Ultrasonic Probe Buffer Unit Mitigates Impact Damage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic probes are vulnerable to damage from external impacts, which can alter the central axis of rotation of the transducer and compromise the quality and reliability of ultrasonic images.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a supporting member with a buffer unit, such as a metallic material with a shaped hole or elastic connection units, to absorb and distribute external impacts, preventing deformation and damage to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ultrasonic probe is made compact and portable, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to external impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a buffer unit that absorbs external impacts before they reach the transducer. The buffer unit is positioned between the transducer and the external environment, cushioning the transducer against impact forces that may occur during portable use. This resolves the contradiction by enabling portable design while pre-protecting against impact damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the probe structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against external impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the probe into distinct functional units: the transducer unit and the buffer unit. The buffer unit is provided as a separate component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled with the transducer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using appropriate processes while maintaining overall cost-effectiveness and impact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the buffer unit) between the transducer and the external environment. This intermediary absorbs impact forces before they reach the sensitive transducer components. The buffer unit acts as a mediator that protects the transducer without requiring complex structural changes to the entire probe system.
3Strength
If the transducer is made more robust to resist impacts, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the transducer itself more robust (which would increase its complexity and cost), the patent introduces an intermediary buffer unit that provides impact resistance. The buffer unit absorbs impact forces before they reach the transducer, allowing the transducer to maintain its original simple and cost-effective design while still achieving the required strength and impact resistance.
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 buffer unit effectively mitigates external impacts, maintaining the central axis of rotation and the quality of ultrasonic images, thereby protecting internal components and ensuring consistent diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting member with a buffer unit, such as a metallic material with a shaped hole or elastic connection units, to absorb and distribute external impacts
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus is an apparatus configured to radiate ultrasonic signals toward a target portion at an inside of a body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasonic probe in which a supporting member is provided with a buffer unit to mitigate an outside impact. The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer rotatably provided, a shaft having the transducer mounted thereto, and a supporting member rotatably supporting the shaft, wherein the supporting member is provided with a buffer unit to mitigate an outside impact.