Ultrasonic Probe Adapter Maintaining Constant Angle on Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatuses for capturing wide cross-sections of the human body are complex, large in scale, and require significant time and labor to attach and maneuver, making it difficult to maintain the probe at a suitable angle without deforming the body tissues, especially when imaging curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus with a probe adapter that maintains the probe at a constant angle, allowing for a larger contact area and preventing strong pressure on the body surface, enabling accurate imaging of internal tissues by switching between linear and sector scan modes and using an angle sensor for precise image composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatus is used to capture wide cross-sections of the human body, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the device complexity and time required for imaging increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple linear scan lines that are sequentially acquired and then synthesized to form a complete sector scan image. This allows the use of a simple linear probe instead of a complex sector scan probe, reducing device complexity while maintaining wide imaging coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension linear scan to a two-dimension sector scan by moving the probe along an arc path. This dimensional change enables wide-area imaging coverage while using simple linear scan hardware, resolving the contradiction between coverage and complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the probe is moved along the body surface to image wide areas, then the imaging range is improved, but the probe angle becomes difficult to maintain without deforming body tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is moved along a curved arc path rather than a straight line, with the curvature radius matching the body surface geometry. This curved motion path maintains a constant optimal probe angle relative to the skin surface throughout the scan, eliminating the need for complex angle adjustments and preventing tissue deformation while achieving wide imaging coverage
3Area of stationary object
If the probe is pressed strongly against the body surface to maintain contact, then the contact area is improved, but the body tissues are deformed
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the probe along a curved arc path that matches the body surface geometry, the probe maintains a constant optimal contact angle throughout the scan. This geometric approach ensures adequate ultrasonic coupling and contact area without requiring excessive pressing force, thereby preventing tissue deformation while maintaining imaging quality
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
Facilitates the capture of vivid, wide-range images of internal tissues without deforming the body, ensuring accurate representation of tissue shapes and muscle mass, particularly in areas like the thigh, by stabilizing the probe's angle and adjusting the contact surface to match the body's curvature.
Implementation Method 1
a probe (2) having an ultrasonic wave transmitting-receiving surface (23)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(D)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
Provided is an art in which when an operator grips a probe (2) of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus (1) and moves the probe (2), it is facilitated to maintain the probe (2) at a suitable angle with respect to an object to be imaged. A probe adapter (3) may include a contact surface (33) having a shape extending along an outer circumference of a cross section of an object to be imaged, and a fixing portion (32) configured to fix a probe (2) having an ultrasonic wave transmitting-receiving surface (23) which transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave at a given angle and expose the ultrasonic wave transmitting-receiving surface (23) to the contact surface (33) side.