Intercostal Organ Elasticity Measurement Centring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruments for measuring the elasticity of organs behind the ribs, such as the liver, face difficulties in accurate positioning, retention, and vibration transmission due to the challenges of intercostal space access and pressure distribution, leading to invalid measurements, especially in overweight patients and those with narrow intercostal spaces.
Innovation Solution
A measuring instrument with a centring mechanism using locating posts and a ring with springs to guide the transducer between ribs, reducing pressure on the electrodynamic actuator and improving perpendicular alignment, combined with an echographic imaging transducer and coupling liquid for enhanced ultrasound transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transducer is placed directly between ribs without centring means, then the device structure is simpler, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates and the transducer may contact ribs causing invalid measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centring means including locating posts as an intermediary component between the transducer and the ribs. These locating posts guide the transducer to be positioned precisely between the ribs without direct contact, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through the use of a dedicated positioning mechanism.
2Reliability
If pressure is increased to improve wave transmission through skin, then transmission quality improves, but the pressure on the electrodynamic actuator increases causing vibration quality reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The centring means with locating posts acts as a mediator that distributes the pressure applied to the device. By guiding the transducer positioning and providing structural support, the locating posts help distribute the load away from the electrodynamic actuator, allowing sufficient pressure for wave transmission while protecting the actuator from excessive pressure that would degrade vibration quality.
3Ease of operation
If the intercostal space is narrow, then anatomical constraints are tighter, but the transducer positioning becomes more difficult and may contact ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The locating posts are designed to automatically guide the transducer into the correct position between the ribs through their geometric configuration. This self-centering mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the operator, making the device equally easy to use whether the intercostal space is narrow or wide, while ensuring reliable positioning that prevents rib contact.
4Reliability
If the transducer axis is not perpendicular to skin surface, then positioning is more flexible, but wave transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning mechanisms with a geometric constraint system using locating posts. These posts mechanically enforce perpendicular alignment of the transducer axis with the skin surface through their spatial arrangement, ensuring optimal wave transmission efficiency while simplifying the operator's task to merely applying the device to the body without requiring precise angular adjustment.
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
Facilitates accurate and reliable elasticity measurements by ensuring proper transducer positioning, reducing recoil, and distributing pressure effectively, while allowing for adaptation to varying patient morphologies and intercostal spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled electrodynamic actuator fixed to the ultrasound transducer and capable of generating a transient low-frequency pulse
Implementation Method 2
The low-frequency pulse transmitted by the ultrasound transducer leads to the propagation in the tissues of an elastic wave whose speed depends on the elasticity of the medium
Implementation Method 3
The low-frequency pulse transmitted by the ultrasound transducer leads to the propagation in the tissues of an elastic wave
Implementation Method 4
an elastic wave whose speed depends on the elasticity of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an instrument for measuring the elasticity of a human or animal organ located behind the ribs. The instrument includes a casing having an actuator therein, the end of which is equipped with a transducer that is actuated in order to measure the elasticity of the organ. The measuring instrument also includes a mechanism for centering the transducer between the ribs.