Membrane for Ultrasound & Colour Doppler Probes Objective The Ultrasound Probe Membrane Development project is aimed at facilitating a standard membrane for all probes, a membrane that will not be reactive to ultrasound waves. The main objective of this project is to evaluate, from a technical and scientific point of view, the possibility to develop a compact and reliable membrane for the ultrasound equipments. This program area of research will therefore cover problems from the whole diagnostic arc but will mainly be applied to the Ultrasound field when it comes to clinical applications
The Challenge It has been commonly found that the most problems in Ultrasound and Colour Doppler equipments is due to the membrane loss of the probe. The Gel used in scanning goes inside these equipments and causes crystal formation. This make the user to go in for new probes causing heavy investment. A membrane that does not react to Ultrasound waves should be manufactured. It should not resist the Ultrasound power causing the reduction of image resolution.
Know-how available
Membrane
is available with manufacturing companies like GE,
Toshiba etc
Invention Defective probes available
in market were purchased and the membrane part removed.
It was then taken to the rubber Board specialist and
the feedback taken. At least 40 items in different
combinations were analysed in a 3 years period.
We have finally come out with the correct medium
Process
Need to buy different manufacturer defective probes
Analysis and finding out the exact combination of membrane material used by the manufacturer.
Fabricating the solution and testing it with machines and phantom
Customizing the material and colour of the membrane to look like the manufacturer made membrane
Different moulds to be made to accommodate different manufacturer probes
Apply in all types f defective probe and research on manufacturing capability
Finally find out an equivalent medium for different manufacturer, which can be used for all defective probes
Output resulting from the idea / Invention
An additional membrane for all the new probes at a lower cost which will not affect the resolution and gives a long life for probes.
Innovation
Our research will point to a situation where even the manufacturer will recommend us for a long life for the probes
More than anything we can come out with a tester for
all probes with the available requirements.
Working model / Prototype development
A prototype will be made and tested with the help of machine
Market feasibility study
After extensive study conducted in the ultrasound sector we have searched out the potential major applications and users. They are:
