Variable Curvature Bending Neck for Articulating Ultrasound Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fabrication and assembly of bending necks for articulating ultrasound probes are costly and labor-intensive, requiring individually formed and pinned links, which complicates the process while demanding a wide range of articulation and control.
Innovation Solution
A bending neck formed from a single or nested tube set, where the tube is etched or machined to create pivoting links with a groove or indentations for control cable passageways, allowing for variable curvature and articulation control through movable bending points, varying pivot axis spacing, and multi-durometer neck sheaths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual links are formed and joined by pins or rivets to create a bending neck, then the bending neck achieves wide range of articulation and control, but the fabrication and assembly process becomes painstaking and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual links into a single integrated tube structure. The bending neck is formed as one continuous tube with machined pivot points and groove features, eliminating the need for separate link fabrication and assembly operations. This single-piece construction maintains the articulation functionality while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tube is segmented into functional sections through machining operations. Pivot points are machined at specific locations along the tube to create articulation sections, and grooves are machined to define cable routing paths. This segmentation is achieved through subtractive manufacturing rather than mechanical assembly, resolving the contradiction between articulation capability and manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control cables are used to control articulation in different directions, then the operator can articulate the bending neck in any direction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single tube structure serves multiple functions simultaneously. It provides the structural backbone for articulation, contains integrated grooves for cable routing, incorporates pivot points for controlled movement, and maintains the hollow interior for instrument passage. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full articulation control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves machined into the tube wall serve as intermediaries between the control cables and the tube structure. These grooves guide and constrain the cables along precise paths, enabling controlled articulation in multiple directions without requiring complex external cable management systems. The grooves act as built-in cable routing infrastructure that simplifies the overall control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bending neck is made hollow to allow passage of wires and tools, then instruments can be operated through the probe tip, but the structural integrity for articulation control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tube exhibits different local qualities along its length. The walls are machined with varying thickness and reinforcement at critical locations. Pivot points are strategically positioned where the tube wall provides sufficient strength, while other sections maintain thinner walls to accommodate cable grooves and instrument passage. This non-uniform structural design maintains overall integrity while enabling hollow configuration for instrument passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending neck may utilize composite construction with an outer tubular structure providing mechanical strength and an inner hollow core allowing instrument passage. The tube material itself may be selected to provide optimal strength-to-weight ratio, and reinforcement features may be added at critical stress points to maintain structural integrity despite the hollow configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe has a variable configuration whereby different sections of the bending neck can be bent into different curvatures. In one implementation a rigid member is extended into the bending neck, setting the deflection point for a section of the bending neck at the end of the rigid member. In another implementation the links of the bending neck have different lengths, causing different sections to have different radii of maximum curvature. In another implementation the bending neck is encased in a sheath which exhibits regions of different durometer, thickness, or spacing of points of attachment to the bending neck.