An ultrasonic probe
By designing a detachable coupling agent holder and a ramp-type locking mechanism on the ultrasonic probe, the problem of disrupting the sterile environment during the installation of the sterile sleeve was solved, achieving sterile protection and efficient installation, and ensuring uniform distribution of the coupling agent and ultrasonic imaging quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHENGDU RESUME MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
During ultrasound examinations, medical staff may disrupt the sterile environment when installing sterile covers, increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, wrinkles or air bubbles may appear on the sterile covers, affecting the uneven distribution of the coupling agent and leading to a decrease in ultrasound imaging quality.
Design an ultrasonic probe equipped with a detachable coupling agent holder, which achieves automatic alignment and installation through a ramp and snap-fit mechanism, avoiding direct hand contact and ensuring a sterile environment. The rounded corners and high-toughness materials improve the ease of installation and stability.
It achieves the protection of a sterile environment, reduces the risk of infection, improves the accuracy and convenience of installation, ensures the uniform distribution of coupling agent, and enhances the quality of ultrasound imaging.
Smart Images

Figure CN224540235U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasonic instruments, and in particular to an ultrasonic probe. Background Technology
[0002] In clinical medicine, it is often necessary to examine patients' bodies using diagnostic devices, such as ultrasound examinations. Ultrasound examinations utilize the reflection and attenuation patterns of ultrasound waves propagating within the human body, displayed on an oscilloscope screen to diagnose diseases. The probe is used to transmit and receive ultrasound waves. In ultrasound testing, the probe is a transducer that uses the piezoelectric effect of materials to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. During an ultrasound examination, the air between the probe and the patient's skin hinders the transmission of ultrasound waves. To obtain high-quality, clear images, a liquid conductive medium is needed to connect the probe to the patient's skin; this medium is the commonly used ultrasound coupling agent. In some medical procedures, such as puncture-guided ultrasound, the ultrasound probe must be kept sterile. Therefore, a coupling agent is first coated on the surface of the ultrasound probe, and then a sterile sleeve is placed over it. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN210872064U, titled "Disposable Ultrasonic Probe Sterile Sleeve," describes this process. During the procedure, the ultrasound probe is first coated with coupling agent and then inserted into the sterile sleeve. During insertion, the sterile sleeve is still held by hand to connect with the probe. While handling the sterile sleeve, the medical staff's hands may come into contact with the inner surface of the sterile sleeve or the probe surface, thus disrupting the sterile environment and increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, because sterile sleeves are usually made of flexible materials, wrinkles or air bubbles can easily appear during installation, potentially leading to uneven distribution of the coupling agent and affecting the quality of ultrasound imaging. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the possibility that medical staff's hands may come into contact with the inner surface of the sterile sleeve or the surface of the probe during the process of handling the sterile sleeve, thereby destroying the sterile environment and increasing the risk of infection, and to provide an ultrasound probe.
[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe, comprising: a coupling agent holder, the coupling agent holder including a mounting frame, the mounting frame being detachably connected to an ultrasonic detection device via a first snap-fit mechanism and a second snap-fit mechanism;
[0005] The inner wall of the mounting frame is provided with a first slope, which gradually slopes from the top of the mounting frame toward the bottom of the mounting frame and slopes toward the middle of the mounting frame.
[0006] The outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device is provided with a second slope portion, which is adapted to the first slope portion.
[0007] The coupling agent holder contains a coupling agent layer.
[0008] This invention relates to an ultrasonic probe, which features a detachable coupling agent holder for connection to an ultrasonic detection device. The holder holds a coupling agent layer and is detachably connected to the ultrasonic detection device via a mounting frame. The inner wall of the mounting frame has a first ramp inclined towards its center, while the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device has a second ramp that engages with the first ramp. This engagement of the first and second ramps guides the device during installation, automatically aligning the ultrasonic detection device to the correct position, improving ease and accuracy, and reducing human error. Furthermore, the ramp automatically guides the ultrasonic detection device to the correct installation position as it approaches the mounting frame, providing automatic alignment and guidance. As the ultrasonic detection device is pressed down along the ramp, the ramp structure gradually brings it into place, eliminating the need for direct hand contact with the coupling agent holder for alignment.
[0009] During installation and use, this invention involves placing the coupling agent holder flat on a sterilized surface, aligning one end of the ultrasonic detection device with the holder, and ensuring that the second slope of its outer wall initially contacts the first slope of the holder. Simultaneously, ensure that either the first or second locking mechanism is in the preset locking position. Apply pressure, and with the cooperation of the first and second slopes, the ultrasonic detection device automatically slides into the mounting frame along the slope (the guiding effect of the slope helps the device to align precisely, avoiding human error and improving installation efficiency). Apply pressure again to lock the coupling agent holder and the ultrasonic detection device into place using another locking mechanism. Throughout the process, the operator only needs to apply pressure to the ultrasonic detection device; there is no need to touch the coupling agent holder by hand. Since direct hand contact with the holder is not required during installation, the risk of contamination is reduced.
