Foldable Ultrasound Probe Holder for Collision-Free Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing probe holders for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses protrude from the main body, restricting movement and maintenance, and are prone to damage during transport due to collisions with walls or other objects.
Innovation Solution
A foldable probe holder with a rotatable holding part, elastic members for biasing to the holding position, and a securing mechanism that allows the holding part to be securely attached to the base, enabling it to be folded and secured when not in use, thus reducing protrusion and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the probe holder protrudes from the main body to hold the probe, then the probe can be securely stored and accessed, but the apparatus volume increases and movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder is designed to be rotatable between a protruding position (when probe is stored) and a retracted position (when movement is needed). This dynamic configuration allows the holder to adapt its state based on operational requirements, reducing volume during transport while maintaining accessibility during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe holder is divided into separable components that can be folded or rotated relative to the main body. This segmentation enables the holder to be collapsed into a compact configuration for transport while still providing full functionality when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the probe holder protrudes from the apparatus, then the probe is easily accessible, but the holder can collide with walls or objects during movement causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable design allows the probe holder to be dynamically repositioned. When the apparatus needs to be moved through narrow spaces or corridors, the holder can be rotated to a retracted position, eliminating the protrusion that would otherwise cause collisions with walls or other objects.
Solution Approach 2:
Before moving the apparatus, the probe holder can be proactively rotated to a protected position, preventing potential collisions before they occur. This preliminary action avoids damage to both the holder and surrounding objects.
3Volume of moving object
If the probe holder is made retractable to reduce volume, then movement and maintenance become easier, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable probe holder utilizes a simple rotational joint mechanism rather than complex telescopic or folding structures. This approach achieves volume reduction through a single degree of freedom rotation, minimizing mechanical complexity while still providing the desired retractable functionality.
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 solution allows for easy movement and maintenance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by reducing the volume occupied by the probe holder, preventing damage to the holder and surrounding objects, and enhancing the apparatus's appearance by keeping the holder coplanar with the main body.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided to the holding part to elastically bias the holding part to the holding position
Data Source
AI summary
A probe holder includes a base and a holding part foldably provided to the base. The probe holder allows easy movement and maintenance of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the probe holder and to prevent the probe holder from being damaged by a wall or other objects and vice versa during movement of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.