Ultrasonic Probe Impact-Damping Structure for Wireless Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic probes are vulnerable to external impacts, particularly wireless probes, which can damage internal components such as the array module, battery, and beamforming circuit, necessitating a solution to reduce impact transmission.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe incorporates an inner impact reducing member, comprising flexible circuit boards and elastic members, disposed between the acoustic module and electronic circuit to absorb and distribute impacts, and a head impact reducing member between the handle and head parts to further mitigate shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ultrasonic probe is made wireless to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vulnerability to external impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an impact reducing member as an intermediary component between the acoustic module and electronic circuit. This mediator absorbs and dissipates impact energy, protecting the wireless probe's internal components from damage while maintaining the wireless design's operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements impact reducing members that provide beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in positions that absorb potential impact forces. These components are positioned in advance to protect vulnerable parts (acoustic module, electronic circuit, battery) before any impact occurs, enabling wireless operation without compromising durability.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is made from elastic rubber or TPE to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vulnerability to external impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining the elastic cap material (for ease of operation) with rigid protective housing and impact reducing members. This composite approach allows the cap to remain soft and easy to operate while the overall structure gains impact resistance through the combination of different material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact reducing member acts as an intermediary between the soft cap and the internal electronic components. It transfers and dissipates impact energy that passes through the cap, preventing the cap's inherent softness from becoming a weakness in the overall structural strength.
3Reliability
If separate devices are added to reduce impact to the transducer, then the protection against impacts is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the impact reduction function with existing structural components of the ultrasonic probe. The impact reducing members are integrated into the housing structure and positioning elements, combining mechanical support and impact protection functions into unified components rather than adding separate protective devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact reducing members serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the acoustic module, enable precise positioning, and reduce impact forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated impact protection devices, maintaining simplicity while improving 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
The design enhances the durability of the ultrasonic probe by effectively reducing the transmission of external impacts to internal components, protecting them from damage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the acoustic module and the electronic circuit
Implementation Method 2
a flexible circuit board disposed between the acoustic module and the electronic circuit to electrically connect the acoustic module and the electronic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasonic probe including a case including a handle part and a head part coupled to the handle part, an acoustic module disposed inside the case to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object, an electronic circuit disposed inside the case to be electrically connected to the acoustic module, and an inner impact reducing member disposed between the acoustic module and the electronic circuit to reduce an impact transmitted to the electronic circuit.