Adjustable TUS Headset for Stable Probe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcranial ultrasound (TUS) devices face challenges in securely attaching transducers to varying head geometries, maintaining stability during patient movements, ensuring comfort, and reducing setup time, while balancing weight distribution to avoid discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable transcranial ultrasound headset with adjustable straps, rings, and counterweights to fit various head sizes, enhance stability, and distribute weight evenly, featuring flexible materials and quick-adjustment mechanisms for secure and comfortable attachment of transducer probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single probe is used for TUS treatment, then the device structure is simplified, but the weight distribution becomes unbalanced causing discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight component that can be attached to the headset to balance the weight distribution when using a single probe. This counterweight offsets the imbalance caused by the probe's weight, preventing discomfort during extended treatment sessions while maintaining the simplicity of using a single probe
2Stability of the object's composition
If the headset structure is made rigid to maintain probe stability, then the probe position remains stable during patient movements, but the comfort and adaptability to various head sizes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The headset incorporates adjustable straps and flexible mounting mechanisms that allow the structure to adapt dynamically to different head sizes and shapes. The probe mounting system includes adjustable components that can be positioned and secured at multiple locations, providing both stability during treatment and adaptability during setup for various patients
3Reliability
If extensive adjustments are made during setup to ensure effective ultrasound delivery, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the setup time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The headset is pre-configured with adjustable components in optimal positions and includes pre-marked alignment features that guide proper probe placement. The strap system includes pre-adjusted length settings and the mounting mechanism includes pre-positioned attachment points, allowing clinicians to quickly achieve effective probe positioning without extensive trial-and-adjustment during patient setup
Data Source
AI summary
A transcranial ultrasound headset can hold one or more transducer probe assemblies. The headset can be adjusted to match various human head sizes to securely place the ultrasound probe assemblies on the target areas of a patient's head. In an embodiment, transducer probe assemblies can be placed over a patient's left and right temporal areas, and a third transducer can be placed over the patient's inion. Design techniques and construction materials ensure that transducer probe assemblies are held securely during a transcranial ultrasound session while enhancing patient comfort. An adjustable headband strap around the head is attached to a forehead assembly. The headband strap supports one or more rings. Rings hold ultrasound probe assemblies. The forehead assembly supports pre-built settings for quick size adjustment, allowing rings to be positioned over target areas. An adjustable top strap and chin strap provide additional stability and size customization.