Medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly

By using the threaded engagement and snap-fit ​​structure between the fasteners and the fixing sleeve, the problems of complex assembly and high cost of coupling components are solved, achieving stable and low-cost coupling membrane fixation and waterproof effect, which is suitable for ultrasound therapy probes.

CN223969126UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-06SHANGHAI YINGTAI PURUN MEDICAL INSTR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-25
Publication Date
2026-03-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ultrasound therapy probes suffer from problems such as high cost, complex assembly, inconvenient operation, and uncontrollable coupling membrane thickness in their coupling components.

Method used

The coupling membrane is fixed and waterproofed by using fasteners and fixed sleeves in a threaded fit, and by snap-fitting and sealing components. Combined with the adhesion of the water sealing component and the coupling membrane, the fasteners are tightened with special tools to ensure the sealing effect.

Benefits of technology

A simple, low-cost, and easy-to-install coupling component has been developed, ensuring stable connection and waterproof performance of the coupling membrane, preventing detachment, and allowing for controllable thickness, making it suitable for ultrasonic testing processes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly, which comprises a fixing sleeve, a fastener and a coupling film, one end of the fixing sleeve is detachably connected with an ultrasonic probe shell, the other end of the fixing sleeve is provided with an integrally formed fixing ring, the fastener is in threaded connection with the inside of the fixing sleeve, and the coupling film is in threaded connection with the inside of the fixing sleeve. Therefore, the coupling film is fixed between the fastening piece and the fixing ring, an annular water sealing piece is arranged between the coupling film and the fastening piece, and waterproof sealing of the end of the fixing sleeve is achieved. According to the utility model, through the screw-thread fit of the fastener and the fixing sleeve, the press-fit fixation of the water sealing piece and the coupling film can be realized, and the waterproof sealing of the end part of the fixing sleeve can also be realized, so that on one hand, the connection stability of the coupling film can be ensured, and the coupling film cannot be separated in the treatment process; the fixing sleeve has the advantages of being simple in structure, low in cost, convenient to assemble and disassemble and the like.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a coupling assembly for a medical ultrasound therapy probe. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of medical technology, ultrasound diagnosis and treatment are becoming more and more common. In particular, the application of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is attracting more and more attention in non-invasive and non-surgical treatment tasks.

[0003] An ultrasound therapy probe typically includes a focused ultrasound probe, an imaging probe, and a coupling component. The coupling component requires water as a medium to transmit ultrasound waves. At the same time, by controlling different amounts of water entering and leaving the coupling component, the expansion and contraction of the coupling membrane at the front end of the coupling component can be achieved, thereby adjusting the scanning depth of the diagnostic probe.

[0004] Currently, most coupling components use clamps or other metal fastening structures to fix the coupling membrane, which has problems such as high cost, complex assembly, and inconvenient operation. In addition, some coupling components are made by one-piece injection molding. Although this structure reduces the later assembly process, it still has problems such as complex processing technology and high processing cost. At the same time, due to the one-piece molding process, the thickness of the front coupling membrane cannot be controlled to a relatively thin level. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: To address the above-mentioned shortcomings, this utility model provides a coupling assembly for a medical ultrasound therapy probe. Through the threaded engagement of fasteners and a fixing sleeve, it can achieve both the pressing and fixing of the water-sealing component and the coupling membrane, as well as the waterproof sealing of the end of the fixing sleeve. It has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and convenient installation and removal.

[0006] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a coupling assembly for a medical ultrasound therapy probe, comprising a fixing sleeve, a fastener, and a coupling membrane. One end of the fixing sleeve is detachably connected to the outer shell of the ultrasound probe, and the other end is provided with an integrally formed fixing ring. The fastener is threaded into the fixing sleeve, thereby fixing the coupling membrane between the fastener and the fixing ring. An annular water-sealing element is provided between the coupling membrane and the fastener, thereby achieving a waterproof seal at the end of the fixing sleeve.

[0007] Specifically, the fixing sleeve and the ultrasonic probe housing are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0008] Specifically, the inner wall of the fixing sleeve away from the fixing ring is provided with a number of snap-fit ​​blocks evenly distributed along the circumference, and the ultrasonic probe housing is provided with a matching snap-fit ​​groove. The circumferential side of the snap-fit ​​groove is provided with an opening. By screwing the snap-fit ​​block from the opening into the snap-fit ​​groove, the snap-fit ​​fixing between the fixing sleeve and the ultrasonic probe housing can be achieved.

[0009] Specifically, a sealing element is used to achieve a sealed fit between the fixing sleeve and the ultrasonic probe housing, thereby ensuring the waterproof sealing performance of the coupling assembly.

[0010] Specifically, the sealing element is a waterproof sealing ring, which is embedded in the inner wall of the fixing sleeve away from the fixing ring, and achieves a tight fit with the ultrasonic probe housing.

