Photoacoustic imaging probe with dustproof structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure, which comprises a probe main body, a signal acquisition optical window is arranged on the front side of the probe main body, and a dustproof ventilation assembly is arranged on the front side of the probe main body. The dustproof sealing plate is clamped with the clamping groove through the clamping block to seal the signal acquisition optical window, the internal ventilation and water blocking structure can block dust and body fluid from invading and maintain air circulation so as to keep dry, the laser energy transmission efficiency is guaranteed, and the dustproof sealing plate can be quickly overturned and opened through the rotating shaft to be clamped into the groove to achieve fixation during use. The whole operation is convenient and fast, extra tools are not needed, high-frequency scenes are adapted, the manual cleaning frequency is reduced, in addition, the dustproof ventilation assembly is integrally integrated on the front side of the probe body, the structure is compact, no extra space is occupied, sealing stability is ensured through the clamping connection design, and the problem that a traditional split type sealing cover is prone to being lost or losing efficacy is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical imaging technology, and in particular to a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure. Background Technology

[0002] The photoacoustic effect was first discovered by Bell in 1880, but for nearly 80 years afterward, related research and applications progressed slowly. After the 1960s, with the development of micro-signal detection technology and the advent of high-intensity light sources, research on the photoacoustic effect and its applications became active again. It was not until the late 1990s that photoacoustic imaging technology based on the photoacoustic effect developed rapidly and was widely used in the biomedical field. The core component of photoacoustic imaging is the photoacoustic sensor probe. Early photoacoustic probes had many limitations in structural design and performance, such as large size, imaging resolution and sensitivity that needed to be improved, and difficulty in miniaturization and portability. These limitations, to some extent, restricted the application scope and clinical promotion of photoacoustic imaging technology.

[0003] In clinical and industrial applications, photoacoustic imaging probes are core components. When not in use, existing probes lack effective sealing and anti-slip measures for the signal acquisition optical window, making it easy for dust, bodily fluids, or particulate contaminants to adhere to its surface. These contaminants can cause laser energy attenuation or scattering, reducing the excitation efficiency of the photoacoustic signal. Although some probes are equipped with a split-type sealing cover over the head when not in use, which can provide dust protection for the optical window, it cannot also ensure ventilation and make it difficult to maintain a dry environment at the optical window. In view of this, a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure is proposed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure, which aims to solve the problem that when existing probes are not in use, the optical window for signal acquisition lacks effective sealing and anti-slip measures, making it easy for dust, body fluids or particulate contaminants to adhere to its surface. These contaminants can cause laser energy attenuation or scattering, reducing the excitation efficiency of photoacoustic signals. Although some probes are equipped with a split-type sealing cover on the head when not in use, which can play a role in dustproof sealing of the optical window, it cannot take into account ventilation and it is difficult to maintain a dry environment at the optical window.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure, comprising a probe body, a signal acquisition optical window provided on the front side of the probe body, and a dustproof ventilation component provided on the front side of the probe body, the dustproof ventilation component being located on the front side of the signal acquisition optical window;

[0006] The dustproof ventilation assembly includes a groove on the front top of the probe body, a rotating shaft rotatably connected to the front of the groove, a dustproof sealing plate fixedly connected to the front of the rotating shaft, a ventilation and water-blocking structure provided inside the front of the dustproof sealing plate, the ventilation and water-blocking structure being located in front of the signal acquisition optical window, a slot being provided at the bottom front of the probe body, and a locking block being fixedly connected to the bottom rear of the dustproof sealing plate, the locking block engaging with the slot.

[0007] Preferably, the air-permeable and water-blocking structure includes a groove formed on the front side of the dustproof sealing plate, a frame is provided inside the groove, a waterproof membrane is provided on the front side inside the frame, the waterproof membrane is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material, and a nanofiber filter layer is provided on the rear side inside the frame, the nanofiber filter layer is located on the rear side of the waterproof membrane.

[0008] Preferably, anti-slip grooves are provided on both sides of the probe body, and the anti-slip grooves are concave in shape.

[0009] Preferably, a fixing block is fixedly connected to the rear side of the bottom inside the groove, and a fixing groove is opened at the bottom of the front side of the dustproof sealing plate.

[0010] Preferably, the outer side of the fixing block is provided with reinforcing texture, which is in the shape of a grid.

[0011] Preferably, the dustproof sealing plate has mounting grooves on both sides of the rear side, the mounting grooves are connected to the recessed grooves, and mounting blocks are fixedly connected to both sides of the frame, the mounting blocks being snapped into the inside of the mounting grooves.

[0012] Preferably, a sealing ring gasket is adhered to the rear side of the card frame, the rear side of the sealing ring gasket contacts the front side of the probe body, and the sealing ring gasket is located outside the signal acquisition optical window.

[0013] Preferably, both the slot and the block are trapezoidal in shape and are compatible with each other.

[0014] In the technical solution of this utility model, by setting a dustproof ventilation component, when the probe body is not in use, the dustproof sealing plate is locked to the signal acquisition optical window by the locking block and the locking slot. The internal ventilation and water-blocking structure can prevent dust and body fluid from entering and maintain air circulation to keep it dry, ensuring the efficiency of laser energy transmission. When in use, the dustproof sealing plate can be quickly flipped open by the rotating shaft and locked into the inside of the groove for fixation. The overall operation is convenient and does not require additional tools. It is suitable for high-frequency scenarios and reduces the frequency of manual cleaning. In addition, the dustproof ventilation component is integrated into the front side of the probe body. The structure is compact and does not occupy additional space. The locking design ensures stable sealing and avoids the problem of easy loss or failure of traditional split sealing covers, providing structural support for the miniaturization of the probe body. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the probe in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dustproof ventilation component structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air-permeable and water-blocking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the groove structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Probe body; 2. Signal acquisition optical window; 3. Dustproof ventilation assembly; 301. Groove; 302. Rotating shaft; 303. Dustproof sealing plate; 304. Ventilation and water-blocking structure; 3041. Embedded groove; 3042. Clip frame; 3043. Waterproof membrane; 3044. Nanofiber filter layer; 305. Clip slot; 306. Clip block; 4. Anti-slip groove; 5. Fixing block; 6. Fixing groove; 7. Mounting groove; 8. Mounting block; 9. Sealing ring gasket.

[0022] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0025] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0027] This invention provides a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure, which aims to solve the problem that existing probes lack effective sealing and anti-slip measures for the signal acquisition optical window when not in use, making it easy for dust, body fluids or particulate contaminants to adhere to its surface. These contaminants can cause laser energy attenuation or scattering, reducing the excitation efficiency of photoacoustic signals. Although some probes are equipped with a split-type sealing cover on the head when not in use, which can play a role in dustproof sealing of the optical window, it cannot take into account ventilation and make it difficult to maintain a dry environment at the optical window.

[0028] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides a photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure, including a probe body 1, a signal acquisition optical window 2 provided on the front side of the probe body 1, and a dustproof ventilation component 3 provided on the front side of the probe body 1, the dustproof ventilation component 3 being located on the front side of the signal acquisition optical window 2;

[0029] The dustproof ventilation component 3 includes a groove 301 on the front side of the top of the probe body 1. A rotating shaft 302 is rotatably connected to the front side of the groove 301. A dustproof sealing plate 303 is fixedly connected to the front side of the rotating shaft 302. A ventilation and water-blocking structure 304 is provided inside the front side of the dustproof sealing plate 303. The ventilation and water-blocking structure 304 is located on the front side of the signal acquisition optical window 2. A slot 305 is provided at the bottom of the front side of the probe body 1. A locking block 306 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rear side of the dustproof sealing plate 303. The locking block 306 engages with the slot 305.

[0030] In the technical solution of this utility model, by setting up a probe body 1, a signal acquisition optical window 2, and a dustproof ventilation component 3, when the probe body 1 is not in use, the dustproof sealing plate 303 is engaged with the slot 305 at the bottom front of the probe body 1 by the bottom locking block 306, forming a physical seal on the signal acquisition optical window 2. At this time, the ventilation and water-blocking structure 304 inside the dustproof sealing plate 303 plays a role, allowing air to pass through to keep the front of the probe body 1 air circulating and dry, while blocking dust, body fluids and other contaminants from contacting the signal acquisition optical window 2, preventing laser energy from attenuating due to contamination. When the probe body 1 needs to be used, the dustproof sealing plate 303 can be flipped upward around the rotating shaft 302 in the top groove 301 to open it and disengage it from the slot 305, thus exposing the signal acquisition optical window 2, ensuring that the laser can pass smoothly through the signal acquisition optical window 2 to excite tissue to generate photoacoustic signals. The overall coordination achieves a functional balance of dustproof, ventilation and rapid optical path switching, making operation convenient and effectively ensuring imaging efficiency.

