Ultrasound Probe Connector Cover With Air-Permeable Sterilization Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging probes face damage during sterilization due to improper removal of the electromechanical connector cover, leading to rubber boot seal bursting and probe downtime, despite manual instructions for cover removal during sterilization.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical connector cover designed with a liquid-proof and air-permeable membrane that allows ingress of liquids during cleaning and disinfection while permitting gas egress during sterilization, ensuring the cover remains attached throughout the reprocessing cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover is removed before sterilization to allow pressure equalization, then damage risk is reduced, but manual error and probe downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover automatically performs the function of pressure equalization during sterilization without requiring manual removal. The air-permeable membrane self-regulates pressure by allowing gas transmission, eliminating the need for operator intervention and preventing the downtime associated with cover removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is pre-configured with air-permeable properties before sterilization begins, ensuring pressure equalization capability is already in place. This preliminary design feature prevents the need for subsequent manual actions to remove or modify the cover, thereby eliminating downtime.
2Ease of operation
If the cover remains attached during sterilization, then ease of operation is improved, but traditional hermetic seals cause damage due to pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The seal interface is designed with local quality differentiation: the bonding between the cover and connector housing maintains hermeticity for liquid-proofing, while the membrane portion facing the sterilization environment provides air permeability. This allows the cover to remain attached while preventing pressure-related damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system employs composite construction combining liquid-proof bonding materials with air-permeable membrane materials. This composite approach enables the cover to maintain attachment during sterilization while the material composition prevents pressure damage through selective permeability.
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
Prevents damage to the ultrasound imaging probe by maintaining the cover during reprocessing, reducing downtime and maintenance costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged probes.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane disposed in the cavity and adjacent to the at least one opening. The membrane is liquid-proof and air-permeable
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical connector cover for covering an electromechanical connector of an ultrasound imaging probe includes a three-dimensional container with a cavity configured to receive the electromechanical connector. The cavity includes a rim configured to provide a hermetic seal with the received electromechanical connector. The electromechanical connector cover further includes at least one side with at least one opening. The electromechanical connector cover further includes a membrane disposed in the cavity and adjacent to the at least one opening. The membrane is liquid-proof and air-permeable.