, causing waste, soiling the patient and the surrounding environment, resulting in a poor patient experience, and requiring medical staff to spend considerable time cleaning, reducing work efficiency.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology and to provide a temporary storage device for ultrasound coupling agent, which aims to solve the problems of low efficiency of coupling agent application, uneven dosage, easy cross-infection, and waste and pollution caused by coupling agent leakage after the test in the existing ultrasound examination.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A temporary storage device for ultrasound coupling agent, comprising:

[0008] A storage sleeve, which defines a storage cavity inside, has a probe outlet at its end for an ultrasound probe to pass through;

[0009] A liquid storage and release device is disposed within the storage cavity, and a coupling agent is stored inside it;

[0010] A drive assembly, which is sleeved on the outside of the ultrasound probe and connected to the storage sleeve;

[0011] The driving component is used to drive the ultrasound probe to move relative to the storage sleeve, so that the ultrasound probe squeezes the liquid release component, thereby releasing the coupling agent in the liquid release component and applying it to the detection head of the ultrasound probe.

[0012] This technical solution enables uniform application of the coupling agent, avoiding the inefficiency and unevenness of manual application, while reducing waste and contamination of the coupling agent, thus improving the efficiency of ultrasound examinations and the patient experience.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a rear connecting sleeve and a front connecting sleeve, wherein the rear connecting sleeve is threadedly connected to the front connecting sleeve;

[0014] The rear connecting sleeve is provided with an axial action part, which is used to generate an axial thrust on the B-ultrasound probe in the direction of the storage sleeve.

[0015] The front connecting sleeve is connected to the storage sleeve.

[0016] This technical solution provides an adjustable driving method, facilitating the installation and removal of the ultrasound probe, and allowing for adjustment of the relative position between the probe and the liquid release device as needed, thereby achieving precise release of the coupling agent.

[0017] Furthermore, the front connecting sleeve has a connecting tube at one end away from the rear connecting sleeve, the outer periphery of the connecting tube has a connecting ring, and the inner periphery of the storage sleeve has a connecting groove that engages with the connecting ring.

[0018] This technical solution enables a quick and reliable connection between the storage sleeve and the front connecting sleeve, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the device and improving ease of use. At the same time, the relative rotation of the rear connecting sleeve and the front connecting sleeve will not cause the storage sleeve to rotate.

[0019] Furthermore, the liquid storage and release element is a porous elastomer.

[0020] This technical solution utilizes the adsorption and release characteristics of porous elastomers to achieve uniform storage and controllable release of the coupling agent, avoiding excessive outflow of the coupling agent.

[0021] More specifically, in some embodiments, the number of liquid storage and release elements is two, each of which is provided with a smearing slope. The smearing slopes of the two liquid storage and release elements are arranged opposite each other and the ends near the probe outlet are attached or close to each other to form an opening with a spacing smaller than the width of the detection head, so that a triangular smearing cavity is formed between the two liquid storage and release elements for the detection head to extend into and pass through.

[0022] This technical solution enables uniform application of coupling agent to both sides of the ultrasound probe head, ensuring comprehensive coverage and improving the propagation effect of ultrasound waves.

[0023] Furthermore, the ultrasound probe has an operating slope on the rear side of the detection head, and the liquid storage and release device has a squeezing slope. The squeezing slope is connected to the end of the application slope away from the probe outlet. The slope of the squeezing slope relative to the axial direction is greater than the slope of the operating slope relative to the axial direction and greater than the slope of the application slope relative to the axial direction.

[0024] This technical solution enables further effective compression of the porous elastomer through the action of inclined planes and the further action of extrusion inclined planes, ensuring the full release of the coupling agent so that the coupling agent can be replenished during the testing process.

[0025] Furthermore, the storage sleeve is provided with a lower limit block and an upper limit ring inside, and the liquid release component is fixed between the lower limit block and the upper limit ring; the width of the lower limit block is greater than that of the upper limit ring.

[0026] This technical solution effectively limits the movement range of the liquid storage and release component, preventing it from detaching from the storage sleeve under pressure. Furthermore, the width of the lower limit block is greater than that of the upper limit ring, allowing the lower limit block to limit the lower end of the porous elastomer. This reduces the amount of deformation and extrusion of the porous elastomer at the probe outlet as it moves with the ultrasound probe, thus minimizing the impact on detection.

[0027] Furthermore, the liquid storage and release component is glued and fixed to the inner wall of the storage sleeve.

[0028] This technical solution further solidifies the liquid storage and release components.

[0029] The storage sleeve has a transparent area.

[0030] This technical solution makes it easier for operators to observe the position of the detection head.

[0031] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the storage sleeve is provided with a compression part made of elastic material corresponding to the liquid release component.

