Patent Description:
External ultrasound imaging devices have become indispensable diagnostic tools in modern day medical care due to their non-invasive nature and ever-increasing resolution. In a conventional ultrasound imaging probe, epoxy plugs (also called adhesive anchors) are employed inside the housing as a cable management technique to prevent tensile damage on electrical wires upon application of a force. Force could be mechanically imposed as a result of, e.g., user mishandling the ultrasound probe and/or a person accidentally tripping over the cable of the ultrasound probe. The adhesive anchors need to be precisely located to be an effective tensile anchor while not obstructing functionality of the device. However, such adhesive anchors have been shown to cause mis-positioning and stiffness on the electrical conductors by creating hinge points. Instead of preventing electrical conductors from moving within the housing, the adhesive anchors have been shown to enhance the friction between the electrical wires and the walls of the housing. The insulation around the wires has been shown to wear away at this hinge point as a result of the friction between the electrical wires and the walls of the housing. The exposed bare wires can lead to electrical shorting and failure of the ultrasound probe. In addition, as a result of movement being constrained by the epoxy plug, the wires can work-harden at this hinge point and ultimately break at this location during normal use.

<CIT> describes an ultrasound probe with a swingable ultrasound element, and a woven cable connected to the ultrasound element. <CIT> describes a flexible cable holding member for holding a cable positioned within an opening of a probe housing. <CIT> describes an ultrasound probe having a housing accommodating a circuit board, electrical wires, and elastic bodies. <CIT> describes an ultrasound transducer structure.

The present application provides an improved ultrasound imaging probe that includes an elastomeric insert positioned between two bundles of electrical wires. The electrical wires are part of a cable that allows for communication between the ultrasound probe and a computer that generates the ultrasound images. The bundles of electrical wire are positioned relative to the elastomeric insert so that they extend an extra length within the ultrasound probe. When the cable experiences a force from, e.g., someone tripping over it, the extra length of the two bundles of electrical wire is pulled back, which compresses the elastomeric insert. After the force has been removed, the elastomeric insert un-compresses by itself and moves the two bundles of electrical wire back to their original position including the extra length. In this manner, only the extra length of the electrical wires gets pulled back by the sudden force. This advantageously protects the ends of the electrical wires that are connected to electronics within the ultrasound probe, while avoiding the problems caused by the epoxy plugs in conventional devices.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasound probe is provided. The ultrasound probe includes a housing configured for handheld operation by a user; a transducer array coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data; a cable coupled to the housing, wherein the cable comprises a conduit and a plurality of electrical conductors in communication with the transducer array, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors comprises a distal portion disposed within the housing and a proximal portion disposed within the conduit; and an elastomeric insert disposed within the housing and comprising a compressed state and an uncompressed state, wherein the elastomeric insert is in contact with the plurality of electrical conductors such that application of a force on the cable causes the plurality of electrical conductors to compress the elastomeric insert into the compressed state and such that, upon cessation of the force on the cable, the elastomeric insert moves the plurality of electrical conductors while returning to the uncompressed state.

The distal portion of the plurality of electrical conductors is arranged into a first bundle and a second bundle, and the first bundle is disposed on a first side of the elastomeric insert and the second bundle is disposed on an opposite, second side of the elastomeric insert. In some embodiments, the first bundle and second bundle comprise a x-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, a crossing of the first bundle and the second bundle in the x-shaped configuration is distal of the elastomeric insert, and the plurality of electrical conductors splits into the first bundle and the second bundle proximal of the elastomeric insert. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry disposed within the housing and in communication with the transducer array, wherein the first bundle and the second bundle are coupled to opposite sides of the electronic circuitry. In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe further comprises a first circuit board and a second circuit board disposed within the housing and in communication with the transducer array, wherein the first circuit board is positioned superiorly relative the second circuit board, wherein, at a proximal portion of the housing, the first bundle is positioned superiorly relatively to the second bundle, wherein the first bundle is coupled to the second circuit board and the second bundle is coupled to the first circuit board such that, along a length of the housing, the first bundle and the second bundle cross one another.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric insert comprises a first groove on the first side and a second groove on the second side, and the first bundle is disposed within the first groove and the second bundle disposed within the second groove. In some embodiments, the elastomeric insert comprises a slot disposed between the first groove and the second groove. In some embodiments, the elastomeric insert comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, and a connector extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the first bundle and second bundle are disposed on opposite sides of the connector. In some embodiments, the first bundle and the second bundle are disposed on opposite sides of the first body portion and opposite sides of the second body portion. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the plurality of electrical conductors is arranged into a first bundle and a second bundle, wherein the force on the cable acts in a longitudinal direction, the elastomeric insert, the first bundle, and the second bundle are structurally arranged such that the force on the cable in the longitudinal direction causes lateral movement of the first bundle and the second bundle to compress the elastomeric insert. In some embodiments, the elastomeric insert is disposed within a distal portion of the cable. In some embodiments, a shape of the elastomeric insert matches a shape of the distal portion of the cable. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical conductors extends a first length within the housing when the elastomeric insert is in the uncompressed state, and the plurality of electrical conductors extends a shorter, second length within the housing when the elastomeric insert is in the compressed state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes an ultrasound probe as described above; and a computer in communication with the transducer array via the plurality of electrical conductors and configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data.

Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated and included within the present disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic perspective view of an ultrasound imaging system <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The ultrasound imaging system <NUM> includes a console <NUM> and an ultrasound probe <NUM>. The ultrasound imaging system <NUM> may be used to obtain and display ultrasound images of anatomy. In some circumstances, the system <NUM> may include additional elements and/or may be implemented without one or more of the elements illustrated in <FIG>.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> is sized and shaped, structurally arranged, and/or otherwise configured to be placed on or near the anatomy of a subject to visualize anatomy inside of the subject's body. The subject may be a human patient or animal. The ultrasound probe <NUM> may be positioned outside the body of the subject. In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe <NUM> is positioned proximate to and/or in contact with the body of the subject. For example, the ultrasound probe <NUM> may be placed directly on the body of the subject and/or adjacent to the body of the subject. The view of the anatomy shown in the ultrasound image depends on the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe <NUM>. To obtain ultrasound data of the anatomy, the ultrasound probe <NUM> can be suitably positioned and oriented by a user, such as a physician, sonographer, and/or other medical personnel, so that a transducer array <NUM> emits ultrasound waves and receives ultrasound echoes from the desired portion of the anatomy. The ultrasound probe <NUM> may be portable and suitable for use in a medical setting. In some instances, the ultrasound probe <NUM> can be referenced as an ultrasound imaging device, a diagnostic imaging device, external imaging device, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) probe, and/or combinations thereof.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> structurally arranged, sized and shaped, and/or otherwise configured for handheld grasping by a user. The housing <NUM> can be referenced as a handle in some instances. A proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can be referenced as a handle in some instances. The housing <NUM> surrounds and protects the various components of the imaging device <NUM>, such as electronic circuitry <NUM> and the transducer array <NUM>. Internal structures, such as a space frame for securing the various components, may be positioned within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> includes two or more portions which are joined together during manufacturing. The housing <NUM> can be formed from any suitable material, including a plastic, a polymer, a composite or combinations thereof.

The housing <NUM> and/or the ultrasound probe <NUM> includes the proximal portion <NUM> terminating at a proximal end <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM> terminating at a distal end <NUM>. In some instances, the ultrasound probe <NUM> can be described as having the proximal portion <NUM> and the distal portion <NUM>. An imaging assembly of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, including the transducer array <NUM>, is disposed at the distal portion <NUM>. All or a portion of the imaging assembly of the ultrasound probe <NUM> can define the distal end <NUM>. The transducer array <NUM> can be directly or indirectly coupled to the housing <NUM>. The operator of the ultrasound probe <NUM> may contact the distal end <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> to the body of the patient such that the anatomy is compressed in a resilient manner. For example, the imaging assembly, including the transducer array <NUM>, may be placed directly on or adjacent to the body of the subject. In some instances, the distal portion <NUM> is placed directly in contact with the body of the subject such that the transducer array <NUM> is adjacent to the body of the subject.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> is configured to obtain ultrasound imaging data associated with any suitable anatomy of the patient. For example, the ultrasound probe <NUM> may be used to examine any number of anatomical locations and tissue types, including without limitation, organs including the liver, heart, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, lungs; ducts; intestines; nervous system structures including the brain, dural sac, spinal cord and peripheral nerves; the urinary tract; as well as valves within the blood vessels, blood, chambers or other parts of the heart, and/or other systems of the body. The anatomy may be a blood vessel, such as an artery or a vein of a patient's vascular system, including cardiac vasculature, peripheral vasculature, neural vasculature, renal vasculature, and/or any other suitable lumen inside the body. In addition to natural structures, the ultrasound probe <NUM> may be used to examine man-made structures such as, but without limitation, heart valves, stents, shunts, filters and other devices.

