Ultrasonic Probe Support Member Positioning and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic probe connection methods face inaccuracies in positional relationships and heat dissipation issues due to adhesive usage or complex manufacturing requirements, leading to errors and increased difficulty in assembling and compactness.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic probe design featuring a support member within a receiving cavity that connects the transducer to the housing using a protrusion and groove engagement, allowing for precise positioning and heat dissipation through thermally conductive materials, reducing the need for extensive adhesive and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to connect the transducer to the housing, then the transducer can be fixed in position, but the positional accuracy deteriorates due to adhesive deformation and the heat dissipation capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the transducer and the housing. The support member includes a receiving cavity that accommodates the transducer, and the transducer is connected to the support member rather than directly to the housing. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for adhesive, provides precise positioning through mechanical engagement features (protrusions and grooves), and improves heat dissipation by providing a dedicated thermal conduction path.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex manufacturing process is used to achieve precise transducer positioning, then the positional accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the support member with receiving cavity, and the transducer. The support member is further segmented with specific positioning features (protrusions and grooves) that enable precise assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and the precise positioning is achieved through the geometric fit of the engagement features rather than requiring complex manufacturing processes for the entire assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If the ultrasonic probe size is reduced, then the compactness improves, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates due to limited space for heat dissipation structures
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the transducer, enables precise positioning through engagement features, and serves as a heat dissipation structure. The support member is made of thermally conductive material and includes heat dissipation fins or extended surfaces that increase the heat dissipation area without significantly increasing the overall probe volume. This multi-functional design allows compact dimensions while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
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 enhances the accuracy of transducer positioning, improves heat dissipation, and results in a more compact ultrasonic probe with reduced manufacturing complexity and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The support member is made of a thermally conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic device. The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, a housing, and a support member. The support member includes one end connected to the housing and another end connected to the transducer. By arranging the support member, the transducer is connected to the housing through the support member.