Ultrasonic probe with quick connect head

Abstract

The present invention provides a mounting assembly for the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, comprising a cam guide member (300), a foolproof member (305), and a rotating mechanical crank (315) having a crank pin (320), wherein the rotating mechanical crank has a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head, the cam guide member identifies the reference position of the transducer of the probe head, and the foolproof member identifies the fastening position of the probe head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of intraoral measurement methods and devices for the medical industry. Without being exclusive but in detail, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device having a quick connect head, as well as a method and attachment assembly for assembling a probe head of the ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device to its probe body.

Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic imaging has been adapted for intraoral use in multiple implementations and has been found to be particularly useful for tasks such as measuring the depth of periodontal pockets. For example, by sensing the acoustic response of tissues, symptoms such as gingivitis can be detected.

[0003] Since it does not emit ionizing radiation, ultrasonic imaging is inherently safer than ionizing methods and also allows for the reproducibility of examinations if necessary. Ultrasonic imaging can be used as an alternative or complement to various types of radiography (cone beam computed tomography or CBCT, panoramic radiography, or intraoral radiography), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear medicine.

[0004] Ultrasonic imaging can use high-frequency sound waves, typically between 1 and 100 MHz. For a given distance, high frequencies attenuate more than low frequencies, so high frequencies are preferably for imaging superficial structures, for example in dermatology or dental imaging. For example, in the case of examining periodontal pockets, the high-frequency sound wave can preferably be between 10 and 50 MHz. Conversely, low frequencies are suitable for imaging the deepest structures of the body. Furthermore, as the frequency of the wave increases, the image resolution is also improved.

[0005] An ultrasonic imaging device generally comprises one or more transducers that act as ultrasonic beam emitters and / or ultrasonic beam receivers for receiving echoes from emitted signals. In addition, an ultrasonic imaging device may include various processing and display components used for generating and presenting images from acquired signals. An ultrasonic beam emitter generates an ultrasonic signal from an electrical signal, and conversely, an ultrasonic receiver generates electrical pulses from a mechanical ultrasonic signal.

[0006] Objects in the path of the emitted ultrasonic signal return a portion of the ultrasonic energy back to the transducer, which generates an electrical signal indicating the detected structure. The transducer can be of different types, ranging from single-element transducers to multi-element transducers (such as annular arrays, linear arrays, and 2D arrays). Furthermore, when multi-element transducers are used, the emission of the ultrasonic signal can be delayed to enable adaptive focusing. Electronic adaptive focusing allows for increased resolution depending on the depth of the body structure being imaged. Electronic adaptive focusing also increases the sensitivity of the transducer, improving image contrast.

[0007] The transducer is generally located within the probe head of the probe, immersed in an acoustic chamber of the probe head filled with an internal acoustic coupling material such as a liquid or gel. Because the internal acoustic coupling material can degrade over time, the probe user may need to remove the probe head from the probe body and replace it with a new one. Additionally, the probe head may be replaced to suit the characteristics of the probe head and its transducer to the physician's needs. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 148406 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] therefore, - The removal and replacement of the probe head must be done quickly, without tools, or with minimal tools (e.g., without a screwdriver). - Removal and replacement of the probe head should avoid the need to insert and remove connecting wires (transducers located inside the probe head are generally connected to the electronic main board of the probe body via coaxial wires). - The removal and replacement of the probe head must be easy for anyone to do based on plug-and-play, without requiring any specialized knowledge. - The assembly mechanism must be low cost. - The dimensions of the assembly mechanism must conform to the constraints of handheld dental devices (e.g., easy handling, easy operation, balance (i.e., appropriate weight distribution)), and - The dimensions of the components of the assembly mechanism must conform to manufacturing constraints. There is a need for an ultrasonic wireless handheld intraoral device that has a mechanism for assembling the probe head onto the probe body, which at least partially satisfies these constraints. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This invention was devised to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0011] In this context, an ultrasonic handheld device is provided comprising a probe body and a probe head having an improved mounting assembly.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a mounting assembly for the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, Cam guide member and Foolproof member and The rotating machine crank comprises a crank pin, and the rotating machine crank has a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head. A mounting assembly is provided in which a cam guide member identifies the reference position of the transducer on the probe head, and a foolproof member identifies the fastening position of the probe head.

[0013] The assembly according to the present invention provides a reference position for the transducer, ensuring reliable electrical contact and connection, while enabling low-cost and reliable removal and replacement of the probe head of an intraoral ultrasonic handheld device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting assembly further comprises a positioning and locking member, which is angularly rigidly connected to the mechanical crank, and the positioning and locking member includes a locked position corresponding to a stop position.

