Organ Stiffness Probe Alignment for Stable Shear Wave Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liver stiffness measurement devices face challenges in accurate probe positioning due to their small diameter and the difficulty in maintaining consistent contact, leading to potential overestimation and misdiagnosis of liver conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measurement casing and an applicator that includes a shear wave emitter and ultrasound transducer, featuring a maintaining means to ensure perpendicular alignment and a larger contact surface with the body, enhancing probe positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the probe tip is made small to enable precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the probe becomes difficult to stabilize and maintain consistent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: a small-diameter probe tip (for precise positioning and measurement) and a larger applicator body (for stable contact and support). This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator acts as an intermediary structure between the operator and the small probe tip. It provides a larger contact surface that is easier to position and stabilize, while transmitting the positioning action to the smaller measurement tip.
2Measurement precision
If the probe has a small diameter for accurate positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but the probe tends to slide over the body surface
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the positioning function (small probe tip) from the stabilizing function (large applicator body), allowing the larger surface area to prevent sliding while the smaller tip maintains measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a one-dimensional small tip to a two-dimensional larger applicator surface that contacts the body, providing dimensional stability and preventing sliding in multiple directions.
3Productivity
If the operator focuses attention on the screen during examination, then measurement efficiency is improved, but the probe positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator with its larger contact surface and maintaining means performs the positioning and stabilization functions automatically once initially placed, reducing the need for continuous operator adjustment and allowing the operator to monitor the screen without compromising positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed to establish and maintain proper probe positioning in advance, creating a self-stabilizing system that does not require continuous operator attention for positioning adjustments during the examination.
4Measurement precision
If the probe tip is small for precise positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure accurate positioning without specific training
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the difficult precision positioning task (small tip) from the easier stabilization task (large applicator), making the overall device easier to operate while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator serves as an intermediary that simplifies the operator's task by providing a larger, more easily controlled contact surface, reducing the skill requirement while maintaining the precision of the smaller measurement tip.
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
Improves the accuracy of liver stiffness measurements by reducing variability and enhancing ergonomics, ensuring better transmission of shear waves and patient comfort during examinations.
Implementation Method 1
a shear wave emitter adapted to generate a low-frequency elastic wave
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound transducer adapted to acquire ultrasound signals to determine the stiffness of the organ based on the propagation of the generated low-frequency elastic wave
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring a stiffness of an organ of a subject, the measuring device comprising: - a measurement casing (3) which comprises: a) a shear wave emitter adapted to generate a low-frequency elastic wave, and b) an ultrasound transducer (6) adapted to acquire ultrasound signals to determine the stiffness of the organ based on the propagation of the generated low-frequency elastic wave, and - an applicator (10) extending from the measurement casing, the applicator being adapted to be placed against a part of a body of the subject, the applicator comprising a means (12) for maintaining the transducer perpendicular to the part of the body of the subject.