The transducer array <NUM> is configured to emit ultrasound signals, and receive ultrasound echo signals corresponding to the emitted ultrasound signals. The echo signals are reflections of the ultrasound signals from anatomy with the subject's body. The ultrasound echo signals may be processed by the electronic circuitry <NUM> in the ultrasound probe <NUM> and/or in the console <NUM> to generate ultrasound images. The transducer array <NUM> is part of the imaging assembly of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, including an acoustic window/lens and a matching material on a transmitting side of the transducer array <NUM>, and an acoustic backing material on a backside of the transducer array <NUM>. The acoustic window and the matching material have acoustic properties that facilitate propagation of ultrasound energy in desired directions (e.g., outwards, into the body of the patient) from the transmitting side of the transducer array <NUM>. The backing material has acoustic properties that impede or limit propagation of ultrasound energy in undesired directions (e.g., inwards, away from the body of the patient) from the backside of the transducer array <NUM>.

The transducer array <NUM> may include any number of transducer elements. For example, the array can include between <NUM> acoustic element and <NUM> acoustic elements, including values such as <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, <NUM> acoustic elements, and/or other values both larger and smaller. The transducer elements of the transducer array <NUM> may be arranged in any suitable configuration, such as a linear array, a planar array, a curved array, a curvilinear array, a circumferential array, an annular array, a phased array, a matrix array, a one-dimensional (1D) array, a l. x dimensional array (e.g., a <NUM>. 5D array), or a two-dimensional (2D) array. The array of transducer elements (e.g., arranged in one or more rows, one or more columns, and/or one or more orientations) can be uniformly or independently controlled and activated. The transducer array <NUM> can be configured to obtain one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and/or three-dimensional images of patient anatomy. The ultrasound transducer elements may be piezoelectric/piezoresistive elements, piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) elements, capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) elements, and/or any other suitable type of ultrasound transducer elements.

The transducer array <NUM> is in communication with (e.g., electrically coupled to) the electronic circuitry <NUM>. The electronic circuitry <NUM> can be any suitable passive or active electronic components, including integrated circuits (ICs), for controlling the transducer array <NUM> to obtain ultrasound imaging data and/or processing the obtained ultrasound imaging data. For example, the electronic circuitry <NUM> can include one or more transducer control logic dies. The electronic circuitry <NUM> can include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, one or more of the ICs can comprise a microbeamformer (µBF), an acquisition controller, a transceiver, a power circuit, a multiplexer circuit (MUX), etc. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry <NUM> can include a processor, a memory, a gyroscope, and/or an accelerometer. The electronic circuitry <NUM> is disposed within the ultrasound probe <NUM> and surrounded by the housing <NUM>.

The ultrasound probe <NUM> includes a cable <NUM> to provide signal communication between the console <NUM> and one or more components of the ultrasound probe <NUM> (e.g., the transducer array <NUM> and/or the electronic circuitry <NUM>). The cable <NUM> includes multiple electrical conductors <NUM> configured to carry electrical signals between the console <NUM> and the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The electrical conductors <NUM> can be bare wires surrounded by one or more layers of insulating materials. The insulating materials are typically polymer-based composites, nylon, and/or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) synthetic plastic polymer. For example, electrical signals representative of the imaging data obtained by the transducer array <NUM> can be transmitted from the ultrasound probe <NUM> to the console <NUM> via the electrical conductors <NUM>. Control signals and/or power can be transmitted from the console <NUM> to the ultrasound probe <NUM> via the electrical conductors <NUM>. The cable <NUM> and/or electrical conductors <NUM> may provide any type of wired connection, such as a proprietary connection, an Ethernet connection, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection of any version or a mini USB of any version.

