Disposable CNAP Sensor Segmentation for Cost and Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive blood pressure measurement technologies either provide intermittent readings or are invasive, and disposable CNAP sensors with integrated components are costly and difficult to replace hygienically.

Innovation Solution

A CNAP sensor system comprising a reusable base portion connected to a control system and a detachable, disposable portion with a PPG system, including a cuff with air supplies and a fiber optic system for continuous non-invasive arterial pressure measurement, allowing for low-cost production and easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a disposable CNAP sensor with integrated components is used, then hygiene and ease of replacement are improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two separate parts: a reusable base portion containing the control system and expensive components, and a disposable sensor portion containing the PPG system and cuff. This segmentation allows the disposable portion to be manufactured at low cost while maintaining hygiene standards, as only the parts that contact the patient need to be disposable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a disposable sensor portion that is designed to be inexpensive and single-use. This disposable portion includes the PPG system and cuff that contact the patient, while the expensive control system remains in a reusable base portion, resolving the contradiction between hygiene and production cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If all sensor components are replaced for hygienic reasons, then infection risk is reduced, but time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehygieneVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sensor into reusable and disposable portions, only the small sensor portion needs to be replaced for hygienic reasons, while the larger base portion remains in use. This dramatically reduces replacement time compared to replacing entire sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable sensor portion is extracted as a separate, easily replaceable component that can be quickly attached and detached. This extraction of the disposable portion from the reusable base allows rapid replacement without disturbing the main system, reducing both time and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a disposable sensor system is created, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The disposable sensor portion connects to the reusable base portion through simple mechanical and optical connections, making the system easier to replace rather than more complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reusable base portion serves multiple functions and can work with different disposable sensor portions through universal interfaces. This universality reduces overall system complexity by allowing the expensive control system to be reused across multiple disposable sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous, painless, and cost-effective measurement of blood pressure with a disposable sensor system that can be easily attached and detached from the body, addressing the limitations of existing methods by separating reusable and disposable components.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor having a cuff, an infrared light source, and a light detector for measuring a photo-plethysmographic (PPG) signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto-plethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2613692B1Disposable and detachable sensor for continuous non-invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring
Publication Date: 2015.08.19 CNSYSTEMS MEDIZINTECHNIK AG
  • EP2613692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2613692B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2613692B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensor system for continuous non-invasive arterial blood pressure (CNAP) is provided. The CNAP-sensor comprises of a base portion and a detachable and disposable portion. The base portion is connected to a control system. The disposable portion is for attachment to a human body part. The CNAP-sensor system includes a photo- plethysmographic (PPG) system having at least one light source, at least one light detector, electrical supplies, light coupling systems, one or more connectors, and a cuff including air supplies.