[0010] Preferably, the first snap-fit mechanism includes a first slot located on the inner wall of the mounting frame, and the first snap-fit mechanism further includes a first snap block that cooperates with the first slot, the first snap block located on the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device;
[0011] The second locking mechanism includes a second slot located on the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device, and the second slot and the first locking block are located on different planes. The second locking mechanism also includes a second locking block that cooperates with the second slot and is located on the inner wall of the mounting frame.
[0012] Preferably, both the first card block and the second card block are rounded.
[0013] By rounding the corners of the first and second blocks, the resistance caused by the right-angled edges during installation is eliminated, making the ultrasonic detection device slide into the slot more smoothly and avoiding the installation process being affected by the sharp corners, thus improving the user's comfort.
[0014] Preferably, the first card slot and the second card slot have rounded corners at the opening.
[0015] By rounding the openings of the first and second card slots, they can be adapted to the first and second card blocks, making the interaction between the first card slot and the first card block (or the second card slot and the second card block) smoother.
[0016] Preferably, the coupling agent holder further includes a fixing end, which is connected to the bottom of the mounting frame, and the fixing end is used to set the coupling agent layer.
[0017] By setting a fixing end inside the coupling agent holder and setting the coupling agent layer through the fixing end, the displacement of the coupling agent layer during use can be reduced or the coupling agent layer can be prevented from slipping off.
[0018] Preferably, the ultrasonic detection device includes a detection surface, which is disposed facing the coupling agent layer.
[0019] Preferably, the coupling agent holder is made of a high-toughness material.
[0020] The coupling agent holder is made of a high-toughness material, which allows the coupling agent holder to deform to a certain extent when the user presses it down with the ultrasonic detection device. This facilitates the engagement between the ultrasonic detection device and the coupling agent holder. Furthermore, because the coupling agent holder is made of a high-toughness material, it can rebound when the user does not apply force, ensuring the stability of the engagement between itself and the ultrasonic detection device.
[0021] Preferably, the ultrasonic detection device has a handheld part at one end away from the mounting frame, and a protective sleeve at the other end of the handheld part away from the ultrasonic detection device. The handheld part is connected to a wire through the protective sleeve.
[0022] It features a handheld part, allowing users to easily hold and operate the ultrasonic detection device, reducing fatigue during prolonged operation and improving user comfort.
[0023] Preferably, the handle is provided with anti-slip parts on opposite sides.
[0024] The anti-slip feature increases the friction between the user's hand and the grip when holding the device, preventing it from slipping during use.
[0025] Preferably, the coupling agent layer body comprises a hydrogel sheet.
[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0027] This invention relates to an ultrasonic probe, which features a detachable coupling agent holder for connection to an ultrasonic detection device. The holder holds a coupling agent layer and is detachably connected to the ultrasonic detection device via a mounting frame. The inner wall of the mounting frame has a first ramp inclined towards its center, while the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device has a second ramp that engages with the first ramp. This engagement of the first and second ramps guides the device during installation, automatically aligning the ultrasonic detection device to the correct position, improving ease and accuracy, and reducing human error. Furthermore, the ramp automatically guides the ultrasonic detection device to the correct installation position as it approaches the mounting frame, providing automatic alignment and guidance. As the ultrasonic detection device is pressed down along the ramp, the ramp structure gradually brings it into place, eliminating the need for direct hand contact with the coupling agent holder for alignment.
[0028] During installation and use, this invention involves placing the coupling agent holder flat on a sterilized surface, aligning one end of the ultrasonic detection device with the holder, and ensuring that the second slope of its outer wall initially contacts the first slope of the holder. Simultaneously, ensure that either the first or second locking mechanism is in the preset locking position. Apply pressure, and with the cooperation of the first and second slopes, the ultrasonic detection device automatically slides into the mounting frame along the slope (the guiding effect of the slope helps the device to align precisely, avoiding human error and improving installation efficiency). Apply pressure again to lock the coupling agent holder and the ultrasonic detection device into place using another locking mechanism. Throughout the process, the operator only needs to apply pressure to the ultrasonic detection device; there is no need to touch the coupling agent holder by hand. Since direct hand contact with the holder is not required during installation, the risk of contamination is reduced. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A;
[0031] Figure 3 This is a side view of the ultrasonic probe of this invention before it is connected to the coupling agent holder;
[0032] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B;
[0033] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the ultrasonic probe of this utility model not connected to the coupling agent holder;
[0034] Figure 6 This utility model Figure 5 Enlarged view of point C;
[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the detection surface of this utility model;
[0036] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the coupling agent fixing bracket of this utility model;
[0037] Figure 9 This is a top view of the coupling agent fixing bracket of this utility model;
[0038] Figure 10 This utility model Figure 9 A sectional view of AA.
