3D Mechanical Probe Hose Non-Circular Cross-Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D mechanical probes for diagnostic ultrasound face issues with leakage due to high internal pressure from expanding coupling liquid, requiring strong sealing structures and materials, and suffer from reduced imaging quality due to air entry and bubble formation at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A 3D mechanical probe with a hose having a non-circular sectional inner contour that deforms to accommodate volume changes without stretching the wall, maintaining internal pressure above external pressure to prevent leakage and bubble formation, thereby reducing the need for high-strength sealing and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional circular hose is used to accommodate volume changes in coupling liquid, then the hose wall must be stretched to accommodate expansion, but this stretching causes high internal pressure that leads to leakage and requires strong sealing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The hose transitions from a static circular cross-section to a dynamic non-circular cross-section that can change its shape in response to internal pressure changes. The non-circular shape allows the hose to expand and contract by deforming its cross-sectional geometry rather than stretching its wall, thereby accommodating volume changes without generating excessive internal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose cross-sectional geometry is changed from a circular shape to a non-circular shape. This parameter change in the hose structure enables it to accommodate volume changes of the coupling liquid through deformation of its cross-section rather than through wall stretching, thus reducing the internal pressure that would otherwise require strong sealing structures.
2Reliability
If strong sealing structures and materials are used to prevent leakage from high internal pressure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of high internal pressure is extracted and eliminated by changing the hose cross-sectional shape. By using a non-circular cross-section, the hose can accommodate volume changes without generating high internal pressure, thereby removing the need for complex sealing structures that would be required to prevent leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume expansion of the coupling liquid, which previously caused harmful high pressure and leakage, is converted into a beneficial deformation of the hose cross-section. The non-circular hose shape allows the expansion to be accommodated through geometric deformation rather than pressure buildup, transforming a harmful effect into a useful volume compensation mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hose wall is stretched to accommodate volume changes, then volume compensation is achieved, but this stretching creates conditions for air entry and bubble formation at low temperatures, degrading imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The hose cross-section dynamically changes shape in response to temperature-induced volume changes in the coupling liquid. At low temperatures, the non-circular cross-section can deform to accommodate contraction without creating negative pressure that would draw air in. This dynamic adaptation prevents bubble formation and maintains imaging quality across a range of temperatures.
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 effectively compensates for volume changes in the coupling liquid, maintaining a reliable sealed connection and improving ultrasonic imaging quality by preventing air entry and reducing the strain on sealing structures, thus enhancing the probe's operational reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a hose (15) having a non-circular sectional inner contour that deforms to accommodate volume changes without stretching the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) mechanical probe for ultrasonic imagining is disclosed.