Flexible Transducer Positioning via Inflatable Bladder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large, flexible ultrasound transducer arrays face challenges in maintaining consistent contact with a surface, making it impractical for a sonographer to hold them in place for extended periods, especially in applications requiring user-independent imaging.

Innovation Solution

A transducer positioning device comprising an inflatable bladder and a strap is used to maintain the flexible transducer array in contact with the surface, allowing for secure positioning and acoustical coupling, enabling user-independent imaging and therapy applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a large flexible transducer array is used to enable new ultrasound applications and conform to body surfaces, then the area of the transducer and adaptability are improved, but it becomes impractical for a sonographer to hold in place and maintain consistent contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer array surface areaVSAvoidease of positioning and maintaining contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An inflatable bladder is introduced as an intermediary device between the transducer array and the patient's body. The bladder, when inflated, applies distributed pressure to hold the large flexible transducer array firmly against the body surface, eliminating the need for manual holding while maintaining consistent acoustical coupling across the entire array area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic pressure from an inflatable bladder to secure the transducer array. By inflating the bladder with gas or fluid, sufficient force is generated to press the transducer array against the body surface, providing stable positioning and consistent contact without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transducer array is made flexible to conform to surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining stable contact and acoustical coupling becomes difficult without continuous manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to conform to surfaceVSAvoidconsistent acoustical coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable bladder serves as a mediator that provides reliable, consistent pressure to maintain acoustical coupling between the flexible transducer array and the body surface. This eliminates the variability introduced by manual holding and ensures stable contact throughout the imaging or therapy procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bladder is inflated beforehand to establish firm contact between the transducer array and the body surface before imaging or therapy begins. This preliminary action ensures that consistent acoustical coupling is already in place, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If the transducer array requires extended period positioning, then duration of action is improved, but manual holding becomes impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of positioningVSAvoidease of maintaining position

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable bladder system is self-sustaining once inflated, providing continuous positioning force without requiring ongoing manual intervention. The bladder maintains the transducer array in place for extended periods autonomously, enabling long-duration imaging or therapy applications without operator fatigue or continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bladder acts as an autonomous intermediary device that takes over the positioning function from the operator. Once set up, the inflated bladder independently maintains the transducer array position for extended durations, making long-term monitoring and imaging practical without continuous manual involvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution ensures consistent acoustical coupling and stable imaging, allowing for efficient acquisition of ultrasound images and therapy delivery without the need for continuous manual holding, facilitating applications like emergency medicine and extended monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a bladder adjacent the first surface of the transducer array, the bladder may be configured to be inflated by a fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the strap and the bladder may be configured to maintain a force against the first surface of the transducer array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3316787B1Methods, apparatuses, and systems for coupling a flexible transducer to a surface

Publication Date: 2023.08.09 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for coupling a flexible transducer to an object are described. A transducer positioning device may include an inflatable bladder and a strap. The inflatable bladder may apply a force to a transducer array to maintain its position against the object when inflated. The strap may hold the bladder against the transducer array. Once in place, the bladder may be inflated with a fluid.