[0039] In the diagram, the markings are: 1-Coupled agent holder; 11-Mounting frame; 111-First slot; 112-Second block; 113-First ramp; 12-Fixing end; 121-Coupled agent layer; 2-Ultrasonic detection device; 21-Second ramp; 22-First block; 23-Second slot; 24-Detection surface; 3-Handheld part; 31-Protective sleeve; 32-Anti-slip part; 4-Wire. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the above-mentioned subject matter of the present invention to the following embodiments. All technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0042] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.
[0043] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.
[0044] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.
[0045] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.
[0046] Example 1
[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, an ultrasonic probe includes a coupling agent holder 1 for holding a coupling agent. The coupling agent holder 1 has a mounting frame 11, and an ultrasonic detection device 2 is connected to the coupling agent holder 1 through the mounting frame 11. The ultrasonic detection device 2 and the mounting frame 11 are detachably connected by a first snap-fit mechanism and a second snap-fit mechanism. The inner wall of the mounting frame 11 has a first slope 113, which gradually slopes from the top of the mounting frame 11 towards the bottom, and the sloped surface of the first slope 113 faces the middle of the mounting frame 11. The outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device 2 has a second slope 21, which gradually slopes from the bottom of the ultrasonic detection device 2 towards the top, and the sloped surface of the second slope 21 faces the outside of the ultrasonic detection device 2. The first slope 113 and the second slope 21 cooperate with each other.
[0048] Furthermore, the first snap-fit mechanism includes a first snap-fit groove 111, which is located on the inner wall of the mounting frame 11. The first snap-fit mechanism also includes a first snap-fit block 22 that cooperates with the first snap-fit groove 111, which is located on the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device 2.
[0049] The second snap-fit mechanism includes a second snap-fit groove 23, which is located on the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device 2 and is located on a different plane from the first snap-fit block 22. The second snap-fit mechanism also includes a second snap-fit block 112, which cooperates with the second snap-fit groove 23 and is located on the inner wall of the mounting frame 11.
[0050] During installation and use, this utility model involves placing the coupling agent holder 1 flat on a sterilized table, aligning one end of the ultrasonic detection device 2 with the coupling agent holder 1, and aligning the second slot 23 or the first block 22 on the ultrasonic detection device 2 with the second block 112 or the first slot 111 in the mounting frame 11 (the second slot 23 engages with the second block 112, and the first block 22 engages with the first slot 111). Then, press down on the ultrasonic detection device 2 and apply pressure. With the cooperation of the first ramp 113 and the second ramp 21, the ultrasonic detection device 2 slides into the mounting frame 11 along the ramp (at this time, the guiding effect of the ramp helps the device to be accurately aligned, avoiding human adjustment errors and improving installation efficiency). Pressing down achieves the engagement of the coupling agent holder 1 and the ultrasonic detection device 2. Throughout the process, the operator only needs to apply pressure to the ultrasonic detection device 2 and does not need to touch the coupling agent holder 1 with their hands. Since there is no need for direct hand contact with the holder during installation, the risk of contamination can be reduced.
[0051] In one or more embodiments, both the first card block 22 and the second card block 112 are rounded, and the first card slot 111 and the second card slot 23 are rounded at the slot opening. By rounding the first card block 22 and the second card block, the resistance caused by the right angle edges during installation is eliminated, making the ultrasonic detection device 2 slide into the card slot more smoothly, avoiding the installation process being affected by the sharp corners, and improving the user's comfort. Furthermore, by rounding the slot openings of the first card slot 111 and the second card slot 23, they can be adapted to the first card block 22 and the second card block 112, and the card slots and blocks (first card slot 111 and first card block 22, second card slot 23 and second card block 112) can cooperate more smoothly.
[0052] In one or more embodiments, the coupling agent holder 1 further includes a fixing end 12, which is connected to the bottom of the mounting frame 11. The fixing end 12 is used to set the coupling agent layer 121. By setting the fixing end 12 within the coupling agent holder 1 and using the fixing end 12 to set the coupling agent layer 121, displacement of the coupling agent layer 121 during use can be reduced or slippage of the coupling agent layer 121 can be prevented. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown.
[0053] In one or more embodiments, the ultrasonic detection device 2 includes a detection surface 24, the detection surface 24 being disposed facing the coupling agent layer 121, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown.