[0015] In a further specific embodiment, the positioning and locking member moves along the rotation axis of the mechanical crank, and the mounting assembly further includes a locking member that works in cooperation with the positioning and locking member to lock the mechanical crank in a stop position when the probe head is removed from the probe body.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the mounting assembly further includes a spring member that applies force to the positioning and locking member to pull it toward the locked position.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the mounting assembly further includes a position detector that detects the angular position of the positioning and locking member, the angular position corresponding to the locked position.

[0018] In a further specific embodiment, the cam guide member and / or foolproof member are stationary relative to the probe body.

[0019] In a further particular embodiment, the attachment assembly further comprises resilient or elastic electrical connector pins configured to establish electrical contact with the electrical contact pads of the probe head when the probe head is attached to the probe body.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment assembly for a probe head of an ultrasonic hand-held device, configured to cooperate with the attachment assembly of the probe body described above, a foolproof member for identifying the fastening position of the probe head, and a cam having a cam groove configured to cooperate with the crank pin of the probe body, the cam being provided with an attachment assembly that moves in a rotational direction relative to the foolproof member and is firmly connected to the transducer.

[0021] The assembly according to the present invention provides a reference position for the transducer while enabling low-cost and reliable removal and replacement of the head of the intraoral hand-held device, and achieves reliable electrical contact and connection.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic hand-held device comprising a probe body having the attachment assembly described above and a probe head having the attachment assembly described above, wherein the probe head is removable from the probe body.

[0023] The ultrasonic hand-held device according to the present invention provides a reference position for the transducer while enabling low-cost and reliable removal and replacement of the head of the intraoral hand-held device, and achieves reliable electrical contact and connection.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the set further comprises the ultrasonic handheld device described above, wherein the probe head is a first probe head, and the set further comprises at least one second probe head, the at least one second probe head comprising the mounting assembly described above, and unlike the first probe head, being attachable to the probe body.

[0025] In a further specific embodiment, at least one second probe head has multiple transducers and / or transducers of a different type than those of the first probe head.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for attaching a probe head to the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, wherein the probe body comprises a probe body mounting assembly comprising a cam guide member, a probe body foolproof member, and a rotating mechanical crank having a crank pin, the rotating mechanical crank having a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head, and the probe head comprises a probe head mounting assembly comprising a probe head foolproof member that identifies the fastening position of the probe head and a cam having a cam groove configured to cooperate with the crank pin, the cam moves rotationally relative to the foolproof member and is rigidly coupled to a transducer, and this method is Aligning the cam and cam guide member, Engaging the cam and the cam guide member, Aligning the foolproof components, Engaging the foolproof member and A method including this is provided.

[0027] The method according to the present invention provides a reference position for the transducer, enabling reliable electrical contact and connection while allowing for low-cost and reliable removal and replacement of the head of an intraoral handheld device.

[0028] In certain embodiments, engaging the cam and the cam guide member includes engaging the crankpin into the cam groove.

[0029] In a more specific embodiment, engaging the foolproof member includes unlocking the mechanical crank.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for removing a probe head from the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, wherein the probe body comprises a probe body mounting assembly comprising a cam guide member, a probe body foolproof member, and a rotating mechanical crank having a crank pin, the rotating mechanical crank having a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head, and the probe head comprises a probe head mounting assembly comprising a probe head foolproof member that identifies the fastening position of the probe head and a cam having a cam groove configured to cooperate with the crank pin, the cam moves rotationally relative to the foolproof member and is rigidly coupled to a transducer, and this method is Aligning the cam and cam guide member, Detach the probe head from the probe body. A method including this is provided.

[0031] The method according to the present invention provides a reference position for the transducer, enabling reliable electrical contact and connection while allowing for low-cost and reliable removal and replacement of the head of an intraoral handheld device.

[0032] In certain embodiments, aligning the cam and cam guide member includes rotating a mechanical crank and detecting a predetermined angular position of the positioning and locking member.

[0033] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method for replacing a first probe head of an ultrasonic handheld device with a second probe head, wherein the ultrasonic handheld device comprises a probe head and a probe body, the removal and attachment of the probe head is performed as described above, and the second probe head is identical to or has different ultrasonic measurement characteristics from the first probe head.

[0034] The method according to the present invention provides a reference position for the transducer and ensures reliable electrical contact, while enabling low-cost and reliable removal and replacement of the main body head of an intraoral handheld device.

[0035] In certain embodiments, detaching the probe head from the probe body includes locking the mechanical crank in a stop position where the crankpin is aligned with the cam guide member.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings, for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an example of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an example of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device head according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing its mounting assembly. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of an example of a part of the body of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the mounting assembly. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the steps for attaching a probe head to a probe body according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view of an example of a portion of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the alignment of the probe body and head mounting assembly. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a portion of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the alignment of the cam and cam guide member. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a part of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the alignment of a foolproof member. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a portion of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the assembly of the probe body and head after the probe head has been attached to the probe body. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the steps for removing a probe head from the probe body according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic block diagram of a processing device for implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The following is a detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, where the same reference numerals in each of the drawings identify the same elements of the structure.

