Ultrasonic Probe Coupling Assembly with Solid-State Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic probe coupling methods, such as using gel-like coupling agents or solid-state coupling patches, lead to discomfort, inconvenience, and poor fit issues, hindering effective ultrasonic examination, especially in cardiac and superficial examinations where clear visualization of blood flow is challenging.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic probe coupling assembly comprising a probe clamping sleeve and a solid-state coupling member, where the coupling member is fixed within the sleeve, allowing seamless contact with the skin without the need for gel-like agents and accommodating various probe types and sizes through adjustable designs and elastic gaskets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gel-like coupling agent is used for ultrasonic examination, then ultrasonic wave transmission is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates due to viscous and greasy feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solid-state coupling member as an intermediary between the ultrasonic probe and the examination site. This solid-state coupling member (comprising a coupling body and coupling layer) replaces the traditional gel-like coupling agent, maintaining effective ultrasonic wave transmission while eliminating the viscous and greasy feeling that causes user discomfort. The solid-state structure allows the coupling to be achieved without the harmful gel substance.
2Reliability
If solid-state coupling patch is used to fill gap between probe and body surface, then coupling effect is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates due to need to move and reposition the patch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solid-state coupling member with the probe clamping sleeve to form an integrated assembly. The coupling member is fixed within the sleeve, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need to separately position and reposition a standalone coupling patch. This integration allows the coupling function to be achieved automatically when the probe is clamped, significantly improving operation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design enables the system to self-adjust and self-position the coupling member during the clamping process. When the probe is inserted and clamped by the sleeve, the coupling member automatically assumes the correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the operator.
3Stability of the object's composition
If solid-state coupling patch is secured to probe via connector, then coupling stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to assembly differences between different probe types
Solution Approach 1:
The probe clamping sleeve is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different types and sizes of ultrasonic probes. The sleeve incorporates adjustable clamping mechanisms and elastic gaskets that can adapt to various probe dimensions and shapes. This universal design allows the same coupling assembly to be used with multiple probe types while maintaining stable coupling, eliminating the need for different connectors for different probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sleeve incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the clamping force and position to be adjusted according to the specific probe being used. The elastic gasket provides flexible adaptation to different probe surfaces, enabling the system to maintain optimal coupling stability across various probe types without requiring rigid fixed configurations.
4Reliability
If solid-state coupling member is fixed in probe clamping sleeve, then coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the integrated assembly of the probe clamping sleeve and solid-state coupling member. The sleeve serves both as a clamping mechanism and as a housing for the coupling member, while the coupling member is directly fixed within the sleeve structure. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and connections, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the improved coupling reliability.
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 ensures stable and effective ultrasonic wave transmission, improves user experience by eliminating discomfort, and provides a good fit with the probe, enhancing diagnostic capabilities by improving visualization of blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
stable and effective transmission of the ultrasonic waves is ensured
Implementation Method 2
accommodating various probe types and sizes through adjustable designs and elastic gaskets
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe coupling assembly (1) and an ultrasonic probe mechanism are disclosed. The ultrasonic probe coupling assembly (1) includes a probe sleeve (11) and a solid-state coupling member (12). The probe sleeve (11) is sleeved on an ultrasonic probe (2). The solid-state coupling member (12) is fixed in the probe sleeve (11). One side of the solid-state coupling member (12) is located in the probe sleeve (11) for fitting to the ultrasonic probe (2), and the other side is protruded from the probe sleeve (11) to be in contact with the skin. The ultrasonic probe mechanism includes the ultrasonic probe coupling assembly (1) and the ultrasonic probe (2).