Ultrasonic Imaging System Pressure Control via Adjustable Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic imaging systems face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling pressure on tissues during scanning, which affects image quality and safety, due to the complexity and cost of using multiple pressure sensors on narrow bezels.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging system with an adjustable arm, counterweight, and transmission assembly that allows for precise pressure adjustment using a drive unit and control unit, enabling the scanning assembly to apply a controlled pressure while measuring it accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used on the scanning assembly to measure average pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure measurement function from the scanning assembly and relocates it to the adjustable arm. A single pressure sensor is mounted on the adjustable arm to measure the pressure applied by the scanning assembly to the tissue, eliminating the need for multiple sensors on the scanning assembly itself. This extraction simplifies the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arm serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the scanning assembly, enables positioning adjustments, and now also houses the pressure sensor for measurement. By making the adjustable arm multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate pressure sensing components on the scanning assembly, reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is increased to improve image quality, then imaging quality is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure applied by the scanning assembly to the tissue. The control system receives this pressure data and can adjust the positioning or alert operators when pressure exceeds safe thresholds. This closed-loop feedback enables optimization of image quality while preventing harmful pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure control based on real-time measurements. Rather than using fixed pressure settings, the adjustable arm can be dynamically repositioned under control system guidance to optimize pressure application, allowing adaptation to different tissue types and imaging requirements while maintaining safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure sensors are mounted on narrow bezels of the scanning assembly, then pressure measurement is enabled, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure sensor mounting location from the narrow bezels of the scanning assembly and relocates it to the adjustable arm. The adjustable arm provides a broader, more accessible mounting surface that is easier to manufacture and assemble, while still enabling accurate pressure measurement of the tissue interface.
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
This solution simplifies pressure measurement and control, enhancing image quality while ensuring safety by allowing for precise adjustment of pressure applied to tissues during scanning.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic transducer elements to convert electrical energy into ultrasonic pulses
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic pulses are sent to the interior of the body of the person to be scanned, and echo signals are generated. The echo signals are received by transducer elements, and are then converted to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging system and a respective method. The ultrasonic imaging system includes a scanning assembly including an ultrasonic transducer, an adjustable arm, one end of the adjustable arm connected to the scanning assembly, and a counterweight, connected to the other end of the adjustable arm by means of a cable. The ultrasonic imaging system includes a transmission assembly comprising a drive unit and a transmission unit, the drive unit being capable of acting on the counterweight by means of the transmission unit so as to adjust a pressure applied by the scanning assembly to the tissue to be scanned and a control unit, sending a drive signal to the drive unit, and acquiring, on the basis of the drive signal, the pressure applied by the scanning assembly to the tissue to be scanned.