Catheter Control Assembly Using Acoustic Echoes for Type Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter identification systems are complex, costly, and inefficient, particularly in distinguishing between different types of catheters and determining if a catheter has been previously used, posing risks of erroneous use.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a catheter control assembly that uses sound waves to determine functional parameters of a catheter by measuring reflections in an inflatable retention element, allowing for quick, reliable, and cost-effective identification of catheter type and usage status without the need for magnets or Hall Effect sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnets and Hall Effect sensors are used to identify catheter type, then catheter identification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic identification system (magnets and Hall Effect sensors) with an acoustic identification system using sound waves and microphones. This substitution eliminates the need for embedded magnets in catheters and complex sensor arrays, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining identification accuracy through acoustic echo analysis of the catheter structure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical markers (magnets) attached to catheters, the patent creates an acoustic signature 'copy' or fingerprint of the catheter's internal structure by analyzing sound wave echoes. This acoustic copying method identifies catheter type without requiring physical modifications to the catheter itself, simplifying both the catheter design and the identification system
2Measurement precision
If magnets are attached to catheter connectors, then catheter type detection is enabled, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment of magnets to catheter connectors with an acoustic field-based identification method. This eliminates the manufacturing step of attaching magnets and simplifies catheter production while enabling type detection through sound wave analysis of the catheter's inherent acoustic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identification function from physical components (magnets) that need to be manufactured and attached, and relocates it to the acoustic identification system. This separation allows catheters to be manufactured without special magnetic components, while the identification capability is provided by the external acoustic system
3Ease of operation
If existing catheter systems are used without modification, then ease of operation is maintained, but catheter type and usage status cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the catheter system to self-identify its type and usage status by analyzing acoustic echoes from the catheter itself, without requiring external markers or modifications. The catheter's own structural characteristics serve as the identification source, maintaining operational simplicity while providing comprehensive status information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical markers or electronic tags on catheters with an acoustic field-based detection method. This allows unmodified catheters to automatically provide identification and status information through their acoustic resonance characteristics, preserving ease of operation while eliminating information loss
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 efficient identification of catheter type and usage status, preventing misuse and ensuring proper handling, while being simple and cost-effective to implement.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one parameter of a reflection of the sound wave in the first lumen
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method and catheter control assembly determines a functional parameter of a catheter. Th catheter is connected to a catheter connector interface, wherein the catheter connector interface comprises a first lumen configured to be in fluid communication with an inflatable retention element of the catheter and a second lumen configured to be in fluid communication with a main lumen of the catheter. A sound wave, such as an acoustic pulse or a sound impulse, is input into the first lumen, e.g. by a speaker, and at least one parameter of a reflection of the sound wave in the first lumen is measured, e.g. with a microphone. Based on the measured parameter, a functional parameter of the catheter, such as whether the catheter has been previously used or not, the size of the catheter, etc.