Ultrasound Probe Accessory Interface for Modular Device Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying ultrasound systems and probes to integrate with other medical devices is costly and logistically complex, hindering their combined use in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound system with an accessory interface apparatus that facilitates operational coupling between the ultrasound probe and optional accessories, enabling data and power exchange through various interfaces, such as electrical, optical, or wireless connections, and providing a console with processors to manage these interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasound systems are modified to integrate with other medical devices, then operational coupling capability is improved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct modular components: the ultrasound probe, the accessory interface apparatus, and separate optional accessories. Each component can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced. The accessory interface apparatus acts as an independent module that mediates between the probe and accessories, reducing the complexity burden on the core ultrasound system.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory interface apparatus is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different types of accessories through standardized interfaces. It provides multiple I/O portals (electrical, optical, wireless) that can work with various accessories simultaneously or independently, allowing one device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate specialized systems for each accessory type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasound systems are modified to integrate with other medical devices, then operational coupling capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into separate modules (probe, interface apparatus, accessories), each can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific component. This avoids the need to manufacture complex integrated systems as single units, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory interface apparatus serves as an intermediary device that provides the integration functionality separately from both the ultrasound probe and the accessories. This mediator approach allows the core probe and accessories to remain relatively simple and cost-effective, while the interface apparatus handles the complexity of multiple connection types and protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple I/O portals are provided for accessory connection, then accessory compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple different types of I/O portals (electrical connections, optical connections, wireless interfaces) are merged into a single integrated accessory interface apparatus. This consolidation allows the system to support multiple accessory types through one unified device rather than requiring separate interface devices for each connection type, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory interface apparatus is designed as a universal hub that incorporates multiple I/O portal types within a single device. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to handle electrical accessories, optical accessories, and wireless accessories, providing broad compatibility without requiring the ultrasound system to be redesigned for each accessory type.
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
Enables seamless integration of ultrasound systems with various medical accessories, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing costs by allowing for data exchange and power supply to accessories, thereby improving the operational capabilities of ultrasound imaging systems during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound probe supplies electrical power to the accessory interface apparatus via at least one of electrical contacts or a magnetic field configured to inductively transfer the electrical power to the accessory interface apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A medical ultrasound system that includes an ultrasound probe and an accessory interface apparatus configured to optionally couple with any medical device or system to enhance the functionality of the ultrasound system. The accessory apparatus exchanges data with the probe and receives power from the probe. The accessory apparatus includes processors and logic that governs its operation thereby adding functionality to the probe. The accessory apparatus receives input and provides output via any of a number of communication mechanisms, i.e., wireless, electrical, optical, inductive, RFID, IR, and the like. The optional accessories may add functionality to the probe, such as fiber optic shape sensing, obtaining electrical signals, obtaining bio-impedance measurements, tracking a needle, and determining the orientation of the probe. Additional accessories may include a needle guide, a triphalangeal support structure, or an acoustically transparent cap.