[0031] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 The ventilation and water-blocking structure 304 includes a groove 3041 opened on the front side of the dustproof sealing plate 303. A frame 3042 is provided inside the groove 3041. A waterproof membrane 3043 is provided on the front side inside the frame 3042. The waterproof membrane 3043 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material. A nanofiber filter layer 3044 is provided on the rear side inside the frame 3042. The nanofiber filter layer 3044 is located on the rear side of the waterproof membrane 3043. In this embodiment, a breathable and water-blocking structure 304, composed of a polytetrafluoroethylene waterproof membrane 3043 and a nanofiber filter layer 3044, is provided in the groove 3041 of the dustproof sealing plate 303. By utilizing the microporous characteristics of the waterproof membrane 3043 (allowing air molecules to pass through but blocking liquid water) and the high porosity of the nanofiber filter layer 3044 (filtering dust particles with a particle size ≥0.1μm), a triple balance of dustproof, waterproof and ventilation is achieved. Air can maintain airflow on the front side of the probe body 1 through the waterproof membrane 3043 and the nanofiber filter layer 3044, avoiding the signal acquisition optical window 2 from being unable to maintain ventilation and dryness due to being sealed. At the same time, it effectively intercepts pollutants such as dust and body fluids, preventing them from adhering to the surface of the signal acquisition optical window 2, and ensuring that the laser energy transmission efficiency is not affected by contamination.

[0032] For further information, please continue to refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The probe body 1 has anti-slip grooves 4 on both sides, and the anti-slip grooves 4 are concave in shape. In this embodiment, by setting the anti-slip grooves 4, the roughness of both sides of the probe body 1 is increased, which improves the friction when the operator holds it. Especially in the case of wet hands or wearing gloves, it can effectively prevent the probe body 1 from slipping and falling off. At the same time, the concave structure conforms to the curvature of the fingers, which is in line with ergonomic design, reduces fatigue from holding for a long time, and enhances the stability of operation.

[0033] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 and Figure 5 A fixing block 5 is fixedly connected to the rear side of the bottom inside the groove 301, and a fixing groove 6 is provided at the bottom of the front side of the dustproof sealing plate 303. In this embodiment, by setting the fixing block 5 and the fixing groove 6, the fixing block 5 in the groove 301 and the fixing groove 6 of the dustproof sealing plate 303 are mechanically engaged. When the dustproof sealing plate 303 is opened and rotated into the groove 301, the fixing block 5 is inserted into the fixing groove 6, which can limit the left and right swaying of the dustproof sealing plate 303 and ensure that the dustproof sealing plate 303 is in a stable state.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 5 The outer side of the fixing block 5 is provided with reinforcing texture, which is in the shape of a grid. In this embodiment, by providing grid-shaped reinforcing texture on the outer side of the fixing block 5, the interlocking force between the fixing block 5 and the inner wall of the fixing groove 6 is enhanced, preventing them from loosening or separating due to friction during frequent opening and closing, and ensuring that the dustproof sealing plate 303 is in a stable state after opening.

[0035] Additionally, please refer to Figure 4 The dustproof sealing plate 303 has mounting grooves 7 on both sides of its rear side, which are connected to the recessed groove 3041. Mounting blocks 8 are fixedly connected to both sides of the frame 3042, and the mounting blocks 8 are snapped into the interior of the mounting grooves 7. In this embodiment, by setting the mounting grooves 7 and mounting blocks 8, the mounting grooves 7 of the dustproof sealing plate 303 and the mounting blocks 8 of the frame 3042 are engaged, enabling quick assembly and disassembly of the frame 3042. During installation, the mounting blocks 8 on both sides of the frame 3042 are aligned and inserted into the mounting grooves 7 to complete the positioning of the waterproof membrane 3043 and the nanofiber filter layer 3044. The filter material can be disassembled, cleaned, or replaced without tools, meeting the high-frequency disinfection needs of clinical settings. Simultaneously, it ensures a tight fit between the frame 3042 and the recessed groove 3041, preventing dust leakage due to gaps and improving the convenience of maintenance and sealing reliability.

