Ultrasound Probe Sensor Bracket With Snap-Fit 3D Tracking Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound transducers lack a cost-effective and adaptable solution for mounting 3D tracking sensors, as permanent integration increases complexity and cost, and existing releasable mounting systems are not designed for position sensing.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with sockets and pins that allows for the releasable and secure mounting of 3D tracking sensors on ultrasound transducers, enabling precise positioning and resistance to accidental displacement, using a snap-fit mechanism for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 3D tracking sensors are permanently mounted on the ultrasound transducer, then the position determination capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the ultrasound transducer remains independent while the 3D tracking sensor is mounted on a separate bracket that attaches to the transducer. This segmentation allows the position determination capability to be added without permanently modifying or complicating the transducer's internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with universal applicability to work with various ultrasound transducer models. The bracket serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the sensor, enabling easy attachment and detachment, and maintaining compatibility across different transducer types without requiring model-specific modifications.
2Measurement precision
If 3D tracking sensors are permanently integrated into the probe, then the position sensing accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent integration to a dynamic configurable arrangement. The sensor can be attached, detached, and repositioned on the bracket according to different application requirements, allowing the system to adapt to various scanning scenarios while maintaining position sensing accuracy through the bracket's positioning features.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design provides universal compatibility across different ultrasound transducer models and application types. The standardized interface and mounting mechanism allow the same bracket-sensor assembly to be used with various transducers for different medical procedures, enhancing both adaptability and measurement precision.
3Reliability
If existing ultrasonic probes are retrofitted with permanent sensor mounting, then the position tracking function is added, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit solution segments the position tracking function into a separate, independently manufacturable bracket assembly. This allows existing ultrasonic probes to be retrofitted without retooling or modifying the probe manufacturing process, thereby adding position tracking functionality while minimizing additional manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a cost-effective, potentially disposable component that can be easily manufactured and attached to existing probes. This approach avoids expensive permanent modifications to the probe and allows for economical retrofitting of position tracking capability across multiple existing devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for use on an ultrasound transducer to releasably mount at least one 3D tracking sensor on the transducer. Each sensor has a pair of axially aligned pins projecting outward from its body. The bracket includes at least one socket having a pair of spaced-apart wall portions, each of which includes a slot arranged to receive a respective one of the pins of the sensor when the sensor is in a first position. From this position the sensor's body can be rotated to a second position, whereupon the spaced apart wall portions releasably engage (snap-fit about) a portion of the body of the sensor to deter the accidental displacement of the sensor with respect to the transducer.