Ultrasonic Probe Connector Venting for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic probe connectors face issues with heat management, leading to increased surface temperature, potential liquid ingress during sterilization, and structural complexity, which complicates handling and increases the risk of damage during attachment/detachment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a connector unit that includes a connected part for the ultrasonic probe, a surrounding wall part, and strategically placed vent holes to facilitate air flow and cooling, allowing for effective heat dissipation without the need for additional cooling structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat pipe or duct structure is added to cool the probe connector, then the surface temperature of the probe connector is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical protection for the connector while simultaneously functioning as a heat dissipation structure through integrated vent holes. This merges the protective and thermal management functions into a single component, avoiding the need for separate cooling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, protection of internal components, and active heat dissipation through vent holes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling components, simplifying the overall structure.
2Temperature
If an inlet port for air is opened in the housing of the probe connector, then heat dissipation is improved, but liquids such as chemicals can come into the probe connector during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The vent holes are positioned on the housing surface rather than creating internal pathways. This dimensional approach allows air to pass through the housing walls for heat dissipation while maintaining the internal sealed environment, separating the thermal management function from the protective function.
3Temperature
If the probe connector structure is made more complex to improve cooling, then heat management is enhanced, but the weight of the ultrasonic probe increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates both structural and thermal management functions, eliminating the need for separate cooling components such as heat pipes or ducts. This integration maintains lightweight construction while providing effective heat dissipation through the vent hole design.
4Temperature
If additional cooling structures are added to the probe connector, then heat dissipation is improved, but the probe connector becomes more prone to breaking during attachment/detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as both the protective enclosure and the heat dissipation structure, eliminating fragile internal cooling components. This integration strengthens the probe connector by removing potential weak points while maintaining effective thermal management through the vent hole design.
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
This design effectively reduces the surface temperature of the probe connector, prevents liquid ingress, simplifies the structure, and enhances handling and reliability by utilizing air flow to manage heat, thus ensuring safe and efficient operation of the ultrasonic probe.
Implementation Method 1
a vent hole provided between the connected part and the wall part so as to pass through from outside to inside of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus capable of connecting a connector of ultrasonic probe includes a connected part, a wall part and a vent hole. The connected part is provided in a housing and is configured to be capable of connecting a connector of ultrasonic probe. The wall part is provided in a location to surround side faces of the connector in a state of being connected to the connected part. The vent hole is provided between the connected part and the wall part so as to pass through from outside to inside of the housing.