Three-dimensional printable ultrasound transducer stabilization system

J Acoust Soc Am. 2018 Nov;144(5):EL392. doi: 10.1121/1.5066350.

Abstract

When using ultrasound imaging of the tongue for speech recording/research, submental transducer stabilization is required to prevent the ultrasound transducer from translating or rotating in relation to the tongue. An iterative prototype of a lightweight three-dimensional-printable wearable ultrasound transducer stabilization system that allows flexible jaw motion and free head movement is presented. The system is completely non-metallic, eliminating interference with co-recorded signals, thus permitting co-collection and co-registration with articulometry systems. A motion study of the final version demonstrates that transducer rotation is limited to 1.25° and translation to 2.5 mm-well within accepted tolerances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Germany / ethnology
  • Head Movements / physiology
  • Humans
  • Jaw / physiology
  • Male
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
  • Speech / physiology*
  • Speech Articulation Tests / methods
  • Tongue / diagnostic imaging*
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonography / methods*