Acoustic Sensor Deformable Attachment for Patient Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic sensors face challenges in accurately measuring bodily sounds in noisy environments and under conditions of stress, strain, or movement, due to inadequate coupling and noise interference.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic sensor system with a deformable attachment sub-assembly and adhesive layer for secure patient coupling, combined with a semi-spherical acoustic coupler, enhances signal fidelity and noise reduction by improving coupling and using multiple sensing elements in stacked configurations for improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid attachment structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to patient movement and body contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment sub-assembly incorporates a deformable portion that can dynamically adjust its shape and compliance to accommodate patient movement and body contours while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic characteristic allows the structure to transition from rigid to flexible as needed, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment sub-assembly uses a deformable portion constructed from flexible materials that can conform to curved surfaces and adapt to body movements. This flexible structure maintains attachment precision while providing the necessary adaptability to patient movement and anatomical variations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing elements are stacked, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing elements are stacked and combined within a single integrated sensor assembly, allowing them to function together as one unified device. This merging approach improves measurement precision through signal combination while managing device complexity through integrated design and shared structural components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable attachment portion is used, then adaptability to body contours is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable portion is designed with specific material parameters and geometric characteristics that allow it to adapt to body contours while maintaining consistent attachment properties. By carefully controlling the deformation parameters and material properties, the system achieves both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides robust and accurate measurement of physiological sounds, even in challenging conditions, by ensuring consistent and secure attachment and combining signals from multiple elements to enhance signal clarity and reduce noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
The 'piezoelectric effect' is the appearance of an electric potential and current across certain faces of a crystal when it is subjected to mechanical stresses. Due to their capacity to convert mechanical deformation into an electric voltage, piezoelectric crystals have been broadly used in devices such as transducers, strain gauges and microphones.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain described aspects, an acoustic sensor is employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, the acoustic sensor may include an attachment sub-assembly including a deformable portion that enables improved coupling to a patient. Additionally, the acoustic sensor may include an adhesive layer that, in combination with the deformable portion, enables even, robust, and secure attachment of the sensor to the patient. In various embodiments, an acoustic coupler having a semi-spherical shape is provided to further improve coupling of acoustic signals from the patient to the sensor.