[0039] In the drawings and the following text, similar components are designated with the same reference number, and similar descriptions of components already described and their arrangement or interactions are omitted. Where terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used, unless otherwise specified, they do not necessarily indicate any order or priority relationship, but are simply used to more clearly distinguish one element from another.

[0040] In the context of this disclosure, the terms “Observer,” “Operator,” and “User” are considered equivalent and refer to an observing physician, technician, or other person who acquires, observes, and manipulates ultrasound images, such as intraoral images, on a display monitor. “Operator command,” “User command,” or “Observer command” is obtained from an explicit command entered by the observer, such as by clicking a button on the ultrasound probe or system hardware, using a computer mouse, or using a touchscreen or keyboard input.

[0041] In the context of this disclosure, the term “signaling communication” means that two or more devices and / or components can communicate with each other via signals traveling along some type of signaling path. Signaling communication may be wired or wireless. Signals may be communication, power, data, or energy signals. Signaling paths may include physical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, optical, wired, and / or wireless connections between a first device and / or component and a second device and / or component. Signaling paths may also include additional devices and / or components between the first device and / or component and the second device and / or component.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device 100 according to several embodiments of the present invention, the device 100 may also be referred to or displayed herein as a handheld probe or probe. As shown, the ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device comprises a probe body 105 and a probe head 110, the probe head 110 also called a transducer assembly.

[0043] In this example, the probe body 105 comprises a housing 115 capable of housing a battery and electronic components (not shown), and a processing device, for example, as described with reference to Figure 10. In addition, the probe body 105 comprises an interface that enables a user to obtain information from the probe 100 and provide commands to the probe 100. For illustrative purposes, the probe body 105 may comprise a user interface including one or more buttons 120, a display 125, a color LED (light-emitting diode) 130 (located on one or more sides of the housing below the housing and visible through the housing), a buzzer, an inertial measurement unit (not shown), and / or a tactile feedback vibrator (not shown). The inertial measurement unit enables the detection of user actions, such as taps or double taps, which may be used to interact with the ultrasonic probe. By using the buttons 120 and short, long, and / or repeated clicks, and / or the inertial measurement unit, the user can browse menus to obtain information from the probe 100 and / or provide commands to the probe 100. The probe body 105 also includes a mounting assembly 135 (located under a cover, which can be held in place by an elastic strap and is therefore not visible) that allows the probe head 110 to be attached to the probe body 105.

[0044] As shown, the probe head 110 is equipped with a support arm 140, which has a mounting assembly 145 at one end (working with mounting assembly 135 and therefore located under the same cover) and a transducer chamber 150 at the other end, so that the probe head 110 can be mounted to the probe body 105. The transducer chamber 150 houses one or more transducers that can move (e.g., by oscillation) to ultrasonically process objects such as the patient's gums and other oral soft tissues (and possibly the tooth surface) to measure echoes. The transducers are wirelessly connected to the electronic components of the probe body or connected to these electronic components via wires, such as coaxial wires. According to some embodiments, the transducers are mounted at one end of a shaft (not shown) extending longitudinally through the support arm. The other end of the shaft may be fitted with a cam for controlling the movement of the transducers using a motor located within the probe body. In addition, the shaft may be hollow to allow the passage of coaxial wires connecting the transducers to the electronic components of the probe body 105.

[0045] Reference 155 corresponds to the longitudinal axes of the probe body 105 and the probe head 110. Note that the longitudinal axis of the probe body 105 may or may not be the same as the longitudinal axis of the probe head 110. In such cases, they may or may not be parallel.

[0046] The ultrasonic probe 100 can be used in clinical applications such as periodontology, implantology, restorative dentistry, and oral dermatology.

[0047] In particular, the ultrasound probe 100 is able to receive signals that can acquire images of the patient's gums and other oral soft tissues (and possibly the tooth surface), and these images and / or signals For example, as described in International Publication No. 2020148406, which is incorporated by reference in this application, - To detect morphological abnormalities such as gingival abscesses and cancer, and / or - Perform oral measurements such as measuring the depth of the periodontal pocket, the periodontal gingival margin, the level of periodontal attachment, the width of the abscess, and the distance of anatomical markers. This makes it possible to perform one or more of the following tasks.

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device head 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing its mounting assembly, for example, the probe head 110 in Figure 1.

