3D Probe Transducer Multi-Directional Imaging via Wire Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional ultrasonic probes can only capture images in one direction due to restricted movement, limiting their ability to obtain images in multiple directions without changing the probing direction.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional probe apparatus featuring a drive unit, power transmission unit, and location detector, allowing the transducer to move in multiple directions via a wire member guided by first and second guide members, enabling the probe to operate in various directions without altering its initial direction, and incorporating a location detection system to define the transducer's position for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer moves only along a restricted locus in the probing direction, then the device structure is simple, but the probe can obtain only an image in one direction and cannot capture images in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new degree of freedom by enabling the transducer to move not only along the probing direction (first direction) but also in a direction perpendicular to it (second direction). This dimensional expansion allows the probe to capture images in multiple directions without changing the probing direction itself, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic control of the transducer position through a location detector that identifies specific locations along the first direction. The transducer can be selectively positioned at different locations and moved in the second direction, providing dynamic adaptability in probing directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer is moved to multiple locations and operated in different directions, then images in multiple directions can be obtained, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the probing function by dividing it into two independent movement components: movement in the first direction (controlled by location detection) and movement in the second direction (perpendicular movement). This segmentation allows the transducer to achieve multi-directional imaging capability while keeping each movement mechanism compact, thus avoiding a significant increase in overall apparatus size.
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
Enables the probe to capture three-dimensional images in multiple directions at a single position without changing the probing direction, reducing the overall size of the apparatus and enhancing its operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer includes an ultrasound wave vibrator assembly composed of a set of ultrasound wave vibrators, which sends ultrasound signals to a target to obtain an image of the target using the signals reflected from the target.
Implementation Method 2
a drive unit generating power in a forward or rearward direction
Implementation Method 3
a location detector detecting a moving location of the transducer to allow the transducer to move towards the plurality of locations for operation
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a three-dimensional probe apparatus. The probe apparatus includes a drive unit (120) generating power in a forward or rearward direction, a power transmission unit (130) transmitting the power in association with the drive unit (120), a transducer (140) receiving the power from the power transmission unit (130) to move towards a plurality of locations for operation, and a location detector (150) detecting a moving location of the transducer (140) to allow the transducer (140) to move towards the plurality of locations for operation. The transducer (140) may move towards a plurality of locations for operation and the location detector (150) may detect a moving location of the transducer (140) to define the location of the transducer (140) so as to differently control the operation of the transducer (140) in accordance with the moving location of the transducer (140), so that the probe apparatus can perform the probing operation in a plurality of directions at one position without changing the probing direction.