Ultrasonic Probe Movable Unit with Lever Amplifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In ultrasonic probes used hygienically in medical institutions, the need to eliminate gaps between the probe body and the transmission and reception unit for hygiene purposes complicates the movement of the acoustic radiation surface, leading to a reduced amount of movement and necessitating a large spring with a high spring constant, which increases the size of the ultrasonic probe.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe includes a movable unit with an acoustic radiation surface that moves due to applied pressure, a pressure signal detection unit with a compression spring and a lever unit that amplifies the movement of the movable unit, allowing for effective pressure detection without enlarging the probe size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gap between the probe body and the transmission and reception unit is filled with sealant to eliminate gaps for hygiene purposes, then hygiene is improved, but the acoustic radiation surface cannot move and the amount of movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into a probe body and a transmission and reception unit that can move independently relative to each other. The sealant fills the gap between these segmented parts, allowing hygiene sealing while permitting the transmission and reception unit to move for pressure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant acts as an intermediary material that fills the gap between the probe body and transmission and reception unit. It provides hygiene sealing while allowing controlled movement of the transmission and reception unit, serving as both a barrier and a mediator for motion.
2Measurement precision
If a spring with a large spring constant is used to detect pressure, then pressure detection capability is improved, but the entire ultrasonic probe must be made larger
Solution Approach 1:
The lever unit introduces a mechanical advantage by operating in a different dimensional space. It converts small movements of the transmission and reception unit into larger movements that can be detected by the pressure sensor, allowing a smaller spring with lower spring constant to achieve the same pressure detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever unit acts as a mechanical intermediary between the transmission and reception unit and the pressure sensor. It amplifies the movement signal, allowing the use of a smaller spring while maintaining effective pressure detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the transmission and reception unit is made movable to detect pressure, then pressure detection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lever unit merges the functions of movement amplification and pressure transmission into a single mechanical component. It combines the structural support function with the signal amplification function, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, a movement amplifier, and a pressure transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining pressure detection capability.
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 configuration allows for the detection of pressure signals corresponding to the movement of the movable unit, enabling the use of a smaller compression spring and maintaining the compact size of the ultrasonic probe while ensuring effective hygiene and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring and a lever unit that amplifies the movement of the movable unit
Implementation Method 2
a lever unit that amplifies the movement of the movable unit
Implementation Method 3
a movable unit with an acoustic radiation surface that moves due to applied pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe of an embodiment includes a transmission and reception unit, a movable unit, a pressure signal detection unit, and an amplification unit. The transmission and reception unit includes a plurality of transducers, transmits transmission acoustic signals generated by the transducers, and receives reflection acoustic signals of the transmitted acoustic signals. The movable unit includes an acoustic radiation surface provided on a surface of the transmission and reception unit and moves due to a pressure applied to the acoustic radiation surface pressed against an object. The pressure signal detection unit detects a pressure signal corresponding to an amount of movement of the movable unit. The amplification unit amplifies the amount of movement of the movable unit.