Transesophageal Ultrasound Probe With Touch Control and Bite Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transesophageal ultrasound (TEE) probes rely on cumbersome mechanical cabling systems with knobs for control, which are unintuitive and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A transesophageal ultrasound probe with a touch interface and wireless communication, allowing for intuitive control of transducer movements and ultrasound imaging parameters through capacitive sensors and a mode selector, along with a detachable design and bite block to prevent anteflexion and retroflexion during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical cabling system with knobs is used to control TEE probe, then device structure is simple and reliable, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and unintuitive control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with knobs with an electronic system featuring a touch interface and capacitive sensors. The control panel with capacitive sensors detects finger proximity and touch inputs, eliminating the need for mechanical knobs and cables. This substitution improves ease of operation by providing intuitive touch-based control while managing device complexity through electronic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control interface from mechanical (knobs) to electronic (capacitive touch sensors). The capacitive sensors detect changes in electrical parameters (capacitance) when a finger approaches or touches the screen, enabling control without physical mechanical components. This parameter change from mechanical to electrical control improves usability while maintaining system functionality.
2Reliability
If TEE probe is inserted without bite block protection, then ease of operation improves, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to risk of bite and anteflexion/retroflexion movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block is designed to be placed in the patient's mouth before probe insertion. It preliminarily establishes protection against biting and prevents anteflexion/retroflexion movements during the insertion process. This preliminary protective measure ensures safety and reliability before the actual probing begins, without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite block serves as an intermediary device between the patient's teeth and the TEE probe. It physically intermediates the interaction, preventing direct contact between teeth and probe that could cause biting damage or unwanted flexion. This simple mechanical intermediary provides reliable protection without adding complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed probe design is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The TEE probe is divided into separable components: a reusable handle unit and disposable probe cables. The handle contains the electronics and control interface, while the cable with transducer can be replaced. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision in the reusable components while adapting to different patients through disposable cables, combining manufacturing precision with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle unit is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple different probe cables. The standardized interface allows one handle to accommodate various cable types and lengths, making the system adaptable to different patient needs while maintaining manufacturing precision in the standardized components. This multi-functionality enables versatility without compromising precision.
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
Enhances user experience by providing intuitive control over transducer movements and imaging parameters, improves safety during insertion, and allows for flexible probe tip configurations for different patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer, the probe body detachably connected to a proximal end of the probe cable and the transducer connected to a distal end of the probe cable
Implementation Method 2
allowing for intuitive control of transducer movements and ultrasound imaging parameters through capacitive sensors and a mode selector
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound probe and a ultrasound system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes a bite block configured to, during a transesophageal insertion of the probe cable starting from the distal end, guard the probe cable from a bite and prevent anteflexion and retroflexion movement of the transducer until a predetermined length of the probe cable is inserted.