[0054] In one or more embodiments, the coupling agent holder 1 is made of a high-toughness material. By making the coupling agent holder 1 a high-toughness material, the coupling agent holder 1 can deform to a certain extent when the user presses down on the coupling agent holder 1 with the ultrasonic detection device 2, which facilitates the engagement between the ultrasonic detection device 2 and the coupling agent holder 1. Furthermore, since the coupling agent holder 1 is made of a high-toughness material, the coupling agent holder 1 can rebound when the user does not apply force, ensuring the stability of its engagement with the ultrasonic detection device 2.
[0055] In one or more embodiments, the ultrasonic detection device 2 is provided with a handheld part 3 at one end away from the mounting frame 11, and a protective sleeve 31 is provided at one end of the handheld part 3 away from the ultrasonic detection device 2. The handheld part 3 is connected to a wire 4 through the protective sleeve 31. The handheld part 3 allows the user to easily hold and operate the ultrasonic detection device 2, reducing fatigue during long-term operation and improving user comfort.
[0056] Furthermore, anti-slip portions 32 are provided on opposite sides of the handheld part 3. The anti-slip portions 32 increase the friction between the user's hand and the handheld part 3 when gripping it, preventing slippage during use. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown.
[0057] In one or more embodiments, the coupling agent layer 121 comprises a hydrogel sheet.
[0058] Example 2
[0059] This Example 2 is the installation procedure for Example 1.
[0060] Place the coupling agent holder 1 flat on a sterilized table. Pick up the ultrasonic probe 2 and align the end with the probe surface 24 with the mounting frame 11 of the coupling agent holder 1. Align the second slot 23 on the ultrasonic probe 2 with the second locking block 112 inside the mounting frame 11 (or align the first locking block 22 on the ultrasonic probe 2 with the first slot 111 inside the mounting frame 11). After alignment, press down on the ultrasonic probe 2 and apply downward pressure. At this time, the first slope 113 (gradually inclined from top to bottom, with the inclined surface facing the middle of the mounting frame 11) on the inner wall of the mounting frame 11 and the second slope 21 (gradually inclined from bottom to top, with the slope facing outward) on the outer wall of the ultrasonic probe 2 begin to cooperate. As pressure is applied, the ultrasonic probe 2 will gradually slide into the mounting frame 11 along the inclined surfaces of the first slope 113 and the second slope 21. The guiding effect of the slope ensures accurate alignment of the equipment, avoids errors caused by manual adjustment, and thus improves installation efficiency.
[0061] Apply downward pressure again, and the first locking block 22 and the first locking groove 111, as well as the second locking block 112 and the second locking groove 23, will engage under the pressure (the resistance is reduced by rounding the corners), thus completing the installation.
[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: The coupling agent holder (1) includes a mounting frame (11), and the mounting frame (11) is detachably connected to the ultrasonic detection device (2) via a first snap-fit mechanism and a second snap-fit mechanism. The inner wall of the mounting frame (11) is provided with a first ramp (113), the first ramp (113) gradually slopes from the top of the mounting frame (11) toward the bottom of the mounting frame (11), and the first ramp (113) slopes toward the middle of the mounting frame (11); The outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device (2) is provided with a second ramp (21), which is adapted to the first ramp (113); The bottom of the coupling agent holder (1) is connected to a coupling agent layer (121).
2. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first snap-fit mechanism includes a first snap-fit groove (111), which is located on the inner wall of the mounting frame (11). The first snap-fit mechanism also includes a first snap-fit block (22) that cooperates with the first snap-fit groove (111), which is located on the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device (2). The second snap-fit mechanism includes a second snap-fit groove (23), which is located on the outer wall of the ultrasonic detection device (2) and is located on a different plane from the first snap-fit block (22). The second snap-fit mechanism also includes a second snap-fit block (112), which cooperates with the second snap-fit groove (23) and is located on the inner wall of the mounting frame (11).
3. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first card block (22) and the second card block (112) are rounded.
4. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first card slot (111) and the second card slot (23) have rounded corners at the slot openings.
5. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling agent holder (1) also includes a fixing end (12), which is connected to the bottom of the mounting frame (11) and is used to set the coupling agent layer (121).
6. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detection device (2) includes a detection surface (24) which is disposed facing the coupling agent layer (121).
7. An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The coupling agent holder (1) is made of a high-toughness material.
8. An ultrasonic probe according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detection device (2) has a handheld part (3) at one end away from the mounting frame (11), and a protective sleeve (31) at the other end of the handheld part (3) away from the ultrasonic detection device (2). The handheld part (3) is connected to a wire (4) through the protective sleeve (31).
9. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 8, characterized in that, The handheld part (3) has anti-slip parts (32) on both sides opposite to each other.
10. An ultrasonic probe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The coupling agent layer (121) comprises a hydrogel sheet.