Patent ID: 11937976
Assignee: 1929803 ONTARIO CORP
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A  B | IPC A  B

Claim 11:
12. An ultrasound patch assembly configured for use on the skin of a patient to detect fluid flow in a vessel in the patient, comprising:
piezoelectric (piezo) elements configured to transmit ultrasonic energy and detect echo signals, the piezo elements having front and rear surfaces;
a flex module comprising:
first and second support portions and a hinged portion coupled to the first and second support portions to allow the first and second support portions to be positioned angularly relative to each other;
electrodes positioned on the first and second support portions; and
conductive material electrically interconnecting the rear surfaces of associated ones of the piezo elements and the electrodes, wherein an air gap is formed between portions of the piezo elements and electrode-free portions of the first and second support portions;

a transducer frame comprising:
first and second surfaces that receive the first and second support portions of the flex module, the first and second surfaces having an angular arrangement to position the piezo elements at one of a plurality of angles relative to each other; and
a retention element engaging at least one of the piezo elements to retain the first and second support portions relative to the first and second surfaces; and

a housing comprising:
a top shell that has a top surface configured to face away from the skin of the patient; and
a base that has a bottom surface opposite the top surface of the top shell, the bottom surface configured to face toward the skin of the patient during use with the patient, the bottom surface of the base comprising a central portion that protrudes outwardly to form a cavity within the base, the transducer frame being partially held within the cavity of the housing to position the piezo elements to transmit the ultrasonic energy toward the bottom surface and away from the top surface.