Bracket for Mounting 3D Tracking Sensors on Ultrasonic Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic probes lack a suitable, cost-effective, and adaptable method for mounting position-sensing sensors, which is essential for precise location determination during medical procedures, as permanent mounting increases complexity and cost, and existing brackets are not designed for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system that allows for the releasable mounting of 3D tracking sensors on ultrasonic probes, featuring sockets with slots and axially aligned pins on the sensors to secure them against accidental displacement, enabling easy attachment and detachment while ensuring stability during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are permanently mounted on the ultrasonic probe, then position detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the ultrasonic probe and the separate bracket with sensor. The bracket can be attached to or removed from the probe, allowing position detection capability to be added without permanently modifying the probe structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable position detection while keeping the probe itself simple and unmodified.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent mounting to a dynamic releasable mounting. The bracket can be easily attached to and detached from the probe using a simple engagement mechanism, allowing the system to adapt between having position detection capability and not having it, thus avoiding permanent complexity in the probe design.
2Reliability
If sensors are permanently mounted on the ultrasonic probe, then position detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor system into an independent bracket that attaches to the probe rather than being permanently integrated, the manufacturing processes are decoupled. The probe can be manufactured using standard processes, and the bracket with sensor can be manufactured separately and attached, avoiding the need for expensive custom-integrated probe manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket appears to be designed as a potentially disposable or easily replaceable component rather than a permanent integrated part. This allows using simpler, less expensive manufacturing methods for the bracket and sensor assembly, reducing overall system cost while maintaining position detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing brackets are used for mounting sensors, then adaptability is improved, but mounting stability deteriorates due to lack of proper sensor securing features
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates specific local features (slots in the bracket, pins on the sensor) designed specifically for sensor retention. These localized structural features provide proper mechanical engagement and stability for the sensor, resolving the contradiction by maintaining overall adaptability while adding specific local qualities that ensure mounting stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket (20) for use on an ultrasound transducer (10) to releasably mount at least one 3D tracking sensor (22) on the transducer. Each sensor has a pair of axially aligned pins (50) projecting outward from its body. The bracket includes at least one socket (26) having a pair of spaced-apart wall portions (28,30), each of which includes a slot (40) arranged to receive a respective one of the pins of the sensor when the sensor is in a first position. From this position the sensor's body can be rotated to a second position, whereupon the spaced apart wall portions releasably engage (snap-fit about) a portion of the body of the sensor (22) to deter the accidental displacement of the sensor with respect to the transducer.