[0049] As described above, the probe head 110 is equipped with a support arm 140, which has a mounting assembly 145 at one end and a transducer chamber 150 at the other end. According to the example shown, a rotating shaft 200 extends longitudinally within the support arm 140. A transducer is mounted in the transducer chamber 150 at one end of the rotating shaft 200, and a movable cam 205 is mounted at the other end of the rotating shaft 200. Thus, the movement of the transducer is controlled by the movement of the cam 205, which can be an alternating rotational motion along a given sector. Such motion can be caused by a rotating mechanical crank (e.g., a mechanical crank 315 and crankpin 320 shown in Figure 3) having an eccentric or crankpin cooperating with a cam groove 210. According to the example shown, the cam groove 210 is positioned along the cam 205 and oriented outward from the probe head 110 along its longitudinal axis.

[0050] In addition, the probe head 110 includes an electrical contact pad 215 that can be placed on a printed circuit board. According to some specific embodiments, the electrical contact pad 215 is positioned at the end (mounting assembly side) of the probe head 110 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support arm. Thus, when the probe head 110 is fitted into the probe body 105, the electrical contact pad 215 can contact the electrical connector pins of the probe body 105 (for example, the electrical connector pin 335 in Figure 3), enabling the establishment of an electrical connection between the transducer of the probe head 110 and the electronic components of the probe body 105.

[0051] In some embodiments, the probe head 110 is equipped with a flange 220 that can contact and stop against the probe body 105, the flange 220 can be fastened to the probe body 105 by using a threaded ring 235 having a shoulder, the threaded ring 235 locking the flange 220 when screwed to the probe body 105. To ensure a specific position of the probe head 110 relative to the probe body 105, the probe head 110 may be equipped with a foolproof member, such as a stationary foolproof member, such as a male foolproof member 225, the male foolproof member 225 can cooperate with a corresponding female foolproof member of the probe body 105, such as a stationary female foolproof member (for example, the female foolproof member 305 in Figure 3).

[0052] According to the example shown, the mounting assembly 145 comprises a structural member 230 having an outer surface having a cylindrical or conical shape, the structural member 230 cooperating with the corresponding internal shape of the structural member of the probe body 105 to hold the probe head 110 laterally. Further according to the example shown, the structural member comprises an opening for a cam 205.

[0053] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of the body of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the mounting assembly 145, for example, a portion of the probe body 105 in Figure 1.

[0054] As shown, the mounting assembly 145 comprises a cam guide member 300, for example, a stationary cam guide member, which can be U-shaped or V-shaped to guide the movable cam 205 of the probe head 110 when the probe head 110 is mounted within the probe body 105. According to the example shown, the cam guide member 300 is U-shaped and has a width approximately the same as the width of the cam 205 (slightly larger to allow the cam 205 to be easily introduced into the cam guide member 300). As shown, the cam 205 and / or the cam guide member 300 can be slightly inclined to facilitate the introduction of the cam 205 into the cam guide member 300. The probe body mounting assembly 145 further comprises a foolproof member 305, for example, a stationary female foolproof member, which, in cooperation with the male foolproof member 225 of the probe head 110, can position the probe head 110 at a predetermined relative position to the probe body 105 when mounted within the probe body 105. In the example shown, the foolproof member 305 has a rectangular shape, and the width of the female foolproof member 305 is approximately the same as (or slightly larger than) the width of the male foolproof member 225. To facilitate assembly, other shapes of the foolproof members 225 and 305, such as a trapezoidal shape, can also be used. It should also be noted that the probe body 105 may comprise several foolproof members defining several predetermined positions.

[0055] As shown, the probe body mounting assembly 145 further comprises a cam gap window 310 that allows the cam 205 to move when the probe head 110 is mounted within the probe body 105. For this purpose, the cam gap window 310 is located behind the cam guide member 300, starting from the outer end of the mounting assembly 145 of the probe body 105. To operate the cam 205, the mounting assembly 145 further comprises a mechanical crank 315 that can rotate around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam 205 (when the probe head is mounted within the probe body). The mechanical crank 315 can be driven by a motor (not shown) using a motor shaft. Preferably, the mechanical crank 315 can also move slightly along its axis of rotation to take a stowed position or an operating position, as described with reference to Figure 8. On its outer surface (starting from the outer end of the mounting assembly 145 of the probe body 105), the mechanical crank 315 includes a crankpin 320 that cooperates with the cam groove 210 to operate the cam 205 (when the probe head 110 is mounted inside the probe body 105). Due to its shape, preferably a spring (for example, the spring 605 described with reference to Figure 6), the crankpin 320 efficiently cooperates with the cam groove 210 to drive it, regardless of any dimensional variations within the dimensional tolerance. According to some embodiments, the crankpin 320 is conical in shape to ensure efficient cooperation and to facilitate insertion of the crankpin 320 into the cam groove 210. Other shapes, such as a spherical shape, may also be used.

