Infant Ultrasound Probe Holder With Magnetic Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound probe holding devices for infants are invasive, unstable, and difficult to install, leading to motion artifacts and image degradation, especially in premature babies who need to be monitored in incubators.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive ultrasound probe holding device that attaches to the infant's head using a head pad with a pad squeezer and repellent means, allowing axial guidance and controlled pressure to maintain stability during imaging, with features like repellent magnets and lateral mechanical backlash for comfort and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive methods (surgical implants, stereotaxic frames) are used to fix the ultrasound probe, then probe stability is improved, but the device becomes inapplicable to infants and ethically unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical fixation systems (surgical implants, stereotaxic frames) with a non-invasive magnetic field-based holding system. Repellent magnets embedded in the probe interface with magnetic elements on the infant's head, creating a stable yet non-invasive connection that eliminates surgical intervention while maintaining probe stability during functional ultrasound imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the holding mechanism from rigid mechanical constraints to controllable magnetic forces. By adjusting magnetic field strength and distribution, the system achieves optimal balance between probe stability and comfort, allowing adaptation to different infant head sizes and imaging requirements without physical contact or surgery.
2Reliability
If the infant's head is immobilized using straps or restraints, then motion artifacts are reduced, but the infant's comfort and natural movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the probe and the infant's head, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact through straps or restraints. The magnetic holding system stabilizes the probe without restraining the infant's head, allowing natural movement while preventing motion artifacts through magnetic coupling that maintains probe positioning.
3Measurement precision
If the probe is held by an articulated mechanical arm or motorized system, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of use in clinical settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex motorized positioning systems and articulated mechanical arms from the probe holding device. Instead, it uses a simple magnetic holding mechanism that provides sufficient positioning precision for functional ultrasound imaging through passive magnetic attraction and repellent forces, eliminating the need for active motor control systems.
4Device complexity
If the probe is manually held during acquisition, then the device is simple, but motion artifacts occur and imaging stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-holding mechanism where the probe is automatically stabilized by magnetic forces between the probe interface and the infant's head. The magnetic field creates a self-regulating holding system that maintains probe positioning without requiring manual support, eliminating motion artifacts while keeping the device structure simple and easy to operate in clinical settings.
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 device ensures stable ultrasound imaging with minimal pressure, allowing long recordings of up to 20 minutes and simultaneous EEG measurements, while being easy to install and adaptable to different infant head shapes.
Implementation Method 1
repellent means configured to exert a repellent force between the pad squeezer and the head pad when the device holder exerts the downward force on the pad squeezer
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound probe holding device configured to attach to the head of an infant for transfontanellar imaging is disclosed, including a head pad configured to be in contact with the head of the infant and including a central opening, wherein the head pad is configured to receive an ultrasound probe; a pad squeezer, including a central opening and configured to cooperate with the head pad to allow an axial guidance of the head pad along a guidance axis substantially perpendicular to a surface tangent to the head of the infant; a device holder configured to be attached to the head of the infant and exert a downward force on the pad squeezer, along said guidance axis; and a repellent configured to exert a repellent force between the pad squeezer and the head pad when the device holder exerts the downward force on the pad squeezer.