Ultrasound Probe Locking and Identification Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound imaging apparatuses lack a standardized method for securely connecting and identifying probe assemblies, leading to potential misidentification and improper usage, which can affect image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a probe assembly with an identification information transmitter and an ultrasound imaging apparatus equipped with an identification information receiver and a locking unit, allowing for secure connection and selection of probe assemblies based on transmitted identification information, ensuring correct probe usage and image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple probe assemblies are connected to the ultrasound imaging apparatus, then the versatility and functionality of the system is improved, but the risk of misidentification and improper usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe assembly compatibilityVSAvoidprobe identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of probe assemblies through contact points before enabling their use. The identification information is read and verified in advance, ensuring that only properly identified probes can be selected and used, preventing misidentification and improper usage while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual connection of probe assemblies is allowed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the likelihood of improper connection and misidentification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe connection convenienceVSAvoidconnection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by reading and verifying identification information through contact points after manual connection. The apparatus confirms proper connection and identification before allowing the probe to be selected and used, ensuring connection accuracy while maintaining ease of manual operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If automatic locking mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of probe connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit operates automatically based on the selection command without requiring additional manual intervention. Once a probe is selected through the input device, the locking unit autonomously establishes the electrical connection through the contact points, providing reliable connection while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3047801B1Ultrasound imaging apparatus and controlling method of ultrasound imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.04.11 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed herein is a probe assembly, an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a controlling method the ultrasound imaging apparatus. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a placing unit in which at least one probe connector is placed, an identification information receiver receiving probe assembly identification information from the placed probe connector, an input device receiving a selection command of at least one probe connector, and a locking unit locking the at least one probe connector with the ultrasound imaging apparatus based on the selection command.