Cryogen Vessel Weight Sensor for Real-Time Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogen delivery systems for cryoablation procedures lack real-time monitoring of cryogen levels, leading to potential incomplete procedures due to insufficient cryogen supply, as operators cannot accurately determine if the available cryogen is sufficient to complete the intended treatment.
Innovation Solution
A cryogen delivery system equipped with a sensor, such as a strain gauge, to measure the weight of the cryogenic fluid supply vessel, providing visual or audible feedback on the remaining cryogen amount, enabling operators to determine if the cryogen is sufficient for the procedure and automatically switching between vessels when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no real-time monitoring of cryogen levels is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of completing the intended treatment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through weight sensors that continuously monitor cryogen levels in the supply vessel. The sensor provides real-time feedback to the control system, which then alerts the operator when cryogen levels are insufficient to complete the intended treatment procedure. This ensures treatment reliability by preventing interruptions while adding minimal complexity through a straightforward sensor-alert system.
2Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of cryogen levels is used, then the measurement precision is reduced, but the ease of operation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service monitoring through automated weight sensors that continuously and precisely measure cryogen levels without requiring operator intervention. The control system automatically processes sensor data, calculates remaining procedure time, and provides alerts when intervention is needed. This eliminates imprecise manual estimation while maintaining ease of operation, as the system handles monitoring automatically and only requires operator action when the alert is triggered.
3Loss of time
If real-time cryogen level monitoring is implemented, then the loss of time due to procedure interruption is reduced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates using periodic weight measurements rather than continuous high-energy monitoring. The control system checks cryogen levels at regular intervals and triggers alerts based on predetermined thresholds. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still preventing procedure interruptions by maintaining real-time awareness of cryogen status.
4Productivity
If automated vessel switching is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple cryogen supply vessels in the system before the procedure begins. When the cryogen level in the active vessel drops below the threshold, the control system automatically switches to a pre-positioned full vessel without requiring operator intervention during the procedure. This preliminary preparation enables automated switching that improves productivity while keeping the complexity increase manageable, as the switching mechanism uses simple sensor-triggered valve control rather than complex robotic systems.
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
Ensures that cryoablation procedures can be completed successfully by providing accurate real-time cryogen level monitoring, preventing interruptions and ensuring sufficient cryogen for the intended treatment duration.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor comprises a strain gauge sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogen delivery system includes a probe configured to deliver a cryogenic fluid to a treatment location, a cryogen inlet configured to interface with a cryogenic fluid supply vessel to transfer cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic fluid supply vessel to the probe, a support structure configured to position the cryogenic fluid supply vessel relative to the cryogen inlet, and a sensor coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a weight of a cryogenic fluid contained in the cryogenic fluid supply vessel. Devices and methods relate to cryogen delivery systems.