[0036] Additionally, please refer to Figure 4 A sealing ring gasket 9 is bonded to the rear side of the frame 3042. The rear side of the sealing ring gasket 9 contacts the front side of the probe body 1, and the sealing ring gasket 9 is located outside the signal acquisition optical window 2. In this embodiment, by setting the sealing ring gasket 9, the sealing ring gasket 9 on the rear side of the frame 3042 is made of elastic material. When the dustproof sealing plate 303 is closed, the sealing ring gasket 9 is squeezed and deformed and tightly adheres to the front side of the probe body 1, forming a flexible sealing barrier on the outside of the signal acquisition optical window 2. This fills in any minor gaps and prevents dust and liquid from entering from the edge of the signal acquisition optical window 2. At the same time, it buffers the impact force when the dustproof sealing plate 303 is closed, reduces wear caused by rigid contact, and further improves dustproof and sealing performance.

[0037] Additionally, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5Both the slot 305 and the block 306 are trapezoidal in shape and are mutually compatible. In this embodiment, the inclined surface design of the trapezoidal slot 305 and the block 306 creates an automatic centering and pre-tightening effect when the dustproof sealing plate 303 is closed. When the block 306 is inserted, the trapezoidal inclined surface guides it to accurately fall into the slot 305, completing the installation without deliberate alignment. Furthermore, the lateral force generated by the inclined surface ensures that the block 306 and the slot 305 fit tightly together, forming a self-locking structure. This prevents the dustproof sealing plate 303 from accidentally opening due to vibration or external force. At the same time, the uniform force distribution of the trapezoidal structure is better than that of the right-angle structure, which can extend the service life of the locking components and ensure the long-term reliability of the dustproof sealing function.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present utility model and using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure, characterized in that, The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure includes a probe body (1), a signal acquisition optical window (2) is provided on the front side of the probe body (1), and a dustproof ventilation component (3) is provided on the front side of the probe body (1), the dustproof ventilation component (3) is located on the front side of the signal acquisition optical window (2); The dustproof ventilation component (3) includes a groove (301) opened on the front side of the top of the probe body (1). A rotating shaft (302) is rotatably connected to the front side inside the groove (301). A dustproof sealing plate (303) is fixedly connected to the front side of the rotating shaft (302). A ventilation and water-blocking structure (304) is provided inside the front side of the dustproof sealing plate (303). The ventilation and water-blocking structure (304) is located on the front side of the signal acquisition optical window (2). A slot (305) is opened at the bottom of the front side of the probe body (1). A locking block (306) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rear side of the dustproof sealing plate (303). The locking block (306) engages with the slot (305).

2. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilation and water-blocking structure (304) includes a groove (3041) opened on the front side of the dustproof sealing plate (303). A frame (3042) is provided inside the groove (3041). A waterproof membrane (3043) is provided on the front side of the frame (3042). The waterproof membrane (3043) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material. A nanofiber filter layer (3044) is provided on the rear side of the frame (3042). The nanofiber filter layer (3044) is located on the rear side of the waterproof membrane (3043).

3. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe body (1) has anti-slip grooves (4) on both sides, and the anti-slip grooves (4) are concave in shape.

4. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing block (5) is fixedly connected to the rear side of the bottom inside the groove (301), and a fixing groove (6) is opened at the bottom of the front side of the dustproof sealing plate (303).

5. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side of the fixing block (5) is provided with reinforcing texture, which is in the shape of a grid.

6. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dustproof sealing plate (303) has mounting grooves (7) on both sides of its rear side. The mounting grooves (7) are connected to the recess (3041). The mounting blocks (8) are fixedly connected to both sides of the frame (3042). The mounting blocks (8) are snapped into the inside of the mounting grooves (7).

7. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing ring gasket (9) is bonded to the rear side of the card frame (3042). The rear side of the sealing ring gasket (9) contacts the front side of the probe body (1). The sealing ring gasket (9) is located outside the signal acquisition optical window (2).

8. The photoacoustic imaging probe with a dustproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the slot (305) and the block (306) are trapezoidal in shape and are compatible with each other.

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