Ocular Ultrasound Probe Flow Regulator for Bubble Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic wave treatment devices for glaucoma suffer from inefficiency due to air bubbles formed during the filling process, which hinder the transmission of ultrasonic waves and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a flow rate regulator and purger system that prevents air bubbles from reaching the ultrasonic wave generation area, ensuring a bubble-free interface between the device and the eye by using a conduit with dimensions adapted to the viscosity of the coupling fluid, and a chimney for air expulsion during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If strong pressure is applied to expel coupling liquid through the dispenser, then the filling time is reduced, but air bubbles are formed and trapped in the ring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes air bubbles from the coupling liquid before it enters the ring through the flow rate regulator, which includes a bubble removal chamber that separates and expels bubbles from the liquid stream, allowing rapid filling without trapping bubbles in the treatment area
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate regulator acts as an intermediary device between the dispenser and the ring, modifying the liquid flow by removing bubbles while maintaining the high flow rate needed for quick filling, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of speed and purity
2Productivity
If coupling liquid is introduced rapidly into the ring, then treatment efficiency is improved, but air bubbles are generated that hinder ultrasonic wave transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate regulator performs preliminary action by removing air bubbles from the coupling liquid before it reaches the ring and transducers, ensuring that the liquid introduced for treatment is already debubbled and will not compromise ultrasonic wave transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of rapid liquid introduction (bubble formation) into a benefit by using the flow rate regulator to capture and remove these bubbles, allowing the practitioner to maintain high filling speeds while actually improving transmission reliability by eliminating the harmful bubbles
3Reliability
If a flow rate regulator with small conduit dimensions is used to suppress bubbles, then bubble propagation is prevented, but fluid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate regulator segments the liquid flow path into multiple smaller channels within the bubble removal chamber, which increases the surface area for bubble detachment while maintaining overall flow capacity, thus reducing energy loss compared to a single small conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator changes the physical parameters of the flow path (conduit dimensions, chamber volume, surface characteristics) to optimize the balance between bubble suppression and flow resistance, using parameters such as chamber volume and outlet diameter that can be adjusted to minimize energy loss while maintaining effective bubble removal
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 effectively reduces the presence of air bubbles, enhancing the efficiency of ultrasonic wave transmission and improving treatment outcomes by maintaining a clear pathway for the waves, thus ensuring better treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the dimensions of the fluid supply conduit are calculated so as to limit the risks of propagation of bubbles when the coupling fluid has a viscosity equal to that of water
Implementation Method 2
a probe for treating an eye pathology with focused or non-focused ultrasonic waves, of high or low intensity
Implementation Method 3
As air is not very permeable to ultrasonic waves, the presence of an air bubble between the eye and the means for generating ultrasonic waves may be detrimental to the efficiency of the treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for treating an ocular pathology. The probe has a ring including a cone frustum having a first end suitable for supporting an ultrasound generator and a second end for coming into contact with an eye of a patient. The ultrasound generator includes a first base intended to come to face the first end, and a second base opposite the first base. The probe further includes a flow regulator for eliminating the bubbles contained in a coupling fluid flowing to the first base when filling the probe with the fluid.