The cable <NUM> can also include a conduit <NUM> surrounding the electrical conductors <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> is shaped as a tube and used to protect and route the electrical conductors <NUM> in the cable <NUM> of the ultrasound imaging device <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> can be flexible and made of polymer, plastic, metal, fiber, other suitable materials, and/or combinations thereof. The conduit <NUM> protects the electrical conductors <NUM> by preventing their direct exposure to outside elements. A distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is coupled to the proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

A connector <NUM> is located at a proximal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is configured for removably coupling with the console <NUM>. Signal communication between the ultrasound probe <NUM> and the console <NUM> is established when the connector <NUM> is received within a receptacle <NUM> of the console <NUM>. In that regard, the ultrasound probe <NUM> can be electrically and/or mechanically coupled to the console <NUM>. The console <NUM> can be referenced as a computer or a computing device in some instances. The console <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM> and a display <NUM>. The console <NUM> is configured to process the ultrasound imaging data obtained by the ultrasound probe <NUM> to generate an ultrasound image and output the ultrasound image on the display <NUM>. A user can control various aspects of acquiring ultrasound imaging data by the ultrasound probe <NUM> and/or display of ultrasound images by providing inputs at the user interface <NUM>. The imaging device <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be communicatively coupled directly or indirectly to the console <NUM>.

One or more image processing steps can be completed by the console <NUM> and/or the ultrasound probe <NUM>. The console <NUM> and/or the ultrasound probe <NUM> can include one or more processors in communication with memory. The processor may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the memory is a random access memory (RAM). In other embodiments, the memory is a cache memory (e.g., a cache memory of the processor), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid state memory device, hard disk drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In some embodiments, the memory may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory may store instructions. The instructions may include instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations described herein.

While the console <NUM> is a movable cart in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, it is understood that the console <NUM> can be a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a personal digital assistant (PDA)) with integrated processor(s), memory, and display. For example, a touchscreen of the mobile device can be the user interface <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the structural arrangement of components of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagrammatic, partially transparent side view of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, including an elastomeric insert <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional side view of the ultrasound probe <NUM> along section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional end view of the ultrasound probe <NUM> along section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> is diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the ultrasound probe <NUM> including the elastomeric insert <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional side view of the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM> of the ultrasound probe <NUM> along section line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>.

Various components of the ultrasound probe <NUM> are disposed within the housing <NUM>. For example, the electronic circuitry <NUM>, the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>, and an elastomeric insert <NUM> are located inside the housing <NUM>. The electronic circuitry <NUM> includes printed circuit boards (PCBs) <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>), board to board electrical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>), and cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>).

The cable <NUM> includes the conduit <NUM> surrounding the electrical conductors <NUM>. The electrical conductors <NUM> are arranged as one unit along a majority of length of the cable <NUM> between the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM> to proximal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. At the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>, the single unit of electrical conductors <NUM> are split apart into two separate units forming cable legs <NUM>, <NUM>. In some instances, the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be referenced as bundles or subsets of the electrical conductors <NUM>. In some embodiments, the division of the electrical conductors <NUM> into the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> occurs proximal of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. For example, the split can be formed longitudinally at a ferrule <NUM>, distal to the ferrule <NUM>, or proximal to the ferrule <NUM>. The ferrule <NUM> defines a distal end of the cable <NUM> and can be coupled to the conduit <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the ferrule <NUM> extends around the distal portion of the conduit <NUM> to provide increased strength and/or support and prevent splitting and/or wearing down of the conduit <NUM>. The ferrule <NUM> can be shaped as cylindrical ring made from metal, polymer, or plastic. When the proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> surrounds the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>, the ferrule <NUM> is located within the proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the division of the electrical conductors <NUM> into the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> can occur within the housing <NUM> and/or within the cable <NUM>.

The split of the electrical conductors <NUM> is formed so that each cable leg <NUM> or <NUM> is connected to PCB <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, the cable leg <NUM> is mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM>, and the cable leg <NUM> is mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM>. Each cable leg <NUM>, <NUM> is formed as a subset of the plurality of electrical conductors <NUM>. For example, the electrical conductors <NUM> are arranged into the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM>. Each cable leg <NUM>, <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM> surrounding the subset of electrical conductors <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> can be formed of any suitable material, such as a plastic or polymer, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. While two cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that the electrical conductors <NUM> can be arranged into any suitable number of cable legs, include one, three, four, or more. The cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be a distal portion of the electrical conductors <NUM> that are at least partially positioned within the housing <NUM>. More proximal portions of the electrical conductors <NUM> can be positioned within the conduit <NUM>.