[0056] The mounting assembly 145 further comprises a positioning and locking member 325 that is rigidly coupled or angularly rigidly connected to the mechanical crank 315. By cooperating with a related locking member (or complementary or corresponding locking member), the positioning and locking member 325 enables the rotation of the mechanical crank 315 to be locked, as described with reference to Figure 8. According to some embodiments, the mechanical crank 315 should reach a predetermined position before the probe head 110 is removed in order to facilitate the subsequent mounting of the probe head 110, and should be locked in this position when the probe head 110 is removed.

[0057] In addition, the positioning and locking member 325 allows for the identification of a predetermined position of the mechanical crank 315 using a photodetector 330 configured to detect specific elements of the positioning and locking member 325, such as holes. Thus, the angular position of the positioning and locking member 325 corresponding to the locked position of the mechanical crank 315 can be identified, making it possible to lock the mechanical crank 315 when the probe head 110 is removed.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the positioning and locking member 325 comprises a positioning member separate from the locking member. The positioning member and / or locking member may be part of a mechanical crank.

[0059] As shown, the mounting assembly 145 further comprises an electrical connector pin 335 configured to establish electrical contact with the electrical contact pads of the probe head 110, for example, the electrical contact pad 215 of the probe head 110, when the probe head 110 is mounted within the probe body 105. According to some particular embodiments, the electrical connector pin 335 is elastic or resilient (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the probe body 105) to provide reliable electrical contact when the probe head 110 is mounted within the probe body 105, and it has been observed that an elastic connector pin 335 allows for absorbing deviations in mechanical and electrical design (e.g., problems with the tilt axis between the pin and the corresponding connecting pad, deviations in distance, etc.).

[0060] In a further example, the mounting assembly 145 of the probe body 105 comprises a structural member 340, the structural member 340 having an inner surface adapted to cooperate with the outer surface of the structural member of the probe head 110, and comprising a fastening member 345 for fastening the probe body 105 and the probe head 110. In this example, the inner surface of the structural member 340 corresponds to the outer surface of the structural member of the mounting assembly 145 of the probe head 110, and the fastening member 345 has a threaded edge to which a threaded ring 235 having a shoulder that cooperates with the probe head 110 can be screwed.

[0061] Here, it is observed that other possible shapes exist for the inner and outer surfaces of the structural members of the mounting assembly 145, the cam 205 and the cam guide member 300, and the foolproof members 225 and 305.

[0062] Here, it is also observed that the position of the angular sector swept by the transducer is primarily determined by the relative position of the transducer to the cam and the position of the foolproof member. The angular size of the angular sector swept by the transducer is primarily determined by the position of the crankpin on the mechanical crank and the relative position of the rotation axis of the mechanical crank to the rotation axis of the cam. Therefore, the design of the probe head makes it possible to determine the position and angular size of the angular sector swept by the transducer. Thus, by mounting different probe heads on the same probe body, it is possible to provide different positions and / or different angular sizes of angular sectors swept by the transducer.

[0063] Figure 4 shows an example of the steps for attaching the probe head 110 to the probe body 105 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] As shown, the first step (step 400) is to align the probe body 105 and the probe head 110, for example, the probe body 105 and the probe head 110, along their longitudinal axes, so that the mounting assemblies 145 of the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 face each other. More precisely, step 400 is to align the mounting assembly components of the probe body 105 and the mounting assembly components of the probe head 110.

[0065] Next, the cams, for example, the cam 205 of the probe head 110 and the cam guide members, for example, the cam guide member 300 of the probe body 105, are aligned (step 405). This can be done, for example, by rotating one of the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 relative to the other. After the cam 205 and the cam guide member 300 are aligned, the cam 205 is engaged and fitted into the cam guide member 300 by moving the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 toward each other along their longitudinal axes, for example (step 410).

[0066] Next, after the cam 205 engages with the cam guide member 300, the male and female foolproof members, for example, the male foolproof member 225 of the probe head 110 and the female foolproof member 305 of the probe body 105, are aligned (step 415). In this case as well, this can be done, for example, by rotating one of the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 relative to the other, and it is observed that when the cam 205 is engaged with the cam guide member 300, even if the probe body 105 or the probe head 110 is rotated to align the foolproof members 225, 305, their relative position to the probe body 105 does not change. After the foolproof members 225, 305 are aligned, the male foolproof member 225 engages with the female foolproof member 305, for example, by moving the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 toward each other along their longitudinal axes (step 420).

