Ultrasound Probe Needle Shield with Acoustic Lens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound probes are vulnerable to damage from accidental needle sticks due to their design focusing on acoustic communication rather than needle resistance, posing a risk to the transducer and associated structures.
Innovation Solution
A needle shield formed of a resilient material with a thickness of 1mm-5mm, featuring a guide wedge angled relative to the probe head, which secures to the probe and includes an acoustic lens to maintain acoustic functionality while protecting against needle penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the probe head includes additional structures (covers, hydrogel spacers) optimized for acoustic communication, then acoustic energy transmission is improved, but resistance to needle damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe cover is constructed from a composite structure combining a resilient outer layer and an acoustically transparent inner layer. The resilient layer provides mechanical protection against needle punctures, while the acoustically transparent layer maintains ultrasound wave transmission. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by integrating both protective and acoustic functions in a single multi-layer component.
2Reliability
If the probe head structures are made resilient for needle protection, then resistance to needle damage is improved, but acoustic energy transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe cover exhibits local quality differentiation with distinct layers having specialized properties. The outer resilient layer provides localized mechanical protection where needle contact is most likely, while the inner acoustically transparent layer is positioned where acoustic transmission is critical. Each layer's properties are optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction through spatial differentiation of material qualities.
3Reliability
If a protective cover is added to the probe head, then protection from needle damage is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical protection against needle punctures, acoustic transparency for ultrasound transmission, and structural attachment to the probe head. By combining these functions in one element rather than separate components, the solution improves protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 needle shield effectively protects the probe from needle damage while maintaining acoustic integrity and allowing precise ultrasound imaging by adjusting the probe's angle and correcting beam characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The needle shield further includes an acoustic lens
Implementation Method 2
the guide surface is angled relative to an acoustic surface of the probe head so that the probe extends longitudinally at a predetermined angle
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a needle shield for an ultrasound probe. The needle shield fits closely with an ultrasound probe head, and any associated structures, and prevents accidental damage from needle punctures and the like. Further the needle shield includes a guide wedge that allows a user to stabilize the probe at an angle relative to the skin surface. This allows perpendicular needle access to the target vessel without the probe obstructing the needle. Further the needle shield includes an acoustic lens to modify the acoustic beam and compensate for the angle position of the probe head.