Electrical signals between the transducer array <NUM> and the cable <NUM> are communicated via the electronic circuitry <NUM>. For example, the transducer array <NUM> and the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> are in communication with the PCBs <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, the distal ends of the electrical conductors <NUM> forming the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM>, are mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCBs <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the distal ends of the electrical conductors <NUM> are soldered to the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>. The material content of the solder is metal-based which permits electrical current to flow from one conductor to another within the electronic circuitry <NUM>. The ultrasound probe <NUM> includes potting materials <NUM>, <NUM> that can be formed from a polymer-based material to provide resistance to shock and vibration and prevent against moisture or corrosive agents on the electrical conductors <NUM>. Potting material <NUM> is positioned over the terminations of the cable leg <NUM> at the PCB <NUM>, and potting material <NUM> is positioned over the terminations of the cable leg <NUM> at the PCB <NUM>. Various active and/or passive electronic components, such as the board to board connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, are mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>. In the orientation shown in, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> is positioned superiorly within the housing <NUM>, and the PCB <NUM> is positioned inferiorly within the housing <NUM>.

In conventional ultrasound imaging devices, the ferrule is typically filled with large plug of filler material. The filler material is formed of any suitable chemical adhesive or epoxy resin, such as polyepoxides, or reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. In some instances, the filler material is referenced as an adhesive anchor, epoxy, or filler. The filler material is meant to prevent damages on the electrical conductors upon application of a force by preventing movement of the electrical conductors. Force could be mechanically imposed as a result of user mishandling the imaging device during usage. For example, such force can result when person trips over the cable of the imaging device. However, such filler materials have been shown to cause mis-positioning and stiffness of the electrical conductors and to create hinge point that coincides with damaged conductors. Further, instead of preventing electrical conductors from moving within the housing, the filler material has shown to enhance the friction between the electrical conductors and the walls of the housing. The friction causes bare wires to be exposed because the insulation coating wears out. The exposed bare wires can short.

Advantageously, this present disclosure provides an elastomeric insert <NUM> that eliminates the need for the epoxy plug. The elastomeric insert <NUM> is meant to serve as a shock absorber for the shock imposed on the electrical conductors <NUM> by the mechanical force as described earlier. The elastomeric insert <NUM> is disposed within the housing <NUM> at the proximal portion <NUM>. As described herein, the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be used to direct, retain, and reposition the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> and prevent damage on the electrical connections between the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> and the electrical conductors <NUM>. When force is applied on the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> during usage the elastomeric insert <NUM> is compressed in a resilient manner and expands. The elastomeric insert <NUM> also absorbs any shock imposed on the electrical conductors <NUM> during usage. Once the force is removed, the elastomeric insert <NUM> returns to its original state and repositions the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> back into their original position. The original position of the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> may also be referred as neutral state herein. The elastomeric insert <NUM> can be formed of any suitable material with elastic properties such as a natural or synthetic polymer. Exemplary materials include solid silicone or urethane rubber, closed-cell foam silicone or urethane rubber, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), Santoprene™ thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), other suitable material, and/or combinations thereof. The elastomeric insert <NUM> can generally include a body with a cylindrical shape. In various embodiments, portions of the cylindrical body can be removed (e.g., grooves <NUM>, <NUM> for the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM>). In some instances, the shape of the body of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be described as a doubleheaded axe shape.

The proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> includes the elastomeric insert <NUM> and the ferrule <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> and the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> can be positioned within the ferrule <NUM>. Generally, the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be positioned within the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. A shape of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can match a shape of the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. For example, when the ferrule <NUM> has a cylindrical lumen, the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be generally cylindrical such that the elastomeric insert <NUM> is disposed within the ferrule <NUM>. For example, an outer surface of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be shaped to contact and match the shape of the inner surface of the ferrule <NUM> and/or the distal portion of the cable <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> can be positioned within the ferrule <NUM> with any suitable fit, such as an interference fit, press-fit, etc..

