Ultrasonic Probe Cap Impact Mitigation via Segmented Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound probes face challenges in withstanding external impacts, which can damage the cap and internal components, compromising the reliability of ultrasound images and requiring additional impact mitigation measures, especially for convex type caps.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an impact mitigating member along the circumference of the cap between the upper and lower caps, which absorbs and distributes external impacts, preventing damage to the cap and internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cap is designed with sufficient thickness to withstand external impact, then the cap's impact resistance is improved, but the transmission and reception of ultrasound signals is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into two functional layers: an outer impact-resistant layer made of thick plastic material and an inner ultrasound-transmissive layer made of rubber or TPE. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap uses a composite structure combining plastic material for impact resistance and rubber/TPE material for ultrasound transmission. The composite design leverages the advantages of both materials while mitigating their individual disadvantages.
2Reliability
If a separate device for mitigating impact is added to protect the transducer, then the transducer's protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact mitigation function is merged into the cap structure itself through the integrated multi-layer design. The outer plastic layer and inner rubber layer work together as a unified protection system, eliminating the need for separate impact mitigation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ultrasound signal transmission, impact protection for the transducer, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components.
3Reliability
If the cap is made of rubber or TPE material, then the flexibility and ultrasound transmission are improved, but the impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into an outer plastic layer for impact resistance and an inner rubber/TPE layer for ultrasound transmission. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cap have different material properties: the outer surface uses hard plastic for impact resistance while the inner surface uses soft rubber/TPE for ultrasound transmission. Each local region has the quality needed for its specific function.
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 impact mitigating member effectively reduces the risk of cap and internal component damage, maintaining image reliability and functionality even under external impacts, and can be applied to both convex and linear type caps.
Implementation Method 1
an impact mitigating member 200 disposed between the upper cap 110 and the lower cap 120
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe for acquiring an ultrasound image. The ultrasound probe includes a transducer configured to be movable, a cap configured to transmit an ultrasound signal generated by the transducer to outside, and an impact mitigating member disposed along a circumference of the cap to protect the cap from an external impact.