Elastography Attachment for Unobstructed Sensing-Layer Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastography techniques face challenges in accurately measuring the mechanical properties of biological tissues without obstructing the lateral expansion of the deformable sensing layer, which affects the measurement of stiffness changes.
Innovation Solution
An attachment for elastography devices that includes a deformable sensing layer, secured with a securing portion, allowing electromagnetic radiation or acoustic waves to transmit through, and expands laterally relative to the device's longitudinal axis when a load is applied, with features like a U-shaped cross-section and lubrication to reduce friction and enable accurate thickness changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing layer is compressed against the sample material surface, then the mechanical properties can be measured, but the lateral expansion of the sensing layer is obstructed affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into distinct functional components: a securing portion that attaches to the device, a sensing portion that receives the sensing layer, and a cavity structure that enables lateral expansion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining compression for measurement and allowing lateral expansion for volume conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure transitions from a single-dimensional compression interface to a multi-dimensional system where the sensing layer can expand laterally in directions perpendicular to the compression axis. The cavity and U-shaped cross-section provide dimensional freedom for lateral expansion while maintaining axial compression for measurement.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing layer is constrained to maintain compression, then the measurement function is preserved, but the thickness changes cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a flexible sensing layer that can deform under compression while maintaining its structural integrity. The flexible material allows the layer to change thickness in response to applied loads while the attachment structure ensures this deformation can be accurately detected by the imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment acts as an intermediary structure between the imaging device and the sensing layer. It provides a controlled interface that transmits compression forces to the sensing layer while allowing lateral expansion, thereby enabling accurate thickness change detection without compromising the sensing layer's deformability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction is present between the sensing layer and attachment components, then structural stability is maintained, but lateral expansion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a lubrication material that reduces friction between the sensing layer and the attachment components. This allows the sensing layer to expand laterally with minimal resistance while the securing portion maintains structural stability through alternative mechanical engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structure applies different mechanical properties to different regions: the securing portion provides strong mechanical engagement for stability, while the sensing portion includes lubrication and U-shaped cross-section features that facilitate lateral expansion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and expandability.
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
Improves the resolution of elastography techniques by allowing the sensing layer to expand laterally without obstructing thickness changes, enhancing the accuracy of stiffness measurements in biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic radiation is in use transmitted through the sensing layer or the acoustic waves are transmitted through the sensing layer towards the sample material
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic radiation is in use transmitted through the sensing layer or the acoustic waves are transmitted through the sensing layer towards the sample material
Implementation Method 3
when a load is applied to the sample material through the sensing layer, the sensing layer deforms
Implementation Method 4
the sensing layer can expand laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the device
Implementation Method 5
The attachment may further comprise a lubrication material at the sensing layer to reduce friction between the sensing layer and the straps or layers of the flexible material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an attachment for an elastography and/or imaging device. The device has a transmission portion for transmission of electromagnetic radiation or acoustic waves towards a sample material. The attachment comprises a securing portion for securing the attachment to the device. The attachment further has a sensing portion coupled to the securing portion. The sensing portion is adapted to receive a deformable sensing layer that is at least partially transmissive for the electromagnetic radiation or the acoustic waves. The attachment is arranged such that, when attached to the device and the sensing layer is received at the sensing portion, the electromagnetic radiation is in use transmitted through the sensing layer or the acoustic waves are transmitted through the sensing layer towards the sample material, and when a load is applied to the sample material through the sensing layer, the sensing layer deforms.