CPT Catheter Control Unit for Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional current perception threshold examination apparatuses are inefficient for diagnosing interstitial cystitis as they require manual adjustment of current levels and are not suitable for internal measurements, leading to prolonged diagnosis times and discomfort for patients.

Innovation Solution

A current perception threshold examination apparatus with a control unit that generates direct and alternating currents based on measured electric resistance values, allowing for automated adjustment of current and voltage levels during preliminary and regular examinations, enabling more efficient and minimally invasive diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of current levels is used in conventional CPT examination apparatus, then the apparatus can be operated with simple controls, but the diagnosis time is prolonged and operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically adjusts current levels based on electric resistance measurements without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-adjustment by measuring resistance and calculating appropriate current levels, eliminating the need for operator manipulation and significantly reducing diagnosis time while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors electric resistance values and uses this feedback to automatically adjust current levels. The system measures resistance, calculates optimal current based on the measured resistance, and applies the adjusted current, creating a closed-loop control system that improves efficiency without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If conventional CPT apparatus is used for external skin measurement, then the apparatus design is simple, but it is not suitable for internal bladder measurement and cannot provide accurate diagnosis for interstitial cystitis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidapparatus configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically adjusts current levels based on measured electric resistance values. By changing current parameters dynamically according to resistance measurements, the system achieves accurate internal bladder diagnosis while maintaining a relatively simple apparatus design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The CPT examination apparatus is adapted for dual use: external skin measurement and internal bladder measurement. The control unit handles both measurement types by adjusting current levels appropriately, making the apparatus versatile without requiring completely separate systems

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

3Loss of time

If gradual current variation is performed manually to find proper diagnostic values, then the examination can be performed with basic equipment, but the diagnosis process takes excessive time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis timeVSAvoidcurrent adjustment automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs automatic current adjustment without manual intervention. It measures electric resistance, calculates appropriate current levels, and applies the current automatically, eliminating the time-consuming manual gradual variation process while introducing necessary automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs preliminary resistance measurement before applying diagnostic current. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-calculate optimal current levels, avoiding time-consuming manual adjustments during the actual diagnosis process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution enables faster and more precise diagnosis of interstitial cystitis by automatically setting optimal current and voltage levels, reducing patient discomfort and improving diagnostic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a direct current resistance measuring unit that measures an electric resistance value of a diagnosis site on the basis of the direct current which is supplied to the electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

an alternating current generating unit that generates an alternating current to be supplied for diagnosis, on the basis of the electric resistance value which is measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3047797B1Current perception threshold examination apparatus used in catheter for diagnosis of interstitial cystitis
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 TSUKADA MEDICAL RES CO LTD
  • EP3047797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3047797B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3047797B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A current perception threshold examination apparatus capable of realizing increased efficiency and reduction in a burden on an examinee is provided. In the current perception threshold examination apparatus that controls supply of a current from a power supply to electrodes of a catheter for diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, the current perception threshold examination apparatus has a direct current generating unit for generating a direct current on the basis of an instruction of a control unit, and a direct current resistance measuring unit that measures an electric resistance value of a diagnosis site on the basis of the direct current which is supplied to the electrodes.