Device for performing ultrasonic examinations and pressure measurements
Inventors
Baumann, Ulrich • BAUMANN, Vincent Boris • FREI, Peter Nuot
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12622676-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device (1) for performing ultrasonic examinations and pressure measurements comprises an ultrasonic transducer (60), a pressure sensor (50), a housing (10) to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer (60) and the pressure sensor (50), a support plate (40) arranged in the housing (10) and a flexible membrane (21) arranged on the end face of the housing. A sealed chamber (47) for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the membrane (21) and the support plate (40), and the ultrasonic transducer (60) and the pressure sensor (50) are arranged on the support plate (40) in such a way that a first transmission surface of the ultrasonic transducer (60) and a second transmission surface of the pressure sensor (50) are directed towards the chamber (47).
Core Innovation
The invention provides a device for performing ultrasonic examinations and pressure measurements. The device comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a pressure sensor, a housing to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor, a support plate arranged in the housing, and a flexible membrane arranged at a front of the housing. A sealed chamber for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the flexible membrane and the support plate.
The ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are arranged on the support plate so that a first transmission surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second transmission surface of the pressure sensor are directed towards the sealed chamber. The liquid medium is described as ultrasound-permeable for transmitting ultrasonic energy to support ultrasonic examination while enabling pressure measurement via the pressure sensor facing the sealed chamber.
The invention further specifies structural arrangements and sealing features that support reliable use. A retaining ring is attached to a peripheral retaining region of the support plate to hold a proximal retaining section of the flexible membrane, and a bead in a holding section may engage a circumferential groove positioned distally ahead of the peripheral retaining region. The ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor may be mounted in sealed through-openings of the support plate, and sealing between components is described with O-rings and sealed interfaces.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive coverage centers on a support plate inside a housing with an ultrasound-permeable flexible membrane forming a sealed liquid chamber, with both an ultrasonic transducer and a pressure sensor facing that chamber.
Ultrasonic device with sealed liquid chamber between membrane and support plate
A device comprising an ultrasonic transducer; a pressure sensor; a housing to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor; a support plate arranged in the housing; and a flexible membrane arranged at a front of the housing, wherein a sealed chamber for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the flexible membrane and the support plate, and wherein the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are arranged on the support plate in such a way that a first transmission surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second transmission surface of the pressure sensor are directed towards the sealed chamber.
Assembly method for forming the sealed chamber and directing transducer and sensor surfaces
A method of assembling a device for performing ultrasonic examinations and pressure measurements, comprising an ultrasonic transducer; a pressure sensor; a housing to accommodate the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor; a support plate arranged in the housing; and a flexible membrane arranged at a front of the housing, wherein a sealed chamber for receiving a liquid medium is formed between the flexible membrane and the support plate, and wherein the ultrasonic transducer and the pressure sensor are arranged on the support plate in such a way that a first transmission surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second transmission surface of the pressure sensor are directed towards the sealed chamber.
Overall, the claims cover a compact ultrasonic examination and pressure measurement device with a sealed liquid-filled chamber formed between an ultrasound-permeable flexible membrane and a support plate, with both the ultrasonic transducer and pressure sensor directed toward the sealed chamber, and an assembly approach that installs and seals the transducer and sensor and forms the sealed chamber by attaching the membrane.
Stated Advantages
Compact design.
Easy cleaning.
Robust sealing.
High imaging quality.
Documented Applications
Ultrasonic examinations and pressure measurements using the device having the sealed liquid chamber arrangement.
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