Pneumatic Ball-Head Locking for Ultrasound Scanning Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient locking mechanism for scanning assemblies due to limited space, resulting in complex structures and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus for ultrasound imaging systems that utilizes a motor-driven cylinder assembly to apply a pressing force against a ball-head structure, enhancing locking reliability and simplicity through a cylinder assembly with check valves and a pressure limiting valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-driven locking mechanism with multiple force conducting mechanisms is used to amplify locking force, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic cylinder assembly to generate locking force, replacing complex mechanical force amplification mechanisms. The cylinder uses gas pressure to drive the pressing member against the ball-head structure, achieving reliable locking with a simpler overall structure that reduces the number of components while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical force amplification mechanisms (such as levers, screws, or gear systems) with a pneumatic system. The motor assembly drives a piston that compresses gas in the cylinder, which then exerts force on the pressing member, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical force conducting mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a motor-driven locking mechanism with multiple force conducting mechanisms is used to amplify locking force, then locking reliability is improved, but the space size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic cylinder assembly provides a compact solution for generating sufficient locking force without requiring the extensive mechanical linkages and multiple force conducting mechanisms that would occupy more space. The cylinder's pneumatic expansion and contraction occur within a confined volume, maintaining reliability while reducing spatial requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional force conducting mechanisms are added to amplify locking force, then locking stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system provides stable locking force through controlled gas pressure, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical force amplification stages. The cylinder assembly maintains consistent force application through pneumatic pressure control, achieving locking stability with a single, integrated mechanism rather than multiple interconnected mechanical components.
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 provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective locking mechanism for scanning assemblies, ensuring stable imaging by amplifying the locking force effectively without additional amplification structures.
Implementation Method 1
cylinder gas pressure of the cylinder assembly is increased under the driving of the motor assembly, to drive the pressing member to press against the ball-head structure
Implementation Method 2
a first check valve, disposed in the gas passage to allow gas to flow unidirectionally from the first cylinder into the second cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the locking apparatus further comprises a pressure limiting valve disposed on the cylinder, the pressure limiting valve being opened when gas pressure in the cylinder reaches a predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging apparatus and a locking apparatus for a scanning assembly in the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The locking apparatus includes: a scanning assembly connecting apparatus, one end of which has a ball-head structure and the other end of which is connected to the scanning assembly; a fixing member, connected to a main body of the ultrasound imaging apparatus, and including a hollow cavity, the ball-head structure being accommodated within the hollow cavity and movable within the hollow cavity; and a pressing assembly, including a motor assembly, a cylinder assembly, and a pressing member, the cylinder assembly being disposed between the motor assembly and the pressing member, and cylinder gas pressure of the cylinder assembly being increased under the driving of the motor assembly, to drive the pressing member to press against the ball-head structure, thereby locking the scanning assembly.