Capacitance-Based Medical Instrument Insertion Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the insertion depth of female genital surgical instruments rely on visual inspection, leading to inaccuracies and lack of recorded procedural verification during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a non-metallic protective container with paired electrodes to measure capacitance, allowing for precise electrical depth measurement by calculating insertion depth based on induced capacitance between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection of scale markings is used to adjust insertion depth, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operator dependency and lack of accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method with an electrical capacitance measurement system. Capacitive electrodes mounted on the inner surface of the protective container detect insertion depth through electrical signals rather than mechanical scale reading, eliminating operator dependency and improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitance as an intermediary physical quantity to measure insertion depth. Instead of directly reading mechanical scales, the system measures capacitance changes between electrodes and the medical instrument, which correlates to insertion depth, providing indirect but more accurate measurement
2Loss of information
If visual inspection method is used, then the device complexity remains low, but loss of information occurs because procedure process and results cannot be recorded or verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where capacitance measurements are continuously monitored and converted to insertion depth values. The controller processes the capacitance signals and provides real-time feedback on insertion depth, enabling recording and verification of procedure process and results, thus preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual recording with automated electrical measurement and digital recording. The capacitive sensing system automatically captures insertion depth data and stores it, eliminating the need for manual note-taking and ensuring complete procedure documentation
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 accurate and electrically recorded insertion depth measurement, facilitating precise surgical procedures and remote operation, with the ability to combine depth information with image records.
Implementation Method 1
a controller electrically connected to the pair of main electrodes, measuring capacitance that is induced by the pair of main electrodes, and calculating an insertion depth of the medical instrument inserted into a body on the basis of the measured capacitance
Implementation Method 2
a pair of reference electrodes disposed on extension lines of the main electrodes, formed electrically separately from the main electrodes, facing each other, and having a preset length, wherein capacitance that is induced at the reference electrodes may be measured by the controller
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring an insertion depth of medical instruments inserted into a body and a method for measuring an insertion depth of medical instruments inserted into a body. The apparatus for measuring an insertion depth of medical instruments inserted into a body includes: a non-metallic protective container that is inserted into a body with a medical instrument disposed therein; a pair of main electrodes having a predetermined area and formed in a longitudinal direction while facing each other in the protective container; and a controller electrically connected to the pair of main electrodes, measuring capacitance that is induced by the pair of main electrodes, and calculating an insertion depth of the medical instrument inserted into a body on the basis of the measured capacitance.