Ultrasound Imaging System with Mechanical Support Structure
In at least some aspects, a handheld ultrasound imaging device comprises: a housing; an ultrasound imaging unit disposed at least in part within the housing, the ultrasound imaging unit including an ultrasound transducer; a display rotatably coupled to the housing; and a releasably engageable catch; wherein when the catch is releasably engaged, the catch restricts movement of the housing relative to the display. In at least some aspects, a method comprises: positioning a handheld ultrasound imaging device having a housing and a display on a surface with a screen of the display facing toward the surface; providing relative movement between the housing and display to position an ultrasonic transducer of the handheld ultrasound imaging device in an at least partially upright position; and applying a sterile cover on at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducer without touching the handheld ultrasound imaging device.
1 . A handheld ultrasound imaging device, comprising:
a housing;
an ultrasound imaging unit disposed at least in part within the housing, the ultrasound imaging unit including an ultrasound transducer;
a display rotatably coupled to the housing; and
a releasably engageable catch;
wherein when the catch is releasably engaged, the catch restricts movement of the housing relative to the display.
2 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 1 , wherein when the catch is releasably engaged, the catch restricts the housing to at least partly upright positions relative to the display.
3 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 1 , wherein when the catch is releasably engaged, the catch resists all movement of the housing relative to the display.
4 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 1 , wherein the catch comprises a detent.
5 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 4 , wherein the catch is release by application of catch release force to at least one of the housing and the stand.
6 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 1 , further comprising a button coupled to the catch and depressible to release the catch.
7 . A handheld ultrasound imaging device, comprising:
a housing;
an ultrasound imaging unit disposed at least in part within the housing, the ultrasound imaging unit including an ultrasound transducer;
a display;
a pivot, the housing and display rotatably coupled through the pivot; and
a brace external to said pivot to provide a friction force that resists rotation between the housing and the display.
8 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 7 , wherein the brace has a brace surface external to said pivot and in contact with a surface that moves relative to the brace surface with rotation between the housing and the display to provide the friction force that resists rotation between the housing and the display.
9 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 7 , wherein the brace surface and the surface that moves relative to the brace surface define an interface having a press fit.
10 . The handheld ultrasound imaging device of claim 7 , wherein the brace surface comprises a concave surface and wherein the surface that moves relative to the brace surface comprises a convex surface.
11 . A method comprising:
positioning a handheld ultrasound imaging device having a housing and a display on a surface with a screen of the display facing toward the surface;
providing relative movement between the housing and display to position an ultrasonic transducer of the handheld ultrasound imaging device in an at least partially upright position; and
applying a sterile cover on at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducer without touching the handheld ultrasound imaging device.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising applying a transmission medium on a surface of the ultrasonic transducer.