Removable Optical Shell for Bimodal Diagnostic Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bimodal optical and ultrasonic imaging probes for prostate cancer diagnosis are complex in design, requiring specialized technicians for repairs and equipment changes, complicating both manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bimodal diagnostic probe with a removable shell containing optical equipment, allowing for easy access and separation from the ultrasonic components, facilitating repairs, maintenance, and manufacturing by using reversible fastening means and optimized wiring configurations for improved signal collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical equipment is integrated into the probe body, then the probe provides complete functional capabilities for bimodal imaging, but the design becomes complex and requires specialized technicians for repairs and equipment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into separate modules: a reusable main body containing ultrasonic imaging components and a disposable shell containing optical equipment. This segmentation allows the optical components to be pre-assembled and tested independently, then attached to the main body, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining complete functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical equipment is extracted from the main probe body and placed in a separate removable shell. This extraction simplifies the main body design and allows optical components to be manufactured, tested, and replaced independently without affecting the ultrasonic imaging system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical equipment is integrated into the probe body, then the probe provides complete functional capabilities, but specialized technician intervention is required for repairs and equipment changes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the probe into a reusable main body and a disposable shell containing optical equipment, the invention enables non-specialized users to easily replace malfunctioning optical components by simply detaching and attaching shells, eliminating the need for specialized technician intervention for repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical equipment is extracted into a separate removable shell that can be easily detached and replaced by end users without requiring technical expertise. This extraction transforms complex repair operations into simple module replacement tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe design integrates all components, then complete functionality is achieved, but manufacturing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is manufactured in separate modules: the main body with ultrasonic components and the shell with optical equipment. Each module can be manufactured independently by different teams using optimized processes, then assembled through simple attachment mechanisms, significantly reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable main body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of optical shells for different imaging applications. This universality simplifies manufacturing by creating a standardized base unit that can be produced in large volumes, while only the interchangeable shells require application-specific manufacturing.
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
Simplifies the design and manufacturing of the probe, enabling easy and quick repairs and maintenance without specialized technicians, while enhancing performance by improving optical signal collection and maintaining acoustic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transducer... ultrasound imaging provides morphological information with good resolution
Implementation Method 2
lighting means mounted on said front end of the hull so as to provide illumination outside the latter
Implementation Method 3
collection or detection means mounted on said front end of the shell so as to ensure the collection or detection of an optical signal produced externally to said shell... optical imaging being able to provide functional information with good contrast
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (40) for a bimodal diagnostic probe (1) using optical and ultrasonic imaging, the probe comprising a main body (10) supporting an ultrasonic transducer (12) at the front end thereof. The device includes a shell (41), illuminating means (72a) mounted on the front end of the shell so as to illuminate the outside of the said shell, as well as a collection or detection means (72b) mounted on said front end of the shell so as to collect or detect an optical signal generated on the outside of said shell. According to the invention, the shell comprises attachment means (80, 82) for the reversible assembly thereof around the main body (10) of the probe, the illuminating means and the collection or detection means (72a, 72b) being mounted on said shell.