Vascular Ultrasound Probe
Objectives
To explore the process of making a medical device.
To create an ergonomic and user friendly ultrasound probe.
To fabricate a realistic model of the new probe.
Background Research
The goal of this project was to take the pre-existing vascular ultrasound probe and create a new one based off of its predetermined features. As the device is medical the design had to abide by the pre deturmined restrictions. One of the main restrictions was that the device is only used in the right hand. Another restriction was the power cable that comes off of the probe and leads into the machine.
Design Ideation
To get a better understanding of how best to complete both the project and the objectives, a design web was made so as to be able to follow a guide.
Drawing Explorations
Having analyzed my design web, pencil drawing iterations began.
Exploring into 3D
After finishing the drawing explorations, the idea that best fit the design web was chosen.
Using clay, the 2D sketch design was given dimensionality to where you could actually hold the sketch.
The chosen design involved having the original wire that comes out of the probe be moved down to be coming out of the side instead, thus removing a lot of weight in the process.
3D Modeling the Final Design
After the clay model was done, The trained Vascular teck was brought back in and presented the model. After giving their approval, the design was integrated into Fusion 360.
Project Overview
Now that final printing of the model was complete the next task was to bring it back to the hospital. This time around it wasn't just the Vascular Ultrasound Tech that had been working with me only. Instead the probe was actually passed around to the other coworkers and every one was given a chance to try it out. The overall opinion on the product was well received. There were minimal issues with the device as every person was able to understand how to hold the new design and were able to understand how to control it.
The product was not without faults though. The design when transferring over from clay to 3D printed parts had gotten a lot bigger. Although it fit in the hands of the coworkers who were male, it was a bit of a stretch for the females as only one of them was able to wrap their hands around the probe fully. These critiques would be addressed if the product were to be actually made and sent out to hospitals around the world as the larger population of people within the field are female. Overall the Product was a huge success.
Final Design Rendering
