Compound Acoustic Window Shape for Intercostal Ultrasound Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasound probes face challenges in obtaining clear, unobstructed images due to patient bones, particularly ribs, which cause discomfort and prolong scan times, especially for petite patients, and require additional pressure to position the transducer between rib spaces.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound probe with an acoustic window featuring a compound shape, including curved and straight sections, which stabilizes against ribs, traps ultrasound gel, and is made of a softer material to reduce discomfort and improve image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hard plastic nose is used to position the transducer between ribs, then the transducer can be positioned, but patient discomfort increases and scan time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer positioningVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic window nose is designed with different material properties at different locations: the distal portion contacting the patient is made of softer material to reduce discomfort, while the proximal portion maintains structural integrity for positioning stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between positioning capability and patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic window nose is constructed as a composite structure combining softer material at the distal end with harder material in the proximal region. This composite design allows the distal portion to be gentle on patient tissue while the proximal portion provides the rigidity needed for effective transducer positioning between ribs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If additional pressure is applied to position the transducer between rib spaces, then clear acoustic paths are obtained, but patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic window nose uses softer material at the distal portion to distribute applied pressure over a larger area and reduce pressure concentration on sensitive tissue, enabling necessary positioning pressure to be applied without exceeding patient comfort thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the acoustic window has a larger footprint, then it is more stable during imaging, but it is harder to position between narrow rib spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe stabilityVSAvoidpositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic window nose is segmented into distinct functional zones: a distal portion with smaller footprint for easy insertion between narrow rib spaces, and a proximal portion with larger surface area for stability during imaging. This segmentation allows the probe to achieve both positioning ease and imaging stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If ultrasound gel is not retained during imaging, then the procedure is faster, but image quality decreases due to insufficient gel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic window nose geometry is designed to preliminarily trap and retain ultrasound gel in the intercostal space before imaging begins. The shaped distal portion creates a containment effect that holds the gel in place throughout the procedure, ensuring sufficient coupling medium is maintained without requiring frequent reapplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The compound shape allows for higher quality images with reduced acoustic reverberations, faster imaging procedures, and increased patient comfort by minimizing probe footprint and gel retention, enhancing usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The curved section also has a smaller radius of curvature compared to conventional devices, which advantageously reduces acoustic reverberations and improves ultrasound image quality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reverberation: Reverberation

Implementation Method 2

The transition between the curved and straight sections form gutters that trap ultrasound gel between the acoustic window and the patient's skin during an imaging procedure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel retention:

Data Source

PatentUS12484878B2Acoustic window with compound shape for ultrasound probe

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An ultrasound probe includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user, a transducer array coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data, and an acoustic window disposed over the transducer array. The acoustic window comprises an end surface configured to contact a subject. The end surface comprises a compound shape including one or more curved sections and one or more straight sections. Associated methods, devices, and systems are also provided.