[0011] Specifically, the sealing element is constructed as a sealing gasket, which is bonded and fixed to the coupling membrane to prevent the membrane from detaching from the sealing element when subjected to pressure deformation.

[0012] Specifically, the fastener is constructed as a sealing ring with external threads, which is made of rigid plastic material and presses the sealing element and coupling membrane together by fastening it with the threads of the fixing sleeve.

[0013] Specifically, in order to ensure that the coupling membrane and the water sealing component fit tightly together, the fastener is driven to rotate by a special tool that is detachably connected to it.

[0014] Specifically, the special tool and the fastener are connected by a plug-in joint to achieve circumferential positioning, thereby driving the rotation of the fastener.

[0015] Specifically, the fixing sleeve is a plastic cover with openings at both ends, and a feedback element is provided on its side for detecting internal liquid parameters, and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe through quick-connect terminals.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention utilizes the threaded engagement of fasteners and a fixing sleeve to achieve both the compression and fixation of the water-sealing component and the coupling membrane, as well as a waterproof seal at the end of the fixing sleeve. This ensures the connection stability of the coupling membrane, preventing detachment during treatment, and guarantees the waterproof seal of the fixing sleeve. It boasts advantages such as simple structure, low cost, and convenient installation and removal. Furthermore, the thickness of the coupling membrane is controllable, thereby ensuring stable coupling performance during ultrasound detection. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the medical ultrasound therapy probe coupling assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the coupling assembly of the medical ultrasound therapy probe in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic probe housing in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] The figure includes: 1. Fastener, 11. Limiting groove, 12. External thread, 2. Water sealing component, 3. Coupling membrane, 4. Fixing sleeve, 41. Snap-fit ​​block, 5. Special tool, 51. Rotating handle, 52. Limiting block, 6. Pressure sensor, 7. Quick connector, 8. Ultrasonic probe housing, 81. Snap-fit ​​groove. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will more clearly and completely illustrate the technical solution of the present invention.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 This utility model provides a coupling assembly for a medical ultrasound therapy probe, specifically including a fixing sleeve 4, a fastener 1, and a coupling membrane 3. One end of the fixing sleeve 4 is detachably connected to the ultrasound probe housing 8, and the other end is provided with an integrally formed fixing ring. The fastener 1 is threaded into the fixing sleeve 4, thereby fixing the coupling membrane 3 between the fastener 1 and the fixing ring. An annular water-sealing component 2 is provided between the coupling membrane 3 and the fastener 1, thereby achieving a waterproof seal at the end of the fixing sleeve 4.

[0024] Specifically, the fixing sleeve 4 and the ultrasonic probe housing 8 are fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. For example, refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 The inner wall of the fixed sleeve 4 away from the fixed ring is provided with a ring of snap-fit ​​blocks 41 evenly distributed around the circumference. The ultrasonic probe housing 8 is provided with a matching snap-fit ​​groove 81. The circumferential side of the snap-fit ​​groove 81 is provided with an opening (opening direction is consistent). By screwing the snap-fit ​​block 41 into the snap-fit ​​groove 81 from the opening, the snap-fit ​​fixation between the fixed sleeve 4 and the ultrasonic probe housing 8 can be achieved.

[0025] Furthermore, a sealing element is used to achieve a sealed fit between the fixing sleeve 4 and the ultrasonic probe housing 8. For example, refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 A flat waterproof sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is embedded on the inner wall of the fixing sleeve 4 away from the fixing ring. The connecting end of the ultrasonic probe housing 8 is stepped shaft-shaped, thus having an outer shaft surface and an inner shaft surface (the inner shaft surface being closer to the end). The outer shaft surface has a snap-fit ​​groove 81, and the inner shaft surface fits tightly with the sealing ring, thereby achieving a sealing and waterproof performance. Preferably, in order to enhance the waterproof capability under high pressure, the inner shaft surface can be designed to taper towards the end.

[0026] Specifically, the water-sealing component 2 is constructed as a sealing gasket, which can be made of polypropylene or other soft plastic materials, while the coupling membrane 3 can be made of sound-permeable materials such as silicone or TPU. To ensure good sound transmission, the membrane thickness needs to be controlled within 0.5mm. Furthermore, the water-sealing component 2 and the coupling membrane 3 can be bonded and fixed together with glue or double-sided tape to prevent the membrane from detaching from the water-sealing component 2 when subjected to pressure deformation.

