Ultrasonic Probe Support Device for Knee Cartilage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for gonarthrosis, such as arthroscopy and X-ray examinations, cannot accurately measure the thickness of knee cartilage or provide a three-dimensional shape, while invasive ultrasound systems and MRI devices are not suitable for routine examinations due to invasiveness and high costs.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic probe support device that positions the probe at a suitable angle for measuring knee cartilage thickness by moving along the knee cap in a bent position, utilizing a mounting unit frame and a probe support frame to maintain perpendicular ultrasound incidence, and an acoustic matching member for improved signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an in-joint probe is inserted into the knee joint for ultrasound measurement, then cartilage thickness can be evaluated, but the system becomes invasive and cannot be easily used for routine examinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustic matching member as an intermediary between the ultrasonic probe and the knee cap. This mediator improves acoustic coupling and signal transmission without requiring invasive insertion of the probe into the joint, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling non-invasive routine examinations
2Measurement precision
If MRI is used to image cartilage, then non-invasive measurement of cartilage thickness is achieved, but the usage cost is high and measurement time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex MRI system with a simpler ultrasonic measurement system. By using ultrasound waves and an acoustic matching member to improve signal transmission, the system achieves comparable cartilage thickness measurement capability with significantly reduced cost and examination time, thereby improving productivity
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic probe is moved along the knee cap while directed toward the mechanical center of the knee joint, then perpendicular incidence to cartilage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved acoustic matching member that conforms to the curvature of the knee cap. This curved geometry naturally guides the ultrasonic probe to maintain perpendicular incidence to the cartilage surface during movement, achieving measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms
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 non-invasive, efficient, and cost-effective measurement of knee cartilage thickness and shape, facilitating routine examinations and early detection of gonarthrosis.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound is transmitted to and received from a surface of the body, and the shape of the internal tissues such as organs and bones can be obtained based on the received ultrasound echo
Implementation Method 2
the knee-contacting portion comprises an acoustic matching member which realizes acoustic matching of the transmitted and received ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting unit (16) is aligned by using a mounting unit frame (58) touching the thigh and a knee-contacting portion (62) touching the knee, with the knee being bent. The mounting unit is also equipped with a probe support frame (60) used for moving an ultrasonic probe along the knee cap. The probe support frame moves rotationally about the mechanical center of the knee joint, thereby allowing the ultrasonic probe (78) to move along the knee cap while facing toward the mechanical center of the knee joint and to perform scanning of an ultrasonic beam.