Ultrasonic Probe Head Unit with Automatic Setting Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic diagnostic devices require manual reconfiguration of operation settings when switching between different targets, which is inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A replaceable head unit with a connecting section, an element chip, and a storing section that automatically configures operation settings by storing and retrieving information for the processing device, allowing for seamless switching between different diagnostic targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration of operation settings is performed when switching between different diagnostic targets, then the ultrasonic diagnostic device can be adapted to different targets, but the operation becomes inefficient and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different diagnostic targetsVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The head unit automatically configures operation settings by reading stored setting information and transmitting it to the probe main body through the connecting section, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when switching between different diagnostic targets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Operation settings for different diagnostic targets are pre-stored in the storing section of the head unit, allowing the system to automatically retrieve and apply the appropriate settings without requiring manual configuration at the time of target switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different diagnostic targetsVSAvoidtime for reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The head unit autonomously performs the configuration process by automatically reading stored settings and transmitting them to the probe main body, eliminating the time required for manual reconfiguration operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

All necessary operation settings are pre-configured and stored in the storing section before use, enabling instant retrieval and application when switching targets, thus eliminating reconfiguration time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If operation settings are manually configured for each diagnostic target, then accurate settings can be achieved, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of operation settingsVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head unit automatically manages the complexity of configuration tasks by autonomously reading stored settings and transmitting them to the probe main body, reducing operational complexity while maintaining setting accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting section acts as an intermediary that automatically transmits pre-configured setting information from the head unit to the probe main body, eliminating the need for manual configuration operations while ensuring accurate settings are applied

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 automatic configuration of operation settings for the ultrasonic probe, ensuring suitable settings for various diagnostic tasks without manual intervention, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic element array having a substrate defining a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9039625B2Head unit, ultrasonic probe, electronic instrument, and diagnostic device

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A head unit for an ultrasonic probe includes a connecting section, an element chip and a storing section. The connecting section is configured to electrically connect the head unit to a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe. The element chip includes an ultrasonic element array having a substrate defining a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings. The element chip is configured to be electrically connected to a processing device of the probe main body through the connecting section. The storing section is configured to store operation setting information of the processing device to be output to the processing device through the connecting section.