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> can be positioned partially inside and partially outside of the ferrule <NUM>. In some embodiments, a proximal portion (e.g.. , one-half or any suitable portion) of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be positioned inside the ferrule <NUM> and a distal portion (e.g., one-half or any suitable portion) of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be positioned outside of the ferrule <NUM>. Both <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate embodiments in which the elastomeric insert <NUM> is positioned in between the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM>. The cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> can be directed over and around the elastomeric insert <NUM> forming a crossed shape or an x-shape <NUM>. For example, the crossing of the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> to form the x-shape <NUM> can be distal of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. For example, the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to opposite sides of the electronic circuitry <NUM>. In the orientation shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable leg <NUM> on the top (e.g., positioned superiorly) at the proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> becomes the cable leg <NUM> on the bottom (e.g., positioned inferiorly) more distally in the housing <NUM>. Similarly, the cable leg <NUM> on the bottom (e.g., positioned inferiorly) at the proximal portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> becomes the cable leg <NUM> on the top (e.g., positioned superiorly) more distally in the housing <NUM>. Longitudinally, the elastomeric insert <NUM> is disposed between the x-shape <NUM> and the split of the electrical conductors <NUM> into the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM>.

The arrangement of the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> with x-shape <NUM> and wrapping around or surrounding the elastomeric insert <NUM> effectively provides a service loop inside of the housing <NUM> where only minimal space is available. The arrangement also provides extra slack for the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> to freely move inside the conduit <NUM>. The extra slack will prevent tension and damage to the solder joints when external mechanical force is applied during usage. In that regard, when the elastomeric insert is in its uncompressed state, the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> extend a greater length within the housing <NUM> than when the elastomeric insert <NUM> is in its compressed state. That is, force on the cable <NUM> shortens the length of the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> within the housing <NUM> because the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> are pulled proximally. The elastomeric insert <NUM> absorbs the shock and automatically returns the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> to their original configuration. In the original configuration, more length of the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> is inside of the housing <NUM>. This extra length provides the service loop for the electrical conductors <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>, so that only this extra length is pulled by the force on the cable <NUM>, rather than the solder joints between the electrical conductors <NUM> and the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>. The presence of the elastomeric insert <NUM> prevents the effect of the applied force to be transferred to the electrical interconnections.

The cable leg <NUM> is disposed on a first side of the elastomeric insert <NUM> and the cable leg <NUM> is disposed on an opposite, second side of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. The cross-sectional views in <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> positioned inside the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) on opposite sides of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. The dimensions of the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> include the circumference <NUM> of cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> in range between <NUM> to <NUM> inches in diameter. In some embodiments, the circumference <NUM> of the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> is slightly smaller than the circumference <NUM> of the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> so that there is tight fitting between them. In some embodiment, the circumference <NUM> of the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> is equal or larger than the circumference <NUM> of the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> (as shown in e.g., <FIG>).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the changes in state of the elastomeric insert <NUM> upon application and cessation of a force <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the elastomeric insert <NUM> in compressed state. During usage of the ultrasound probe <NUM>, the cable <NUM> can be pulled so that the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> experience the force <NUM>, e.g., in the direction indicated by the arrow (<FIG>). The force <NUM> can variously be described as a longitudinal force, a tensile force, and/or a force acting in the proximal direction. The longitudinal force <NUM> causes lateral movement of the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., inward, towards one another). The cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> are in a x-shape <NUM> around the elastomeric insert <NUM>. Because of that structural arrangement, the longitudinal force <NUM> causes the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> to move toward one another, which compresses the elastomeric insert <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> has a height <NUM> in the compressed state.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the elastomeric insert <NUM> in uncompressed state. For example, upon cessation of force <NUM> acting upon cable legs <NUM> and <NUM>, the material properties of the elastomeric insert <NUM> cause it to return to its original uncompressed height <NUM>. The uncompressed height <NUM> is larger than the compressed height <NUM>. In that regard, the elastomeric insert <NUM> is compressed in a resilient manner (<FIG>) so that the elastomeric insert <NUM> returns to its original state. Expansion of the elastomeric insert <NUM> acts on the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> to move the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the expansion of the elastomeric insert <NUM> pushes the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> apart from one another.

To fabricate the exemplary elastomeric insert <NUM> disclosed herein, several different manufacturing techniques may be used based on material and structure of the elastomeric insert <NUM>, including injection molding, casting, 3D printing, and/or other suitable techniques. It should be understood that no limitation to any particular manufacturing technology is intended or should be implied from the teachings of the disclosed principles.