[0032] With this technical solution, the operator can manually squeeze the porous elastomer through the extrusion section to further extrude the coupling agent.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention discloses a temporary storage device for ultrasound coupling agent, aiming to solve the problems of low efficiency, uneven application, easy cross-infection, and waste and contamination caused by coupling agent leakage after the examination in existing ultrasound examinations. This invention sets up a storage sleeve, a liquid release component, and a driving assembly. The driving assembly drives the ultrasound probe to move relative to the storage sleeve, thereby squeezing the liquid release component to release the coupling agent and apply it to the detection head of the ultrasound probe. This design enables automatic and uniform application of the coupling agent, avoiding the inefficiency and unevenness of manual application, and significantly improving the efficiency of ultrasound examinations. Simultaneously, since the coupling agent is squeezed and released during probe movement and directly applied to the detection head, the amount of coupling agent used can be effectively controlled, reducing waste and avoiding the risk of cross-infection that may result from direct exposure of the coupling agent to air. Furthermore, after the test is completed, the coupling agent is stored in the reservoir and release device, preventing large-scale leakage as in existing technologies. This solves the waste and contamination problems caused by coupling agent leakage, improves the patient experience, reduces the cleaning burden on medical staff, and increases work efficiency. Therefore, this invention has significantly superior technical effects compared to existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, obtaining other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort still falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the split-type ultrasound coupling agent storage device;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasound probe;

[0037] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the combined state of the ultrasound coupling agent storage device;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a porous elastomer;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the combined state of the ultrasound coupling agent storage device and the ultrasound probe in the initial contact state.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the combined state of the ultrasound coupling agent storage device and the ultrasound probe in the detection state, with the detection head at the front end of the ultrasound probe moved to the outermost end.

[0041] In the diagram, 1. Rear connecting sleeve; 11. Rear limiting step; 12. Thread hole; 2. Front connecting sleeve; 21. External threaded part; 22. Connecting tube; 23. Connecting retaining ring; 3. Storage sleeve; 31. Probe outlet; 32. Lower limiting block; 33. Upper limiting ring; 4. Porous elastomer; 41. Coating bevel; 42. Extrusion bevel; 5. Ultrasound probe; 51. Detection head; 52. Acting bevel; 53. Wire harness. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] This application proposes a temporary storage device for ultrasound coupling agent, aiming to solve the problems of uneven application, low efficiency, and potential discomfort to patients in existing technologies. This device integrates a storage sleeve 3, a liquid release component 4, and a drive assembly to achieve automatic and uniform application of the coupling agent, thereby improving the convenience and safety of ultrasound examinations.

[0045] See Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment of the present application discloses a temporary storage device for ultrasound coupling agent. Specifically, the device includes a storage sleeve 3, a liquid release component 4, and a driving assembly. The storage sleeve 3 defines a storage cavity, and its end has a probe outlet 31 for the ultrasound probe 5 to pass through. The liquid release component 4 is disposed within the storage cavity and stores coupling agent. The driving assembly is sleeved on the outside of the ultrasound probe 5 and connected to the storage sleeve 3.

[0046] The size and shape of the probe insertion outlet 31 of the storage sleeve 3 should match the detection head 51 of the ultrasound probe 5 to ensure that the ultrasound probe 5 can be smoothly inserted and further inserted during the examination. The coupling agent can be a commercially available ultrasound coupling agent or a coupling agent customized according to specific needs. The storage sleeve 3 and the liquid release device 4 can be designed as a disposable pre-filled structure, which facilitates quick replacement during patient changes, further improving ease of use and avoiding cross-infection. Alternatively, the storage sleeve 3 and the liquid release device 4 can be disinfected and reabsorbed after use for reuse.

[0047] When using the ultrasound coupling agent storage device of this application, the ultrasound probe 5 is first passed through the drive assembly, and the drive assembly is connected to the storage sleeve 3. The detection head 51 of the ultrasound probe 5 enters the storage cavity inside the storage sleeve 3 and comes into contact with the liquid release device 4. The operator drives the ultrasound probe 5 to move relative to the storage sleeve 3 through the drive assembly. As the detection head 51 of the ultrasound probe 5 moves forward, it squeezes the liquid release device 4. Since the liquid release device 4 stores coupling agent, when squeezed, the coupling agent is evenly released from the liquid release device 4 and coated on the surface of the detection head 51 of the ultrasound probe 5. The ultrasound probe 5 then extends out from the probe outlet 31, and an ultrasound examination can be performed. During the examination, if insufficient coupling agent is found, the ultrasound probe 5 can be driven again through the drive assembly to squeeze the liquid release device 4 to replenish the coupling agent.