[0067] When the male foolproof member 225 is engaged with the female foolproof member 305, it should be noted that the crankpin, for example, the crankpin 320 of the probe body 105, engages with the cam groove, for example, the cam groove 210 of the probe head 110, and the mechanical crank, for example, the mechanical crank 315 of the probe body 105, is locked in a position where, if the probe head 110 is absent, the crankpin 320 aligns with the cam groove 210 when the cam 205 engages with the cam guide member 300 (as described later in this specification).

[0068] Next, the probe head 110 can be fastened to the probe body 105 by screwing a threaded ring (for example, threaded ring 235) having a shoulder portion that cooperates with the probe head 110 to the probe body 105 (step 425).

[0069] Steps 400, 405, 415, and 420 are shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0070] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example of a portion of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 shows step 400 of Figure 4, which involves aligning the mounting assembly components of the probe body 105 and the head 110.

[0071] As shown, the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 are aligned along their longitudinal axes such that their mounting assembly components face each other, and as indicated by the arrow referred to as A, the structural member 230 of the probe head 110 is inserted into the structural member 340 of the probe body 105.

[0072] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a portion of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 shows step 405 of Figure 4, which involves aligning the cam 205 and the cam guide member 300. As described above, aligning the cam 205 and the cam guide member 300 can be done by rotating one of the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 relative to the other, for example, until the cam 205 faces the cam guide member 300, as indicated by arrow A.

[0073] After the cam 205 and the cam guide member 300 are aligned, the cam 205 engages with the cam guide member 300 by moving, for example, the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 toward each other along their longitudinal axes, as indicated by arrow B.

[0074] According to some embodiments, when the probe head 110 is mounted inside the probe body 105, the mechanical crank 315 is in a stop position (or stationary position). In such a stop position, the crank pin 320 is aligned with the cam guide member 300, thereby engaging the cam 205 with the cam guide member 300 and engaging the crank pin 320 with the cam groove 210.

[0075] It has been observed that when the cam 205 engages with the cam guide member 300, the electrical connector pin 335 and the electrical contact pad 215 may not be properly aligned.

[0076] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a portion of the body 105 and head 110 of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 shows step 415 of Figure 4 for aligning the foolproof members 225 and 305. As described above, aligning the foolproof members 225 and 305 can be done by rotating one of the probe body 105 and probe head 110 relative to the other, for example, until the male foolproof member 225 faces the female foolproof member 305, as indicated by arrow A.

[0077] Note that, as shown in the example, when aligning the foolproof members 225 and 305, the cam 205 engages with the cam guide member 300, and therefore the transducer remains stationary relative to the probe body 105.

[0078] After the foolproof members 225 and 305 are aligned, the male foolproof member 225 engages with the female foolproof member 305 by moving, for example, the probe body 105 and the probe head 110 toward each other along their longitudinal axes, as indicated by arrow B.

[0079] When the male foolproof member 225 engages with the female foolproof member 305, it is observed that the electrical connector pin 335 and the electrical contact pad 215 are aligned. Electrical contact between the electrical connector pin 335 and the electrical contact pad 215 is established by the force applied by the probe head 110 toward the probe body 105 and the elasticity of the electrical connector pin 335.

[0080] In addition, when the male foolproof member 225 is engaged with the female foolproof member 305, the crankpin 320 comes into contact with the cam groove. According to some embodiments, the force applied to the crankpin 320 (and therefore the mechanical crank 315 and the positioning and locking member 325) by the cam 205 moves the mechanical crank 315 along its axis of rotation from the locked position shown in Figure 7 to the unlocked position shown in Figure 8.

[0081] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the mechanical crank 315 is spring-mounted to its rotating shaft, and force is applied to the end of the probe mounting assembly 145 of the probe body 105, - To compensate for minor misadjustments, a mechanical clearance is provided between the crank 315 and the cam groove 210. - Maintaining contact between the crankpin 320 and the cam groove 210 by pressure, and - This allows for providing a locked position for the mechanical crank 315 after the probe head 110 is removed. This maintains the physical position of the crankpin 320 when the probe head 110 is mounted in the probe body 105 and when the probe head 110 is removed, ensuring correct alignment between the crankpin 320 and the cam groove 210. Positioning can be ensured by a rotation locking mechanism (or mechanical stop) after the probe head 110 is removed from the probe body 105.

[0082] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a portion of the body and head of an ultrasonic intraoral wireless handheld device according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 shows the assembly of the probe body 105 and head 110 after the probe head 110 has been mounted inside the probe body 105 (i.e., between steps 420 and 425 in Figure 4). For clarity, the printed circuit board with the electrical contact pads 215 (inside the probe head 110) is not shown.