<FIG> illustrate embodiments of an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The particular structure and/or elastic properties of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can vary, but all embodiments are sized and shaped, structurally arranged, and/or otherwise configured to prevent tensile damage to the electrical interconnections within the ultrasound probe <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagrammatic perspective view of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagrammatic end view of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagrammatic top view of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> is sized and shaped to be symmetrical about the x-axis <NUM> and the perpendicular y-axis <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> includes fillet edges <NUM>, side surface <NUM>, and grooves <NUM> and <NUM>. The side surface <NUM> can be in contact with an interior surface of the ferrule <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a groove surface of the groove <NUM>. In various embodiments, the side surface <NUM> and/or the surface of the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> can be smooth or textured. The dimensions of the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> can include the circumference <NUM> of the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> and <NUM> can have semicircular shape. In some embodiments, the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> shape can be another curved or polygonal shape. The grooves <NUM>, <NUM> extend longitudinally, from a proximal surface <NUM> to a distal surface <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM>.

The elastomeric insert <NUM> is formed with slot <NUM> including of full radii and round edges on both ends, as illustrated in <FIG>. The slot <NUM> is disposed between the grooves <NUM>, <NUM>. The middle slot <NUM> provides increased elastic properties and flexibility for the elastomeric insert <NUM>. For example, adding the middle slot <NUM> allows the use of higher durometer materials, which can provide more durability and ease of processing of the raw material. The ability to utilize higher durometer materials with the middle slot <NUM> increases assurance of supply by not limiting the elastomeric insert <NUM> to a narrow range of material options. The middle slot <NUM> is formed extending longitudinally from the proximal surface <NUM> to the distal surface <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. A width <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> inch and <NUM> inches, and/or other suitable values both larger and smaller, for example. A length <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch, and/or other suitable values both larger and smaller, for example. A height <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch, and/or other suitable values both larger and smaller, for example.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The elastomeric insert <NUM> includes chamfer edges <NUM> and grooves <NUM>, <NUM> with stepped surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the stepped surface <NUM> allows for the cable legs <NUM> and <NUM> to be more accurately and/or easily set into the grooves <NUM>, <NUM>. The step or chamfered edge <NUM> breaks the sharp edge of the elastomeric insert <NUM>, which allows for a smoother and unconstrained transition, and eliminates a potential pinch point for the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> as they pass over and across the elastomeric insert <NUM>. Elastomeric insert <NUM> can include similar dimensions as elastomeric insert <NUM> of <FIG>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> is solid in the middle and does not include a slot as in <FIG>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> with solid middle configuration can have different elastic properties then the elastomeric insert <NUM> from <FIG>. In some instances, elastomeric inserts <NUM>, <NUM> can have similar elastic properties. For example, the elastomeric insert <NUM> (without a slot) can be made of a lower durometer material and the elastomeric insert <NUM> (including the slot <NUM>) can be made of a higher durometer material.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The elastomeric insert <NUM> can include some features similar to the elastomeric insert <NUM> of <FIG>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> includes fillet edges <NUM>, as well as grooves <NUM> and <NUM>, and side surface <NUM>. However, the illustrated embodiment differs from that of <FIG> in that the elastomeric insert <NUM> is formed without a slot, as illustrated. The exemplary positioning of the cable leg <NUM> within the groove <NUM> is illustrated. While only one outline for the cable leg <NUM> in groove <NUM> is shown, it is understood that the cable leg <NUM> is positioned within the groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The elastomeric insert <NUM> can include some features similar to the elastomeric insert <NUM> of <FIG>. Specifically, this exemplary embodiment <NUM> includes a fillet edges <NUM>, as well as grooves <NUM> and <NUM>, and side surface <NUM>. However, this embodiment differs from that of <FIG> in that the elastomeric insert <NUM> is formed with a slot having a dog-bone shape <NUM>, as illustrated. The dog-bone shaped slot <NUM> is formed with smaller height in the middle of the slot and larger height at the lateral ends of the slot. In some instances, the dog-bone shape <NUM> can provided increased elasticity of the elastomeric insert <NUM> compared to the elastomeric insert <NUM> in <FIG>. The dog-bone shape <NUM> further increases assurance of supply by not limiting the elastomeric insert <NUM> to a narrow range of material options and design tradeoffs. Similar to the slot <NUM> (<FIG>), adding the dog-bone shape slot <NUM> allows the use of higher durometer materials, which can provide more durability and ease of processing of the raw material. The exemplary positioning of the cable leg <NUM> within the groove <NUM> is illustrated. While only one outline for the cable leg <NUM> in groove <NUM> is shown, it is understood that the cable leg <NUM> is positioned within the groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Elastomeric insert <NUM> can have similar dimensions as the elastomeric insert <NUM> of <FIG>. This elastomeric insert <NUM> includes a dumbbell shape formed by two larger body portions <NUM>, <NUM> and a central, linking portion <NUM> extending between them. In that regard, the body portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned laterally relatively to one another, with the linking portion <NUM> extending laterally between the two. The body portions <NUM>, <NUM> can contact opposite portions of the inner surface of the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM>, e.g., the ferrule <NUM>. The spaces between the larger body portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the central linking portion <NUM> define the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> in which the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned. For example, the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be disposed on opposite sides (e.g., top and bottom) of the central, linking portion <NUM>. The exemplary positioning of the cable leg <NUM> within the groove <NUM> is illustrated. While only one outline for the cable leg <NUM> in groove <NUM> is shown, it is understood that the cable leg <NUM> is positioned within the groove <NUM>. A slot <NUM> extends laterally, along the width of the elastomeric insert <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an elastomeric insert <NUM>, according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a diagrammatic perspective view of the elastomeric insert <NUM> constructed. <FIG> is a diagrammatic side view of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagrammatic top view of the elastomeric insert <NUM>. The elastomeric insert <NUM> includes body portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and a linking portion <NUM> formed to connect the two body portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The body portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be hollow cylinders in some embodiments. The linking portion <NUM> can be shaped as rectangular prism in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder <NUM> is larger than the cylinder <NUM>.

