Blood Flow Probe With Separable Sensor And Sterilization Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood flow probes require multiple types for different blood vessel thicknesses, making them cumbersome and requiring frequent sterilization and replacement, which complicates their use and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A blood flow probe system with a separable blood flow sensor and measuring instrument connected via a mechanical and electrical connector, allowing for the use of interchangeable sensors of various sizes and a sterilization bag to maintain instrument sterility, and an extension cable for adjustable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of blood flow probes are prepared for different blood vessel thicknesses, then measurement capability for various blood vessels is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blood flow probe design where a single probe structure can accommodate different blood vessel thicknesses by adjusting the clamping force and positioning of the ultrasonic transducers. The probe head includes adjustable components that allow it to adapt to various vessel diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized probes while maintaining measurement capability across different blood vessel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable clamping arms and adjustable transducer positions that can be modified during use to match different blood vessel thicknesses. This dynamic adaptability allows a single probe to function across multiple vessel size ranges, reducing inventory complexity while preserving versatility.
2Ease of operation
If blood flow sensors are made disposable, then sterilization workload is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into disposable sensor components and reusable instrument components. The disposable sensor module contains the ultrasonic transducers and can be easily detached and replaced, while the main instrument housing and processing electronics are reused. This segmentation allows for economical disposal of only the contaminated parts while retaining expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable sensor tips or transducer modules that are inexpensive to manufacture and can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization procedures. These disposable components are designed to be cost-effective replacements that maintain measurement quality without requiring sterilization infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the blood flow probe is designed with fixed length, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different vessel lengths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates telescopic or articulating segments that allow the probe length to be dynamically adjusted to match the length of the blood vessel being measured. These mechanical adjustments maintain precise alignment of the ultrasonic transducers while adapting to various vessel lengths, preserving both manufacturing precision and adaptability.
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 the use of a single blood flow measuring instrument with multiple sensor sizes, reducing the need for multiple probes, simplifying sterilization, and allowing for extended use without compromising sterility, while accommodating varying blood vessel thicknesses and lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit first ultrasonic waves through the blood vessel toward the reflector and to receive the ultrasonic waves reflected by the reflector, and a second ultrasonic transducer positioned side by side with the first ultrasonic transducer on an opposite side of the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is: a blood flow sensor that sandwiches a longitudinal-direction section of a blood vessel of a subject, from the outer circumference of such section, to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the blood flow; and a blood flow measurement instrument that processes the electrical signal from the blood flow sensor and converts the signal to an electrical signal indicating blood flow. The blood flow sensor and the blood flow measurement instrument are provided with connectors so as to be mechanically and electrically separable from each other.