Ultrasonic Probe with Universal Communication Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses are limited in their ability to adapt to different communication styles (wired vs. wireless) and form factors (large-scale vs. portable), making them inflexible for various clinical scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic probe system that includes plural ultrasonic transducers, a signal processing unit, and a communication unit adaptable to connect with various functional modules, enabling use in wired or wireless communication and with different types of modules for flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wired communication style is used, then power supply to the ultrasonic probe is improved, but the burden of using the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe is designed with a universal communication unit that can operate in both wired and wireless communication styles, allowing the same probe to adapt to different operational requirements. This multi-functionality enables the probe to receive power through cable when needed while eliminating cable burden when wireless operation is selected, resolving the contradiction between power supply reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication style is used, then the burden of using the cable is removed, but power supply to the ultrasonic probe deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit incorporates both wired and wireless communication capabilities, enabling the probe to switch between communication styles based on power availability and operational needs. When wireless operation is selected, the system manages power consumption through the battery unit, while wired mode provides stable power supply when cable connection is established, thus resolving the power supply deterioration issue while maintaining ease of operation.
3Area of stationary object
If large-scaled apparatus is used, then detailed images can be displayed on large screen, but the apparatus is inconvenient for carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic diagnostic system is segmented into separate functional units: a portable ultrasonic probe that can be easily carried and a separate display device that can be large-scaled. The probe communicates with the display device via wired or wireless connection, allowing the display function to be separated from the probe body. This segmentation enables detailed image display on large screens while maintaining the portability of the probe itself.
4Ease of operation
If portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used, then the apparatus is easy to carry, but detailed images cannot be displayed on large screen
Solution Approach 1:
A communication unit serves as an intermediary between the portable ultrasonic probe and external display devices. This intermediary enables data transmission from the compact probe to larger display screens through wired or wireless connections, allowing the portable probe to leverage external display resources for detailed image visualization without compromising its portability.
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 a single ultrasonic probe to be used in various settings, optimizing between high image quality, operability, and portability depending on the clinical need, while improving usability and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe including plural ultrasonic transducers (vibrators) having transmitting and receiving functions of ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe that can be used in various stiles depending on cases. The ultrasonic probe includes: plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves according to drive signals, and receiving ultrasonic echoes to output reception signals; a signal processing unit for performing signal processing on the reception signals outputted from the plural ultrasonic transducers to generate a transfer signal; and a communication unit adapted to be connectable to any one of plural functional modules, for transmitting the transfer signal generated by the signal processing unit to the connected functional module.