The elastomeric insert <NUM> can be positioned within the housing <NUM>, the ferrule <NUM>, and/or the distal portion <NUM> of the cable <NUM> such that the cylinder <NUM> is positioned longitudinally more proximally and the cylinder <NUM> is positioned longitudinally more distally. In some embodiments, the hollow cylinder <NUM> can be positioned at least partially inside the ferrule <NUM>, similar to positioning of the elastomeric insert <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). In some embodiments, the hollow cylinder <NUM> can be positioned in the space <NUM> (<FIG>), between the x-shape <NUM> and the proximal end of the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>. In that regard, the crossing of the cable legs <NUM>, <NUM> to form the x-shape <NUM> occurs between the cylinders <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cable leg <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned on opposite sides of both the cylinder <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the cable leg <NUM> can be positioned over the cylinder <NUM> and under the cylinder <NUM>. For example, the cable leg <NUM> is positioned under the cylinder <NUM> and over the cylinder <NUM>.

A width <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> inch and <NUM> inches, and/or other suitable values both larger and smaller, for example. A length <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, and/or other suitable values both larger and smaller, for example. A height <NUM> of the elastomeric insert <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch, and/or other suitable values both larger and smaller, for example.

Claim 1:
An ultrasound probe, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) configured for handheld operation by a user;
a transducer array (<NUM>) coupled to the housing and configured to obtain ultrasound data;
a cable (<NUM>) coupled to the housing, wherein the cable comprises a conduit (<NUM>) and a plurality of electrical conductors (<NUM>) in communication with the transducer array, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors comprises a distal portion disposed within the housing and a proximal portion disposed within the conduit; and
an elastomeric insert (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the housing and comprising a compressed state and an uncompressed state, wherein the elastomeric insert is in contact with the plurality of electrical conductors such that application of a force on the cable causes the plurality of electrical conductors to compress the elastomeric insert into the compressed state and such that, upon cessation of the force on the cable, the elastomeric insert moves the plurality of electrical conductors while returning to the uncompressed state, wherein
the distal portion of the plurality of electrical conductors is arranged into a first bundle (<NUM>) and a second bundle (<NUM>), and
the first bundle is disposed on a first side of the elastomeric insert and the second bundle is disposed on an opposite, second side of the elastomeric insert.