Puncture Adapter Segmented Pressing Part Ultrasound Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound probes with probe covers attached for infection prevention suffer from reduced ultrasound wave transmission and reception effectiveness, leading to deteriorated image quality due to the added thickness and rigidity required for secure fixation.
Innovation Solution
A puncture adapter with a thin, flexible pressing part and guide grooves is designed to securely attach to the ultrasound probe, minimizing interference with the ultrasound effective area while guiding the puncture needle and preventing damage to the probe cover, allowing for secure fixation without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the cover pressing part is increased to secure the rigidity and fix the probe cover securely, then the reliability of probe cover fixation is improved, but the effective area for transmission and reception of ultrasound waves is reduced, resulting in deteriorated image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is divided into multiple pressing sections (first pressing section, second pressing section, third pressing section) that can independently apply pressure to different portions of the probe cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be securely fixed through distributed pressure points rather than requiring a single thick pressing structure, thereby maintaining image quality while ensuring reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pressing sections are positioned at specific locations (proximal end, distal end, and intermediate portion) of the probe cover, applying localized pressure where needed for secure fixation. This local quality approach ensures that pressing force is concentrated at critical fixation points rather than uniformly distributed, maintaining both reliability and ultrasound transmission quality.
2Reliability
If a probe cover is attached to the ultrasound probe to prevent infection and contamination, then the reliability of infection prevention is improved, but the effective area for ultrasound wave transmission is reduced due to the added material layer
Solution Approach 1:
The probe cover is designed as a thin-film structure that can be securely attached to the probe body through the pressing part. The thin-film design minimizes the material thickness between the ultrasound transducer and the subject, reducing attenuation and maintaining effective ultrasound wave transmission while still providing infection prevention functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pressing part is made thin and flexible to minimize interference with the ultrasound effective area, then the image quality is maintained, but the ability to securely fix the probe cover is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is segmented into multiple pressing sections that collectively provide sufficient fixation force. Each section applies localized pressure, and the combination of multiple sections ensures secure probe cover attachment even when each individual section is thin and flexible, thus maintaining both image quality and fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pressing sections are merged into a single integrated pressing part structure that works cooperatively to secure the probe cover. The combined effect of distributed pressing sections provides adequate fixation force while maintaining the thin and flexible characteristics needed for optimal ultrasound transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A puncture adapter according to the embodiment includes a first pressing part that has a first surface and a second surface serving as a surface opposite to the first surface; a second pressing part that has a third surface; a fixing part that fixes, when a probe body is covered with a cover, the first pressing part and the second pressing part to the probe body with the cover interposed between a cutout surface of a cutout portion of the probe body and the first surface of the first pressing part and with the third surface of the second pressing part brought into contact with the second surface of the first pressing part; and a guide groove that guides a puncture needle, and is formed on at least one of the second surface of the first pressing part and the third surface of the second pressing part.