Ultrasonic Probe Motor Relocation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically scanning ultrasonic probes used in body cavities require long driving force transfer members, making them heavy and restricting the shape of the operation part, with limited space in the tip part for further miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe design includes a middle part that houses the driving source, allowing for a shorter driving force transfer mechanism, reducing weight and providing shape flexibility to the operation part, with the driving source positioned near the scanning mechanism and using a cantilever system to hold the motor, and a compact structure that includes a metal pipe for rigidity and electromagnetic noise suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the driving source is provided in the operation part, then the scanning mechanism can be driven, but the driving force transfer member becomes considerably long and the probe becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The driving source is repositioned from the operation part to the middle part, changing the spatial dimension of power generation. This relocation shortens the driving force transfer path from the operation part to the scanning mechanism in the tip part, thereby reducing the length of the transfer member and the overall weight of the probe.
2Power
If the driving source is provided in the operation part, then the scanning mechanism can be driven, but the shape of the operation part is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The driving source is extracted from the operation part and relocated to the middle part. This extraction removes the weight and spatial occupation of the driving source from the operation part, thereby eliminating shape restrictions and allowing for more ergonomic and flexible design of the operation part.
3Force
If the driving force transfer member is made long to reach from operation part to tip part, then the driving force can be transferred, but the probe becomes heavy and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the spatial location of the driving source from the operation part to the middle part, the length of the driving force transfer member is significantly reduced. The transfer path becomes shorter, enabling miniaturization of the probe while maintaining effective driving force transfer to the scanning mechanism.
4Weight of moving object
If the driving source is positioned near the scanning mechanism in the middle part, then the transfer member length is reduced and weight is decreased, but the middle part requires additional space accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The driving source is nested within the middle part structure, utilizing the existing internal space of the probe shaft. This nesting approach allows the driving source to be accommodated in the middle part without significantly increasing the overall volume, while still achieving the benefits of reduced transfer member length and weight.
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 reduces the weight and size of the ultrasonic probe, allows for more freedom in shaping the operation part, and enhances vibration suppression while maintaining effective mechanical scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a driving source which generates a driving force to be transferred to the scanning mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a scanning mechanism which mechanically scans the vibrator part
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe includes a tip part, an operation part and a middle part. A motor is disposed in a cantilever system in a front portion in the middle part. The motor extends in a direction of a central axis of a shaft-like part. A driving force generated by the motor is transferred to a scanning mechanism. A vibrator part vibrates by the scanning mechanism.