Ultrasound Probe Elastomeric Cable Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasound probes use epoxy plugs to manage electrical conductor cables, which can cause mis-positioning, stiffness, and friction leading to insulation wear and potential electrical shorting.

Innovation Solution

An elastomeric insert is positioned between electrical wire bundles within the ultrasound probe, allowing for extra cable length that compresses the insert under force, then returns to its original position, thereby protecting the electrical connections from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If epoxy plugs are used to anchor electrical conductors, then cable management and tensile damage prevention are improved, but the electrical conductors experience mis-positioning, stiffness, and friction leading to insulation wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile damage preventionVSAvoidinsulation wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the epoxy plug from the system entirely and replaces it with an elastomeric cable management insert that provides cable retention through elastic deformation rather than adhesive bonding, eliminating the harmful friction and hinge point effects caused by epoxy anchors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter from rigid adhesive (epoxy) to elastic material (elastomeric insert), allowing the cable management mechanism to transition from static anchoring to dynamic elastic deformation, thereby reducing friction and preventing insulation wear while maintaining tensile protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If adhesive anchors are precisely located to prevent tensile damage, then cable protection is improved, but the wires become constrained and work-harden leading to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidwire strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric insert provides dynamic cable management by allowing the electrical conductors to move and deform elastically during normal use and under tensile load, preventing the work-hardening and brittleness that result from static constraint by epoxy anchors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material provides cushioning and shock absorption before tensile forces can cause damage, absorbing mechanical energy through elastic deformation and preventing the sudden stress concentrations that lead to wire breakage at hinge points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If epoxy plugs are used to hold cables, then cable positioning is improved, but friction between wires and housing walls increases causing insulation wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable positioningVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical friction-based anchoring system (epoxy plug relying on friction between wire and housing) with an elastic deformation system where the elastomeric insert absorbs and distributes forces, eliminating concentrated friction points and insulation wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The elastomeric insert effectively absorbs shock and repositions the cable bundles, preventing tensile damage and electrical shorting, while maintaining the probe's functionality and extending its lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric insert disposed within the housing and including a compressed configuration and an uncompressed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

such that, upon cessation of the force on the cable, the elastomeric insert moves the plurality of electrical conductors while returning to the uncompressed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP3975858B1Ultrasound probe with cable retention using elastomeric insert

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An ultrasound probe includes a housing configured for handheld operation by a user, a transducer array coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data, and a cable coupled to the housing. The cable includes a conduit and a plurality of electrical conductors in communication with the transducer array. The ultrasound probe also includes an elastomeric insert disposed within the housing. The elastomeric insert includes a compressed state and an uncompressed state. The elastomeric insert is in contact with the plurality of electrical conductors such that application of a force on the cable causes the plurality of electrical conductors to compress the elastomeric insert into the compressed state and such that, upon cessation of the force on the cable, the elastomeric insert moves the plurality of electrical conductors while returning to the uncompressed state. Associated methods, devices, and systems are also provided.