Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Gauge with Segmented Coil Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cerebrospinal fluid pressure-measuring devices are large and unwieldy, making them difficult to insert through the skull and uncomfortable for patients, while smaller devices face challenges in maintaining sensing accuracy and handling due to their small size.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight and compact pressure gauge with a hollow cylindrical body, a membrane, and a coil arrangement that includes a stationary and moving coil, allowing for accurate pressure readings, and a control unit for data processing, which is designed for easy insertion and secure fastening into the skull using a threaded outer surface and a bolt-head drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional pressure gauge is used to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device is large and unwieldy, making insertion time-consuming and patient discomfort increasing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure gauge is segmented into two functional parts: a large control unit that remains outside the skull and a small implanted probe that goes through the skull. The probe contains only the essential sensing elements (membrane and coils), while the control unit houses the power supply, processing electronics, and interface components. This segmentation allows the implanted portion to be small and easy to insert while maintaining full measurement functionality through wireless communication with the external control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a purely mechanical pressure gauge to a system that incorporates electromagnetic field interactions. The pressure measurement is converted into electrical signals through the membrane-coil interaction, which then communicates wirelessly with the external control unit. This dimensional change from mechanical to electromagnetic domain enables miniaturization of the implanted device while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the pressure gauge size is reduced to improve patient comfort and reduce skull opening size, then insertion becomes easier, but handling and sensing accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane acts as an intermediary element that converts pressure changes into mechanical displacement of the coil. This intermediary mechanism allows the small probe to accurately sense pressure through the membrane's movement, which then translates into electrical signal changes detectable by the external control unit. The intermediary converts physical pressure into a measurable electrical parameter without requiring a large sensing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical pressure gauge mechanisms with an electromagnetic sensing system. Instead of using a large mechanical dial and pointer system, the pressure is sensed through membrane displacement that modulates the electrical characteristics of the coil, which is then read wirelessly. This substitution enables miniaturization while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
3Volume of moving object
If a small pressure gauge is used, then the skull opening size is reduced and patient comfort improves, but the device becomes difficult to handle during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a small implanted probe that is easy to handle and insert, and a larger external control unit that provides the necessary handling interface. The probe contains only the essential sensing elements and can be easily maneuvered through the skull opening, while the control unit remains outside and provides power, processing, and user interface functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted probe is designed to be self-contained with its own power source and sensing elements, requiring minimal manipulation during insertion. Once implanted, it autonomously performs pressure sensing and wireless data transmission to the external control unit, eliminating the need for complex handling of small components during the measurement process.
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
The device provides accurate cerebrospinal fluid pressure measurements while being easy to insert and secure, maintaining patient comfort and reducing the need for large skull openings, with a compact design that balances handling and sensing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of coils including a stationary coil and a moving coil, the stationary coil being disposed in the hollow cylindrical body and connected to the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body so as to remain stationary with respect to the hollow cylindrical body, the moving coil being disposed in the hollow cylindrical body and connected to the membrane so that the moving coil moves with respect to the stationary coil when the membrane moves under the pressure from the cerebrospinal fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A cerebrospinal-fluid-pressure-measuring device including a pressure gauge including a hollow cylindrical body for inserting through a skull and having a lower and upper end, and an inner surface, a membrane attached to the lower end and to move under a pressure of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull, and coils including a stationary coil disposed in the cylindrical body and connected to the inner surface so as to remain stationary, and a moving coil disposed in the cylindrical body and connected to the membrane so that the moving coil moves when the membrane moves under the pressure, one of the coils being configured as a transmitting coil and another of the coils being configured as a receiving coil, and a control unit to apply an input signal to the transmitting coil and receive an output signal from the receiving coil, and to generate an indication of the pressure.