Ultrasonic Probe Profile Matching to Reduce Coupling-Fluid Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic probes are excessively heavy due to the large volume of coupling fluid required for smooth transmission of ultrasonic waves, which complicates operator use and causes fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probes are designed with profiling structures that closely conform to the transducer's swing trajectory, reducing the size of the coupling fluid cavity and thus the volume of coupling fluid without affecting the transducer's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling fluid fills the entire coupling fluid cavity to ensure smooth transmission of ultrasonic waves, then the ultrasonic wave transmission is improved, but the overall weight of the ultrasonic probe becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable partition wall that can dynamically adjust the coupling fluid cavity into multiple independent cavities. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt the coupling fluid distribution based on operational requirements, enabling optimized ultrasonic transmission while reducing overall fluid volume and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall divides the single large coupling fluid cavity into multiple smaller independent cavities. This segmentation allows ultrasonic waves to be transmitted effectively through each smaller cavity while reducing the total volume of coupling fluid required, thereby decreasing the weight of the probe.
2Weight of moving object
If the coupling fluid cavity size is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight of the ultrasonic probe is reduced, but the transducer cannot swing freely
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed as a movable structure that can dynamically adjust its position to create sufficient swinging space for the transducer. This dynamic adaptation ensures that when the transducer needs to swing, the partition wall moves to accommodate the motion, maintaining full swinging capability while minimizing the overall cavity volume for weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the coupling fluid cavity into multiple independent sections using the partition wall, the patent creates dedicated swinging spaces within each cavity. This segmentation allows the transducer to swing freely in each smaller cavity without requiring a single large cavity, thus reducing weight while preserving swinging motion.
3Weight of moving object
If the coupling fluid cavity is made smaller to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the ultrasonic wave transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall segments the coupling fluid cavity into multiple smaller cavities, each of which can maintain adequate ultrasonic wave transmission. The multiple smaller cavities collectively provide sufficient coupling fluid volume for effective transmission while reducing the overall weight compared to a single large cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable partition wall dynamically adjusts the distribution of coupling fluid across multiple cavities to optimize ultrasonic transmission. When needed, the partition wall repositions to create favorable acoustic pathways, ensuring that even with reduced overall fluid volume, effective ultrasonic wave transmission is maintained.
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 design effectively reduces the weight of the ultrasonic probes by minimizing the coupling fluid cavity, enhancing operator convenience and reducing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
to ensure smooth transmission of ultrasonic waves, the gap between the transducer and the acoustic window needs to be filled with coupling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic device. At least a portion of the surface on the swing trajectory of the transducer that faces the coupling fluid compensating member is a first profiled surface, the coupling fluid compensating member has at least a first profiling surface facing the first profiled surface. The shape of the first profiling surface is designed based on the shape of the first profiled surface to ensure that the two surfaces are of the same shape. The coupling fluid compensating member can thus be as close as possible to the swing trajectory of the transducer without affecting the swing of the transducer. This can reduce the size of the coupling fluid cavity, and consequently the volume of the coupling fluid, thereby lightening the weight of the ultrasonic probe.