Capacitive Sensor Array for Urethral Pressure Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current urodynamic catheters are inadequate for measuring dynamic pressure distribution along the urethra and distinguishing between structural and neurological causes of urinary incontinence, as they typically involve single-point pressure measurements and are costly, limiting their effectiveness in diagnosing and managing urinary incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensing catheter system with a urethral catheter and a sensor array featuring a plurality of pressure sensors and EMG electrodes, capable of measuring dynamic pressure distribution and neural activity, which includes capacitive sensors and a reference sensor to compensate for parasitic capacitance, allowing for accurate and inexpensive diagnosis of urinary incontinence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single-point pressure measurements are used in current urodynamic catheters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is insufficient for capturing dynamic pressure distribution along the urethra
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple sections, each equipped with pressure sensors at different locations along its length. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of pressure at multiple points along the urethra, capturing the dynamic pressure distribution profile without requiring a single complex multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure measurement systems with capacitive sensors that utilize electrical field changes to detect pressure. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling precise pressure distribution measurements through electrical capacitance changes in response to pressure variations.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated urodynamic testing equipment is used, then measurement capability is improved, but healthcare costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed as a disposable, low-cost device that can be manufactured economically using standard fabrication techniques. The use of capacitive sensors and simple electronic components enables production at a fraction of the cost of reusable sophisticated equipment, making accurate urodynamic diagnosis accessible without significant healthcare expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses capacitive sensing technology that replicates the function of expensive pressure sensors through electrical field measurements. By copying the measurement capability using simpler, cheaper electrical components rather than complex mechanical pressure transducers, the device achieves comparable diagnostic accuracy at much lower manufacturing cost.
3Measurement precision
If distributed pressure sensors are implemented along the catheter, then measurement precision for pressure distribution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the electrical connection pathway. The same conductive layers that form the capacitive sensor also provide electrical connectivity to external measurement systems, eliminating the need for separate complex wiring and reducing overall device complexity despite having multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical pressure displacement to electrical capacitance. This parameter change allows the use of simple electrical measurements to detect pressure variations at multiple points, avoiding the need for complex mechanical linkages or moving parts in each sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement 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
Enables improved urodynamic diagnosis by providing real-time, multi-point pressure measurements and EMG data, differentiating between structural and neurological causes of urinary incontinence, and reducing healthcare costs with disposable catheters priced under $10.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor array includes a plurality of capacitive sensors distributed along a length of the urethral catheter
Implementation Method 2
The sensor array includes a reference sensor that is substantially immune to pressure influence and configured to measure parasitic capacitance caused by proximity to human tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensing catheter system includes a urethral catheter and a sensor array formed on the urethral catheter. The sensor array includes a plurality of pressure sensors distributed along a length of the urethral catheter. The sensor array is configured to produce a dynamic pressure distribution profile along a urethra.