[0048] The drive assembly includes a rear connecting sleeve 1 and a front connecting sleeve 2. The rear connecting sleeve 1 is threadedly connected to the front connecting sleeve 2, and the front connecting sleeve 2 is connected to the storage sleeve 3. The rear connecting sleeve 1 is sleeved on the outside of the ultrasound probe 5 and has an axial action part, which is used to generate an axial thrust on the ultrasound probe 5 in the direction of the storage sleeve 3. The drive assembly is specifically designed as a threaded rear connecting sleeve 1 and a front connecting sleeve 2, which is cost-effective and easy to assemble.

[0049] Specifically, the rear connecting sleeve 1 has a rear limiting step 11 inside, which forms an axial action part for abutting against the ultrasound probe 5, and a wire hole 12 for the wire harness 53 to pass through is provided at the end of the rear connecting sleeve 1 to facilitate the connection of the ultrasound probe 5 wire harness 53.

[0050] Furthermore, one end of the front connecting sleeve 2 is provided with a connecting tube 22, and the outer periphery of the connecting tube 22 is provided with a connecting retaining ring 23. The inner periphery of the storage sleeve 3 is provided with a connecting groove that engages with the connecting retaining ring 23. The engagement between the connecting retaining ring 23 and the connecting groove not only provides a reliable mechanical connection, but also makes the assembly and disassembly of the device more convenient, improving the efficiency of the device and the convenience of maintenance. In addition, the front connecting sleeve 2 can rotate relative to the storage sleeve 3, avoiding circumferential linkage that could affect the ultrasound probe.

[0051] Furthermore, the liquid storage and release element 4 is a porous elastomer. This application utilizes the structural characteristics of porous elastomers to improve the release and application effect of the coupling agent. A porous elastomer refers to an object with multiple pores made of an elastic material. Specifically, a porous elastomer can be a sponge, foam rubber, or other materials with a similar structure. The elastic properties of a porous elastomer allow it to deform under pressure and return to its original shape after the pressure is released; this characteristic facilitates the release and application of the coupling agent. The pores of the porous elastomer can store the coupling agent and release it under pressure. By controlling the pore size and density of the porous elastomer, the release amount and speed of the coupling agent can be adjusted to meet different application requirements. By using a porous elastomer as the liquid storage and release element 4, the problem of uneven coupling agent release can be effectively solved. When the ultrasound probe 5 presses against the porous elastomer, the pores inside the porous elastomer are compressed, thereby releasing the stored coupling agent. The porous structure of the porous elastomer allows the coupling agent to be applied more evenly to the detection head 51 of the ultrasound probe 5, thereby improving the accuracy of the ultrasound examination. Meanwhile, common porous elastomers, such as sponges and rubber, are low in cost and easy to use for single purposes, thus reducing medical costs.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, a design employing two porous elastomers is proposed, using opposing application slopes 41 to achieve more uniform coupling agent application. The application slope 41 refers to the inclined surface on the porous elastomer used to contact the detection head 51 and apply the coupling agent. The two application slopes 41 of the liquid storage and release components 4 are positioned opposite each other, with their ends near the probe outlet 31 abutting or close together to form an opening with a spacing smaller than the width of the detection head 51. This allows the detection head 51 to squeeze the porous elastomers as it passes through, causing the coupling agent to seep out, enabling the probe to simultaneously receive coupling agent application from both sides. Because the two application slopes 41 are positioned opposite each other, the problem of uneven application on one side can be effectively avoided, ensuring the uniformity of coupling agent application on the surface of the detection head 51. Preferably, the two application slopes 41 of the liquid storage and release components 4 are positioned opposite each other, with their ends near the probe outlet 31 abutting together, allowing direct application to the tip of the detection head 51. If a structure with a similar perforation spacing smaller than the width of the detection head 51 is used, the oozing coupling agent needs to flow by itself to the tip of the detection head 51, making it difficult to guarantee the coating effect.

[0053] Furthermore, this application also includes a compression structure for replenishing coupling agent during the detection process, comprising an action slope 52 disposed at the front end of the ultrasound probe 5 and a compression slope 42 disposed on the porous elastomer that cooperates with the action slope 52. By compressing the compression slope 42 of the porous elastomer through the action slope 52, further release of coupling agent can be achieved during the detection process. The action slope 52 refers to the inclined surface at the front end of the ultrasound probe 5, which forms a certain angle with the axis of the ultrasound probe 5d. The compression slope 42 refers to the inclined surface on the porous elastomer corresponding to the action slope 52. The slope of the compression slope 42 relative to the axial direction is greater than that of the action slope 52 relative to the axial direction and greater than that of the application slope 41 relative to the axial direction, to achieve better compression control. Specifically, the cooperation of the action slope 52 and the compression slope 42 can convert the axial movement of the ultrasound probe 5 into compression of the porous elastomer, thereby enabling the controllable release of coupling agent within the porous elastomer.

