Degradable Adhesive Sensor for Continuous Fluid Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring physical, biological, or physiological parameters, such as fluid flow in vessels or organs, are non-continuous and indirect, posing a risk of late detection and potential complications, especially in medical contexts where timely monitoring is critical.
Innovation Solution
A sensor attached to an object using a degradable adhesive, equipped with temperature or acoustic transducers, which can determine fluid flow by measuring temperature differences or sound waves, and can be easily removed by degrading the adhesive, allowing for continuous and accurate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is mechanically fixed to the object using an anchor element, then the sensor can continuously monitor the parameter, but the removal of the sensor requires an additional procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's degradation state is changed over time or by external triggers (temperature, pH, enzymes), transforming it from a strong bonding state to a weakened state that allows easy sensor removal after monitoring is complete
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive bond strength is made dynamic rather than static - it provides strong attachment during monitoring but can be easily deactivated or degraded when removal is needed, allowing the system to transition between bonded and separable states
2Ease of operation
If manual checks are performed to determine fluid flow, then the procedure is simple, but the monitoring is non-continuous and indirect
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical inspection is replaced with an automated sensor system that continuously measures physiological parameters (temperature, acoustic signals) to detect fluid flow, providing real-time objective data without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides continuous monitoring of fluid flow parameters throughout the monitoring period, eliminating gaps between manual checks and ensuring timely detection of flow changes or complications
3Reliability
If a sensor is attached permanently or strongly to the object, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the sensor cannot be easily removed without additional procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's chemical or physical parameters are changed over time or through external triggers, causing it to degrade from a strong bonding state to a separable state, enabling easy sensor removal after the monitoring function is completed
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable adhesive acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the object, providing temporary strong attachment during monitoring while inherently containing the removal mechanism through its degradation properties
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, accurate monitoring of fluid flow with reduced risk of late detection, facilitating timely intervention and improving patient safety by providing a non-invasive, easily removable sensor solution.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be attached to the object by a degradable adhesive and may be removed from the object by an induced degrading or a timed degrading of the degradable adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be equipped with temperature or acoustic transducers, which can determine fluid flow by measuring temperature differences or sound waves
Implementation Method 3
The sensor may be equipped with temperature or acoustic transducers, which can determine fluid flow by measuring temperature differences or sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method determining or measuring a biological, physical or physiological parameter of an object includes a flexible carrier configured to be placed in a vicinity of the object; and at least one a sensor element attached to the flexible carrier and configured to determine at least one biological, physical or physiological parameter. In addition, a heating element is attached to the flexible carrier and configured to provide heat to the object; and a degradable adhesive is arranged on the flexible carrier adjacent to the heating element and configured to at least temporally affix the flexible carrier to the object.