[0083] As shown, the force applied to the positioning and locking member 325 by the cam 205 via the crankpin 320 and the mechanical crank 315 moves the positioning and locking member 325 away from the locking member 600 (which is rigidly mounted in the probe body 105), also called the associated complementary or corresponding locking member, allowing the positioning and locking member 325 (and the mechanical crank 315) to rotate along the mechanical crankshaft. The spring 605 applies a bias force toward the end of the mounting assembly component of the probe body 105 so that the positioning and locking member 325 aligns with the locking member 600 when the probe head 110 is removed, preventing the positioning and locking member 325 (and the mechanical crank 315) from rotating along the mechanical crankshaft.

[0084] As shown, when the cam 205 moves the positioning and locking member 325 away from the locking member 600, the cam 205 faces the cam gap window 310, allowing the transducer to move.

[0085] It is observed that the position of the cam guide member 300 allows the probe head 110 to be mounted in such a way that the relative position of the transducer with respect to the probe body 105 can be predetermined and therefore precisely controlled.

[0086] Figure 9 shows an example of the steps for removing the probe head from the probe body according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] As shown, the first step involves positioning the cam 205 in a predetermined position, for example, a position in which the cam 205 is aligned with the cam guide member 300 (step 900). According to some embodiments, aligning the cam 205 and the cam guide member 300 involves rotating the cam 205 until a predetermined position is detected, which can be detected using a sensor such as a photodetector 330 and certain elements of a positioning and locking member 325 such as a hole (not visible in the drawing). Rotating the cam 205 can be done by an electric motor controlled by a processing unit 1005, such as the one shown in Figure 10. Similarly, detecting the predetermined position can be done by analyzing signals acquired from the sensor in the processing unit 1005.

[0088] Next, the probe head 110 is released from the probe body 105 by loosening a threaded ring (for example, threaded ring 235) which has a shoulder that locks the flange 220 when screwed to the probe body 105 (step 905).

[0089] Next, the probe head 110 can be removed from the probe body 105 (step 910).

[0090] When the probe head 110 is removed from the probe body 105, the force applied to the crankpin 320 stops, and therefore the force applied by the spring 605 causes the positioning and locking member 325 to reach the locked position (i.e., the positioning and locking member 325 and the locking member 600 are aligned, preventing rotation of the positioning and locking member 325).

[0091] Next, as will be explained with reference to Figure 4, another probe head 110 (or the same probe head 110) can be attached to the probe body 105.

[0092] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of an implementation of one or more embodiments of the present invention, in particular a processing device for controlling the rotation of a mechanical crank 315 and / or detecting a predetermined position of the mechanical crank 315.

[0093] Computing device 1000 is equipped with a communication bus, and the communication bus is - A central processing unit 1005 such as a microprocessor, indicated as CPU1005. - A random access memory 1010, indicated as RAM 1010 for storing executable code for the method of an embodiment of the present invention, and registers adapted to record variables and parameters necessary for implementing a method for training an automated tooth chart system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the memory capacity of which can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port, for example. - A read-only memory 1015, indicated as a ROM 1015 for storing a computer program that implements an embodiment of the present invention. - A user interface and / or input / output interface 1030 that can be used for receiving input from the user, displaying information to the user, and / or receiving / transmitting data with an external device, and - Typically connected to a network interface 1020 that is connected to a communication network capable of transmitting or receiving digital data for sending / receiving data to / from a remote device. The network interface 1020 may be a single network interface or may consist of a set of different network interfaces (e.g., a wired and / or wireless interface, or different types of wired or wireless interfaces). Data packets are written to the network interface for transmission or read from the network interface for reception under the control of a software application running on the CPU 1005.

[0094] Optionally, the communication bus of computing device 1000 can be connected to a hard disk 1025, designated HD1025, which is used as a mass storage device.

[0095] The executable code can be stored in read-only memory 1015, hard disk 1025, or a removable digital medium such as a disk. According to one variant, the executable code of a program can be received via a communication network through a network interface 1020, stored in one of the storage means of the computing device 200, such as the hard disk 1025, and then executed.

[0096] The central processing unit 1005 is adapted to control and guide the execution of instructions or portions of software code of one or more programs according to embodiments of the present invention, the instructions being stored in one of the storage means described above. After power-up, the CPU 1005 is able to execute instructions from the main RAM memory 1010 relating to a software application after those instructions have been loaded from, for example, the ROM 1015 or the hard disk 1025. When such a software application is executed by the CPU 1005, it causes the steps of the algorithm disclosed herein to be carried out.

[0097] Any step of the algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented in software by executing a set of instructions or a program on a programmable computing machine such as a PC ("Personal Computer"), laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, DSP ("Digital Signal Processor"), or microcontroller, or it can be implemented in hardware by a machine or dedicated component such as an FPGA ("Field-Programmable Gate Array") or ASIC ("Application-Specific Integrated Circuit").