[0027] Specifically, the fastener 1 is constructed as a sealing ring with external threads 12, which can be made of ABS or other rigid plastic materials. The external threads 12 of the fastener 1 are tightly fitted with the internal threads on the fixing sleeve 4, and the sealing element 2 and the coupling membrane 3 are pressed together by screw tightening. In order to ensure that the coupling membrane 3 and the sealing element 2 are tightly fitted, a special tool 5 is required to tighten the fastener 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the special tool 5 and the fastener 1 are engaged via a plug-in connection to achieve circumferential positioning, thereby driving the rotation of the fastener 1. For example, refer to... Figure 1 The main body of the special tool 5 adopts a column structure. The column size is smaller than the inner diameter of the fixing sleeve 4, but larger than the inner diameter of the fastener 1, so as to abut and limit the end of the fastener 1. One end of the column is provided with a rotating handle 51 that extends above the fixing sleeve 4, and the other end is provided with a connecting post that matches the inner diameter of the fastener 1. The inner side of the end of the fastener 1 is provided with a limiting groove 11 that is evenly distributed around the circumference. The outer side of the connecting post is provided with a limiting block 52 that matches the limiting groove 11. When the limiting block 52 is inserted into the limiting groove 11, the fastener 1 can be rotated by rotating the handle 51.

[0029] Specifically, the fixing sleeve 4 is constructed as a cover structure with openings at both ends, and can be made of ABS or other rigid plastic materials, with the interior filled with water or other ultrasonic media. The coupling assembly includes a coupling membrane 3 for expansion. To accurately assess the expansion of the coupling membrane 3, a feedback device (such as a pressure sensor 6, a temperature sensor, etc.) needs to be placed in the coupling assembly. The feedback device can be located on the side of the fixing sleeve 4 or at the end of the ultrasonic probe housing 8. For example, refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The fixed sleeve 4 has a small pressure sensor 6 on its side for detecting internal hydraulic pressure. Specifically, the fixed sleeve 4 has a detection groove on its side for arranging the pressure sensor 6. The pressure sensor 6 communicates with the inside of the fixed sleeve 4 through a detection hole and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe through a quick-connect terminal 7.

[0030] Furthermore, the fixing sleeve 4 and the fixing ring are rounded to avoid rubbing and improve comfort. In addition, the outside of the fixing sleeve 4 is provided with anti-slip grooves to facilitate the rotational engagement between the fixing sleeve 4 and the ultrasonic probe housing 8.

[0031] The specific implementation method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0032] When installing the coupling membrane 3, simply place the coupling membrane 3 with the water-sealing component 2 inside the fixing sleeve 4, then insert the fastener 1, and tighten the fastener 1 using the special tool 5 to ensure a tight fit between the coupling membrane 3 and the water-sealing component 2. After the coupling membrane 3 is installed, simply place the sealing ring inside the fixing sleeve 4, then place the fixing sleeve 4 onto the connecting end of the ultrasonic probe housing 8. By screwing the snap-fit ​​block 41 into the snap-fit ​​groove 81, the snap-fit ​​fixation between the fixing sleeve 4 and the ultrasonic probe housing 8 can be achieved.

[0033] During operation, the quick-connect terminal 7 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe via the circuit, enabling effective detection of the internal hydraulic pressure. For disassembly, simply unscrew the locking block 41 out of the locking slot 81 to remove the coupling assembly.

[0034] This invention provides a quick-release coupling assembly for medical ultrasound therapy probes. A quick-connect screw-on interface securely connects the coupling assembly to the probe housing, allowing for convenient and rapid replacement and effectively preventing cross-infection during treatment. Furthermore, to ensure the sealing performance of the coupling assembly, a tight, waterproof structure is designed at both ends of the fixing sleeve. The design is simple, practical, and has promising application prospects.

[0035] The above-described specific embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any modifications, substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present utility model based on the provided text description and drawings, without departing from the design concept and spirit of the present utility model, should fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly, characterized by, The fixing sleeve is detachably connected with the ultrasonic probe shell at one end, and is provided with an integrally formed fixing ring at the other end.

2. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing sleeve and the ultrasonic probe shell are fixedly connected through clamping.

3. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The fixing sleeve is provided with a plurality of clamping blocks distributed along the circumference on the inner wall away from the fixing ring, and the ultrasonic probe shell is provided with a matching clamping groove.

4. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing sleeve and the ultrasonic probe shell are sealedly matched through a sealing element.

5. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The sealing element is a waterproof sealing ring embedded in the inner wall of the fixing sleeve away from the fixing ring and tightly matched with the ultrasonic probe shell.

6. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing element is a sealing gasket fixedly bonded with the coupling membrane.

7. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fastener is a sealing ring with external threads made of hard plastic material.

8. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The fastener is driven to rotate through a special tool detachably connected therewith.

9. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The special tool and the fastener are circumferentially limited through plug-in cooperation, thereby driving the rotation of the fastener.

10. A medical ultrasonic treatment probe coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing sleeve is a plastic cover body with open ends, and the side edge is provided with a feedback element for detecting internal liquid parameters and electrically connected with the ultrasonic probe through a quick connector.