Ultrasonic Gel Patch with Temperature Control Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatuses face challenges with ultrasound transmission due to air gaps between the probe and the skin, and existing gel materials can be uncomfortable and inconvenient to use, especially in varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A gel patch with a temperature control layer that includes exothermic and endothermic materials to regulate the gel layer's temperature, combined with a thermal conductive sheet and adhesive for easy attachment to the ultrasonic probe, ensuring efficient ultrasound transmission and user comfort across different environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasound-transmitting material is applied on the skin surface to improve ultrasound transmission, then ultrasound transmission is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to temperature discomfort and removal difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature control layer containing phase change materials or thermally conductive materials to adjust the temperature parameter of the ultrasound-transmitting material, making it comfortable for user contact while maintaining effective ultrasound transmission properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ultrasound-transmitting material into multiple functional layers including adhesive layer, gel layer, and temperature control layer, allowing each layer to independently optimize its function while working together to solve both transmission and comfort requirements
2Reliability
If conventional ultrasound-transmitting material is used to ensure ultrasound transmission, then diagnostic function is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates in varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control layer dynamically adjusts the temperature parameter of the ultrasound-transmitting material in response to environmental conditions or user requirements, enabling the system to adapt to varying temperature conditions while maintaining diagnostic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single patch structure: ultrasound transmission, temperature regulation, and adaptive comfort adjustment, making the device universally applicable across different environmental conditions and user needs
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 gel patch enhances ultrasound transmission by controlling temperature and reducing user discomfort, providing improved diagnostic accuracy and convenience in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control layer that controls a temperature of the gel layer
Implementation Method 2
The temperature control layer includes at least one of an exothermic material and an endothermic material
Implementation Method 3
The temperature control layer includes at least one of an exothermic material and an endothermic material
Implementation Method 4
a sheet that contacts the gel layer and the temperature control layer and transfers heat of the temperature control layer to the gel layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
Provided are a gel patch for a probe and an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus including the gel patch. The gel patch includes a gel layer that is formed of an ultrasound-transmitting material and prevents formation of a space between an ultrasonic probe and an object, and a supplementary lens that is disposed in the gel layer and controls a propagation path of ultrasound.