Portable Ultrasound Interface Modular Design and Touchscreen Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable ultrasound systems face challenges in terms of portability, usability, and configurability, particularly when used in less-than-ideal conditions with limited access to power and formal workstations, and existing systems are often large and have limited battery life.

Innovation Solution

A portable ultrasound system featuring a modular design with a customizable touchscreen interface, ergonomic handle, locking lever system for securing probes, status indicator, adjustable feet, backup battery, and modular construction for enhanced durability and usability, allowing for efficient operation in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If portable ultrasound systems are made smaller and more portable, then portability is improved, but device complexity and reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem portabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound system is divided into separate modular components including a handheld probe, display unit, and processing unit that can function independently or together. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system portability and reliability through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs adjustable parameters including multiple imaging modes (B-mode, M-mode, Doppler), configurable gain settings, and adaptable depth ranges that allow the portable system to maintain diagnostic quality across varying clinical conditions, compensating for the reduced size through flexible parameter control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional keyboards and controls are replaced with touchscreen interface, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface usabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touchscreen display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays ultrasound images, provides control interfaces for all system parameters, offers gesture-based navigation, and presents patient information. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate keyboards, buttons, and displays into a single universal interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Physical mechanical controls (keyboards, buttons, knobs) are replaced with a digital touchscreen interface that detects touch, swipe, and gesture inputs. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and simplifies the physical structure while providing more flexible and programmable control options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If portable ultrasound systems are designed for limited power access, then adaptability to field conditions is improved, but battery life becomes a limiting factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield condition adaptabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its power consumption based on operational mode and battery status. Low-power modes are activated during idle periods, and imaging parameters are automatically optimized to reduce energy usage while maintaining diagnostic quality, allowing extended field operation from limited power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes preliminary power management features such as battery status monitoring, low-power mode preconfiguration, and automatic hibernation settings that prepare the system for extended field use before power depletion occurs, maximizing the effective duration of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system provides improved portability, usability, and configurability, enabling effective obstetrical, cardiac, and urological imaging in diverse conditions while maintaining efficient battery life and durability.

Implementation Method 1

Ultrasound devices image a patient by producing and emitting ultrasonic waves with a transducer. The transducer measures returning echoes of these waves to provide data regarding the patient.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3166499B1Portable ultrasound user interface

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 EDAN INSTR

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A portable ultrasound system includes a main screen included in a hinged portion of the portable ultrasound system configured open and close relative to a main housing of the portable ultrasound system, a touchscreen included on a top surface of the main housing of the portable ultrasound system, and a touchpad included on the top surface of the main housing of the portable ultrasound system. The system further includes a processing circuit configured to perform general computing operations, configured to receive ultrasound imaging data, and configured to provide ultrasound information to at least one of the main screen, the touchscreen, or the touchpad.