Flexible Bladder Pressure Sensor Housing for Ambulatory Urodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambulatory urodynamics systems require either surgically implanted sensors, leading to increased costs and prolonged recovery, or externally worn sensors, causing patient noncompliance, while laboratory-based urodynamics cause pain, discomfort, and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A single sensing device with an elongated flexible housing filled with non-compressible fluid and a flexible printed circuit board, including a pressure sensor, microcontroller, and wireless transmitter, which curves within the bladder to detect pressure without the need for additional sensors, using a two-stage wakeup process to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgically implanted sensors are used for ambulatory urodynamics, then pressure measurement accuracy is improved, but testing costs increase and patient recovery period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible housing made of elastomeric material that can be inserted into the bladder without surgical implantation. The flexible shell conforms to the bladder walls and transmits pressure changes to the sensor, achieving accurate pressure measurement while avoiding the need for surgical recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical implantation process with a minimally flexible insertion approach. The flexible housing with embedded pressure sensor can be inserted through the urethra and deployed in the bladder without cutting or prolonged surgical procedures, eliminating the recovery period while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Ease of operation
If externally worn sensors are used for ambulatory urodynamics, then patient compliance is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the pressure sensor, flexible circuit board, and electronic components within a flexible housing that can be inserted into the bladder. This nested structure allows the device to be worn externally (through insertion) while maintaining reliable contact with the bladder walls, combining patient compliance with measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastomeric housing conforms to the bladder shape and maintains reliable pressure transmission while allowing natural bladder movement and patient activity. This flexibility ensures both patient compliance during normal activities and reliable measurement data
3Measurement precision
If laboratory-based urodynamics with inserted catheters are used, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but patient comfort and result reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric housing that can be inserted through the urethra and deployed in the bladder without rigid catheters. The flexible material conforms to the bladder walls, providing accurate pressure measurement while being comfortable for the patient and eliminating the anxiety associated with rigid catheter insertion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rigid catheters that cause discomfort, the patent inverts the approach by using a flexible, compliant housing that adapts to the bladder shape. This inversion of rigidity to flexibility maintains measurement capability while eliminating patient discomfort and anxiety
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
Reduces testing costs and improves patient compliance by eliminating the need for implanted or externally worn sensors, providing accurate pressure data collection during normal activities with reduced discomfort and anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible material of the elongated outer housing can be displaced by a pressure within a patient's bladder, the displacement of the flexible material of the elongated outer housing is transmitted through the non-compressible fluid to the pressure sensor that detects the displacement and provides the pressure data based on the displacement
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensing device can be used for ambulatory urodynamics. The sensing device can include an elongated outer housing constructed of flexible material that can curve within a patient's bladder. At least a portion of the outer housing can be filled with a non-compressible fluid. A flexible printed circuit board can be disposed within the outer housing to curve with the outer housing. The printed circuit board can include a pressure sensor, comprising a diaphragm, to collect pressure data; a microcontroller running control software; and a wireless transmitter to transmit the pressure data. A battery can be disposed within the outer housing and coupled to the printed circuit board. The flexible material of the outer housing is configured to be displaced by a pressure within the patient's bladder, the displacement is transmitted through the non-compressible fluid to the pressure sensor that provides the pressure data based on the displacement.