Modular Ultrasound Probe With Removable Upper Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasound measurement probes face wear and tear issues, requiring replacement when different cable lengths or test controllers with different connector configurations are needed, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular design with removably coupled upper and lower probe portions, where the lower portion includes a delay block and array of transducers, and the upper portion has a circuit board with pins that connect to the lower portion's pins, allowing for interchangeable cable lengths and connector options without replacing the entire probe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire probe is replaced when wear occurs or different cable lengths/connector configurations are needed, then the probe can be used with different test controllers and cable lengths, but the cost increases and waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different test controllers and cable lengthsVSAvoidwaste of probe components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into separate modular components: a lower portion containing the transducer array and delay block, and an upper portion containing the cable and connector. These portions can be independently replaced or reconfigured, allowing adaptability without replacing the entire probe assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper portion is designed as a universal interface that can be configured with different cable lengths and connector types. This allows a single lower portion to work with multiple test controllers and cable configurations, eliminating the need to replace the entire probe for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the entire probe is replaced when wear occurs, then the probe functionality is restored, but the cost increases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe functionalityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is segmented into wear-prone lower portion and durable upper portion. Only the lower portion needs replacement when wear occurs, significantly reducing replacement time and cost compared to replacing the entire probe assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The durable upper portion is recovered and reused after the lower portion is replaced. This recovery and reuse of functional components reduces waste and minimizes replacement time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Length of moving object

If the entire probe is replaced when different cable lengths are needed, then the probe can reach larger scanning areas, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable lengthVSAvoidwaste of probe components

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The upper portion is designed as a universal interface that can be configured with different cable lengths. This allows a single lower portion to work with multiple cable lengths, eliminating the need to purchase and discard multiple complete probes for different scanning areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the entire probe is replaced when different test controllers are used, then the probe can interface with different connector configurations, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector configuration compatibilityVSAvoidwaste of probe components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The upper portion is designed with universal connector interfaces that can accommodate different test controller configurations. This allows a single lower portion to interface with multiple test controllers, eliminating the need to replace the entire probe when switching between different test controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This design extends the probe's lifespan by allowing only the worn lower portion to be replaced, enables use of different cable lengths and connector options with a single probe, reducing waste and costs.

Implementation Method 1

System and method for phased array edge card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased array:

Implementation Method 2

The lower portion includes a delay block, an array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the delay block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal delay:

Data Source

PatentUS10401326B2System and method for phased array edge card

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A system includes an ultrasound measurement probe. The ultrasound measurement probe includes a lower portion. The lower portion includes a delay block, an array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the delay block, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board further includes a first plurality of pins coupled to the array of ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound measurement probe also includes an upper portion removably coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a second circuit board. The second circuit board further includes a second plurality of pins configured to couple with the first plurality of pins when the upper portion is removably coupled to the lower portion.