[0054] In some embodiments, to further improve the stability of the porous elastomer within the storage sleeve 3, a lower limiting block 32 and an upper limiting ring 33 are provided inside the storage sleeve 3, with the porous elastomer positioned between the lower limiting block 32 and the upper limiting ring 33. Specifically, the lower limiting block 32 can be an annular protrusion integrally formed on the inner wall of the storage sleeve 3, or it can be an independent component fixed to the inner wall of the storage sleeve 3 by means of adhesion, snap-fit, or other methods. The upper limiting ring 33 can also be fixed to the inner wall of the storage sleeve 3 in a similar manner. The main function of the lower limiting block 32 is to support the porous elastomer and prevent it from moving downwards during use, while the upper limiting ring 33 is used to restrict the upward movement of the porous elastomer, preventing it from surging upwards when squeezed by the ultrasound probe 5, ensuring that the porous elastomer can be stably squeezed, thereby uniformly releasing the coupling agent. Specifically, the width of the lower limit block 32 is greater than that of the upper limit ring 33. During the extrusion process, the force applied to the porous elastomer is mainly downward. The lower limit block 32 also needs to limit the deformation of the porous elastomer from being squeezed out from the probe outlet 31 as much as possible, which would affect the detection.

[0055] Furthermore, the storage sleeve 3 is provided with a transparent area for observing the position of the detection head 51. Specifically, the storage sleeve 3 is wholly or partially made of transparent material, allowing observation of the interior of the storage sleeve 3, especially the relative positions of the detection head 51 and the two liquid release elements 4. Preferably, the storage sleeve 3 is wholly made of transparent material to reduce costs.

[0056] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the storage sleeve 3 is provided with a compression part made of elastic material corresponding to the liquid release component 4. This allows the operator to directly and manually squeeze the liquid release component 4, increasing the amount of coupling agent that can be released. This facilitates the replenishment of coupling agent if the preset release amount is exceeded during operation, avoiding the need to replace the storage sleeve midway. The storage sleeve 3 can be made directly of an elastic material, such as silicone. To prevent incorrect compression of the storage sleeve 3 during assembly, a rigid support structure can be added to the outer periphery of the storage sleeve 3 for easy handling and snap-fit ​​assembly.

[0057] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A temporary storage device for ultrasound coupling agent, characterized in that, include: Storage sleeve (3), which defines a storage cavity inside, and the end of the storage sleeve (3) is provided with a probe outlet (31) for the ultrasound probe (5) to pass through; A liquid storage and release device (4) is disposed in the storage cavity, and a coupling agent is stored inside it; A drive assembly is sleeved on the outside of the ultrasound probe (5) and connected to the storage sleeve (3); The driving component is used to drive the ultrasound probe (5) to move relative to the storage sleeve (3) so that the ultrasound probe (5) squeezes the liquid release component (4), thereby releasing the coupling agent in the liquid release component (4) and applying it to the detection head (51) of the ultrasound probe (5).

2. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a rear connecting sleeve (1) and a front connecting sleeve (2), wherein the rear connecting sleeve (1) is threadedly connected to the front connecting sleeve (2); The rear connecting sleeve (1) is provided with an axial action part, which is used to generate an axial thrust on the B-ultrasound probe (5) in the direction of the storage sleeve (3); The front connecting sleeve (2) is connected to the storage sleeve (3).

3. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front connecting sleeve (2) is provided with a connecting tube (22) at one end away from the rear connecting sleeve (1). The outer periphery of the connecting tube (22) is provided with a connecting ring (23). The inner periphery of the storage sleeve (3) is provided with a connecting groove that engages with the connecting ring (23).

4. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage and release component (4) is a porous elastomer.

5. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of liquid storage and release components (4) is two. Each liquid storage and release component (4) is provided with a smearing slope (41). The smearing slopes (41) of the two liquid storage and release components (4) are arranged opposite to each other and the ends near the probe outlet (31) are attached or close to each other to form an opening with a spacing smaller than the width of the detection head (51), so that a triangular smearing cavity is formed between the two liquid storage and release components (4) for the detection head (51) to extend into and pass through.

6. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasound probe (5) has an action slope (52) on the rear side of the detection head (51), and the liquid storage and release device (4) has a squeezing slope (42). The squeezing slope (42) is connected to the end of the application slope (41) away from the probe outlet (31). The slope of the squeezing slope (42) relative to the axis is greater than the slope of the action slope (52) relative to the axis and greater than the slope of the application slope (41) relative to the axis.

7. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The storage sleeve (3) is provided with a lower limit block (32) and an upper limit ring (33) inside, and the liquid release component (4) is fixed between the lower limit block (32) and the upper limit ring (33); the width of the lower limit block (32) is greater than that of the upper limit ring (33).

8. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The liquid storage and release component (4) is glued to the inner wall of the storage sleeve (3).

9. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The storage sleeve has a transparent area.

10. The ultrasound coupling agent storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the storage sleeve (3) is provided with a compression part made of elastic material corresponding to the liquid release component (4).

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