Multi-Headed Ultrasound Probe with Rotating Transducer Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound examination systems require sonographers to change probes during or between examinations, causing physical stress and affecting exam duration, and adding additional connectors increases the size and portability issues of the probes.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic imaging system with a multi-headed probe that includes a plurality of transducers, allowing for the change of active transducers during an imaging session without replacing the image acquisition component, facilitated by a disk-shaped case with multiple windows and a simple rotation mechanism for selecting different transducers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional connectors are provided for each probe having different geometries, then the ability to perform different imaging modalities is improved, but the size and portability of the probes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging modality versatilityVSAvoidprobe size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The probe housing is designed to accommodate multiple transducers with different geometries (curved array, linear array, phased array) through a universal interface. A single probe housing can be used with various transducer types by simply changing the transducer element, eliminating the need for multiple specialized probes and connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transducers with different geometries are integrated into a single probe housing structure. The housing combines support for curved arrays, linear arrays, and phased arrays in one unified design, allowing all imaging modalities to be accessed through one probe body rather than requiring separate probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sonographers change probes during or between patient examinations, then different probe geometries can be used to optimize image acquisition, but the time required for probe changes increases exam duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe geometry selectionVSAvoidexam duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transducers are pre-installed within the probe housing in ready-to-use positions. The sonographer can quickly switch between transducers by simply rotating or sliding the housing to access different pre-positioned transducers, eliminating the time-consuming process of disconnecting and reconnecting probes during examinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The probe housing incorporates a dynamic switching mechanism that allows rapid transition between different transducer configurations. The housing can be rotated or adjusted to bring different transducers into the active imaging position without requiring physical probe replacement, enabling fast adaptation during the examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If sonographers change probes during examinations, then optimal imaging can be achieved, but physical stress on the sonographer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging optimizationVSAvoidsonographer physical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transducers are combined within a single probe housing that maintains a consistent weight distribution and ergonomic form factor. The housing integrates support for various transducer types without significantly changing the overall probe mass or balance, reducing the physical effort required to handle and reposition the probe during examinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables rapid switching between transducers, reducing exam duration, minimizing physical stress, and maintaining portability by eliminating the need for additional connectors and probe exchanges, while allowing for efficient image acquisition with various probe geometries.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20170007204A9Multi-headed imaging probe and imaging system using same

Publication Date: 2017.01.12 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component.