Cryogenic Reservoir Stabilizer for Load Sensor Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cryogenic medical devices face inaccuracies in measuring the weight of cryogenic fluid due to the position and orientation of the tank relative to the load sensor, leading to potential damage from tipping and disruption of fluid flow, which affects the precision and safety of medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a stabilizer that allows limited vertical movement of the reservoir, resisting tipping and maintaining a predetermined orientation relative to the load sensor, coupled with a load sensor and conduit for accurate weight measurement and fluid communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tank is allowed to move freely to accommodate position changes, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to altered stress on the injection hose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank positioning flexibilityVSAvoidweight measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilizer assembly as an intermediary component between the tank and the injection hose. This stabilizer includes a vertical guide member that allows vertical movement while preventing lateral displacement, and a horizontal guide member that restricts horizontal movement. The stabilizer acts as a mediator that accommodates necessary tank positioning adjustments while maintaining consistent stress on the injection hose, thereby preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer assembly is designed to be dynamic in the vertical direction while static in the horizontal direction. The vertical guide member permits the tank to move up and down to accommodate filling and emptying operations, while the horizontal guide member maintains a fixed horizontal position. This selective dynamics allows the system to adapt to operational needs without compromising measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the tank is restrained to maintain fixed orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited positioning adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidtank positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer assembly is designed to be dynamic in the vertical direction while static in the horizontal direction. The vertical guide member permits the tank to move up and down to accommodate filling and emptying operations, while the horizontal guide member maintains a fixed horizontal position. This selective dynamics allows the system to adapt to operational needs without compromising measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the tank is fully engaged with the load sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential damage from tipping or displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizer assembly acts as a preventive measure that restricts the tank's movement before tipping or displacement can occur. By limiting the range of motion in the horizontal direction through the horizontal guide member and providing vertical support through the vertical guide member, the stabilizer prevents extreme positions that could lead to tipping or damage to the injection hose and load sensor, thereby cushioning against potential failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer assembly introduces an intermediary mechanical structure between the tank and the load sensor that maintains consistent engagement while preventing excessive movement. This intermediary component ensures the tank remains properly positioned for accurate measurement while providing mechanical constraints that prevent tipping or displacement that could damage the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2806814B1Cryogenic medical system with stabilizer
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP
  • EP2806814B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2806814B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2806814B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A system and method is disclosed for cryogenic medical treatment, having a stabilizer for a reservoir of cryogenic fluid. Accordingly, the stabilizer allows the reservoir some limited range of motion to enhance accuracy of a load sensor engaged by the reservoir, and to resist tipping or other undesirable movement by the reservoir. The stabilizer may allow the reservoir a range of vertical movement, and may limit the reservoir to a range of positions or alignments relative to the load sensor. Additional configurations are disclosed, providing stabilizers of various types and features.