[0098] While the present invention has been described above with reference to several specific embodiments, the invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and variations that fall within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0099] By referring to the exemplary embodiments described above, many further variations and modifications will be conceivable to those skilled in the art, and these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, the scope of the invention is determined solely by the appended claims. In particular, different features from different embodiments can be substituted as appropriate.

[0100] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurals. The mere fact that different features are listed in different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these features cannot be used to one's advantage.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly for the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, Cam guide member (300) and Foolproof member (305) and The rotating machine crank (315) is equipped with a crank pin (320), and the rotating machine crank has a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head. A mounting assembly characterized in that the cam guide member identifies the reference position of the transducer of the probe head, and the foolproof member identifies the fastening position of the probe head.

2. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning and locking member (325), wherein the positioning and locking member is angularly rigidly connected to the mechanical crank, and the positioning and locking member has a locked position corresponding to the stop position.

3. A mounting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the positioning and locking member (325) moves along the rotation axis of the mechanical crank, and the mounting assembly further comprises a locking member (600) which cooperates with the positioning and locking member to lock the mechanical crank in the stop position when the probe head is removed from the probe body.

4. A mounting assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a spring member (605) that applies force to the positioning and locking member to pull the positioning and locking member toward the locked position.

5. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a position detector for detecting the angular position of the positioning and locking member, wherein the angular position corresponds to the locking position.

6. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cam guide member and / or the foolproof member are stationary relative to the probe body.

7. A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a resilient electrical connector pin configured to establish electrical contact with the electrical contact pad of the probe head when the probe head is mounted inside the probe body.

8. A mounting assembly for a probe head of an ultrasonic handheld device, configured to cooperate with a probe body mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A foolproof member (225) that identifies the fastening position of the probe head, A mounting assembly comprising a cam (200) having a cam groove (210) configured to cooperate with the crankpin of the probe body, wherein the cam moves rotationally relative to the foolproof member and is rigidly coupled to the transducer.

9. An ultrasonic handheld device comprising a probe body having a mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a probe head having a mounting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the probe head is detachable from the probe body.

10. A set comprising an ultrasonic handheld device as described in claim 9, wherein the probe head is a first probe head, the set further comprises at least one second probe head, the at least one second probe head comprises the mounting assembly described in claim 8, and unlike the first probe head, is attachable to the probe body.

11. A set according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one second probe head has a plurality of transducers and / or transducers of a different type from the first probe head.

12. A method for attaching a probe head to the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, wherein the probe body comprises a probe body mounting assembly comprising a cam guide member (300), a probe body foolproof member (305), and a rotating mechanical crank (315) having a crank pin (320), wherein the rotating mechanical crank has a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head, and the probe head mounting assembly comprises a probe head foolproof member (225) that identifies the fastening position of the probe head, and a cam (200) having a cam groove (210) configured to cooperate with the crank pin, wherein the cam moves in the rotational direction relative to the foolproof member and is rigidly connected to a transducer, and the method is Aligning the cam and the cam guide member (405), Engaging the cam and the cam guide member (410), Aligning the foolproof member (415), Engaging the foolproof member (420) A method characterized by including the following.

13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that engaging the cam and the cam guide member includes engaging the crank pin into the cam groove.

14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that engaging the foolproof member includes unlocking the mechanical crank.

15. A method for removing a probe head from the probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, wherein the probe body comprises a probe body mounting assembly comprising a cam guide member (300), a probe body foolproof member (305), and a rotating mechanical crank (315) having a crank pin (320), the rotating mechanical crank having a stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member with respect to the mounting direction of the probe head, and the probe head comprises a probe head mounting assembly comprising a probe head foolproof member (225) that identifies the fastening position of the probe head and a cam (200) having a cam groove (210) configured to cooperate with the crank pin, the cam moves rotationally relative to the foolproof member and is tightly coupled to a transducer, and the method is Aligning the cam and the cam guide member (905), (915) Separating the probe head from the probe body A method characterized by including the following.

16. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that aligning the cam and the cam guide member includes rotating the mechanical crank and detecting a predetermined angular position of the positioning and locking member.

17. A method according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that separating the probe head from the probe body includes locking the mechanical crank at the stop position in which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guide member.

18. A method for replacing the first probe head of an ultrasonic handheld device with a second probe head, wherein the ultrasonic handheld device comprises a probe head and a probe body, and the method is Removing the first probe head from the probe body according to any one of claims 15 to 17, Attaching the second probe head to the probe body according to any one of claims 12 to 14 Includes, A method characterized in that the second probe head is identical to or has different ultrasonic measurement characteristics from the first probe head.

Images