Universal Current Leakage Testing Adapter for Ultrasound Probes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for testing current leakage from ultrasound probe connectors are not universal, requiring multiple adapters of different sizes and styles, which are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult for end users to perform the mandated testing due to the need for various adapters.

Innovation Solution

A universal current leakage testing adapter with multiple conductive stages that telescope to accommodate differently configured probe connectors, featuring a gripping device for center locking pins and a micro switch to ensure safe electrical coupling, allowing for efficient testing of various probe connectors with a single adapter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual adapters are used to test different probe connector sizes and styles, then testing coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidnumber of adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter housing is designed with multiple conductive stages that can accommodate different probe connector sizes and styles through a single universal adapter, eliminating the need for multiple individual adapters while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter incorporates multiple conductive stages nested within a single housing structure, where each conductive stage can be positioned to contact pins of different probe connector configurations, allowing one adapter to perform the function of multiple adapters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual adapters are used to accommodate different probe connectors, then compatibility is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidtime to locate and switch adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The universal adapter design allows a single adapter to handle multiple probe connector types through its multiple conductive stages, eliminating the time required to locate and switch between multiple specialized adapters while maintaining compatibility with different connector configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal adapter with multiple conductive stages is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe connector compatibilityVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conductive stages are nested within a single adapter housing, with each stage designed to contact pins at different positions and orientations, allowing the adapter to accommodate various probe connector configurations through a systematic nested structure rather than multiple separate adapters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conductive stages are made telescoping to accommodate different sizes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize accommodationVSAvoidtelescoping alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive stages are designed to telescope within one another, with each stage capable of moving independently to contact pins at different positions, allowing the adapter to accommodate various probe connector sizes through controlled telescoping motion while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7880488B2Universal current leakage testing adapter

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a universal current leakage measurement device is disclosed. A universal current leakage testing adapter has the ability to couple with at least two differently sized or shaped probe connectors. The universal current leakage testing adapter is configured to couple with differently sized or shaped probe connectors by conductive planes either functioning independently or in concert to contact the pins of a probe connector.