Multi-Modal Biosensor Probe for Skin Inflammation Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices are inadequate for simultaneously and accurately measuring multiple parameters such as skin conductivity, sound, temperature, and applied force to diagnose soft tissue inflammations, leading to unreliable pain assessment and difficulty in localizing pain sources objectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal biosensor apparatus with two probes that measure skin conductivity, sound, temperature, and applied force, using thermistors, microphones, and pressure sensors, allowing for differential comparative analysis to stabilize measurements and provide objective pain assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measuring devices are used to measure different skin parameters, then comprehensive diagnostic information can be obtained, but the complexity of the device and the difficulty of simultaneous measurement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate measuring devices (conductivity meter, thermometer, sound meter, pressure sensor) into a single integrated probe assembly. This allows simultaneous measurement of multiple skin parameters (electrical conductivity, temperature, sound, applied force) at the same location and time, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive diagnostics and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a universal measuring instrument that performs multiple functions: measuring electrical conductivity through electrodes, temperature through thermistors, sound through microphones, and applied force through pressure sensors. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive soft tissue inflammation assessment without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If measurements are taken at different times using separate devices, then each parameter can be measured accurately, but the condition of the tissue may change between measurements leading to unreliable diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all measurement functions into a single probe that can simultaneously measure conductivity, temperature, sound, and pressure, the system eliminates time delays between measurements. This ensures that all parameters are captured at the same moment, preventing tissue condition changes between measurements and improving diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe applies controlled pressure through the force measurement function before taking other measurements, which helps stabilize the tissue and create consistent measurement conditions. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent measurements of conductivity, temperature, and sound are taken under standardized conditions, improving both precision and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If manual palpation is used to locate pain areas, then the examination is simple and quick, but the localization of pain sources is subjective and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual palpation with objective electronic measurement systems. The probe uses electrical conductivity measurements, temperature sensing, sound detection, and pressure measurement to objectively identify and characterize soft tissue inflammation, eliminating the subjectivity inherent in manual examination while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe serves as an intermediary between the examiner and the tissue, translating physical tissue properties (conductivity, temperature, sound, pressure) into quantifiable electronic signals. This intermediary measurement system provides precise, objective data about pain sources that cannot be obtained through manual palpation alone.
4Reliability
If pressure is applied to achieve consistent readings, then measurement reliability improves, but the applied force may vary between measurements causing data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The probe includes a force measurement function that provides real-time feedback on the applied pressure. This feedback allows the operator to maintain consistent, controlled pressure during measurements, ensuring that conductivity, temperature, and sound readings are taken under standardized conditions without excessive or variable force that would corrupt the data.
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
Enables simultaneous and accurate measurement of multiple skin parameters, providing an objective means to determine the severity of soft tissue injuries and inflammation, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by stabilizing measurements and accounting for autonomic fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The probe has means for measuring the conductivity of the skin at the area and means for measuring the sound produced by probes running over the skin at that area, the force applied by the probes to the skin and the temperature of the skin
Implementation Method 2
the force applied by the probes to the skin
Implementation Method 3
means for measuring the sound produced by probes running over the skin at that area
Implementation Method 4
the electrical resistance of skin is controlled largely through the nervous system
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for diagnosing a skin condition of the patient. The apparatus comprises a lens having radial lines of conductivity dividing the surface into quadrants, each quadrant having spaced apart lines of conductivity, with a center of the lines having a temperature sensitive element and a temperature sensitive element positioned at an outer extreme of each of the radial lines of conductivity.