Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2019

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Dr. Craig Johnson

Second Committee Member

Dr. John Choi

Third Committee Member

Professor Charles Pringle

Abstract

The current ultrasound probes used in hospitals today use the same design produced in the mid 90s. Ultrasound probes consist of a transducer at the end of a handle. To perform an exam, an ultrasound technician (sonographers) must manipulate the probe at the wrist. To produce a clear image, the technician must apply pressure against the patient at different angles. Due to the extensive rotational movement and pressure the wrist takes when scanning a patient with an ultrasound probe, there is a high rate of carpal tunnel and other wrist injuries in sonographers. This new ultrasound probe will take the rotational movement out of the technicians wrist and isolate the rotational movement to the probe. This rotational movement is achieved by a swiveling transducer head. The majority of the construction was conducted using the machine shop as well as the Senior Project Lab in Hogue Hall at Central Washington University. The probe must withstand up to 40 pounds of vertical force from the grip to the head of the probe. The head must also perform the full range of movement in less than 2 seconds. Different sized pulley wheels and programed speeds are tested to achieve these operation standards.

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