Feedback-Controlled Contact Sensor Positioning for Cannula Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated cannula insertion systems face challenges in properly positioning contact sensors, such as ultrasound transducers, on the skin to determine suitable locations for cannula insertion, often leading to improper imaging due to inadequate contact force or tissue deformation, which can hinder cannula insertion.
Innovation Solution
A cannula insertion system that includes a contact sensor positioning system with sensors to determine position and contact force parameters, using image processing to adapt the contact sensor's position and force based on blood vessel deformation, ensuring optimal contact without excessive pressure, and incorporating a control device to manage the positioning device for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensor positioning is performed manually or with basic positioning devices, then the system complexity is low, but the positioning precision and imaging quality deteriorate due to improper contact force and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect contact force and position parameters, processes this information through a processing device, and uses feedback control to continuously adjust the contact sensor's position and applied force. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal imaging quality while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated positioning device controlled by electronic sensors and processing systems. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with electronic control systems improves positioning precision while making the complexity manageable through software-based control.
2Measurement precision
If higher contact force is applied to improve imaging quality, then measurement precision improves, but tissue deformation increases causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to monitor contact force in real-time and processes this information to provide feedback control. When optimal imaging quality is achieved or when tissue deformation thresholds are approached, the system automatically adjusts the contact force, maintaining the balance between imaging quality and tissue safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the contact force parameter based on processed sensor information about tissue response and imaging quality. By continuously adjusting this physical parameter within safe ranges, the system optimizes imaging while preventing excessive tissue deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated positioning with sensors and control devices is implemented, then positioning precision and imaging quality improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the contact sensor, measuring contact force, providing feedback control, and preventing tissue deformation. By consolidating these functions into an integrated system rather than separate components, the patent manages overall complexity while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated self-adjustment capabilities where the control device autonomously positions the contact sensor and adjusts contact force based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for complex manual operation procedures and reducing the complexity of user interaction.
4Reliability
If contact force is increased to ensure proper contact, then reliability of measurement improves, but tissue deformation occurs leading to harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors contact force through sensors and uses feedback control to maintain force within optimal ranges. This ensures reliable measurements are obtained while the system automatically prevents force levels that would cause harmful tissue deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates safety mechanisms that preemptively prevent excessive contact force by monitoring tissue response and adjusting force levels before harmful deformation can occur, cushioning against potential harmful effects before they manifest.
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula insertion system includes: a contact sensor positioning system arranged to determine a suitable location for insertion of the cannula, where the contact sensor positioning system includes: a contact sensor having a contact surface to be placed at least partially on the human or animal body to enable measurement with the contact sensor, a positioning device configured to support and position the contact sensor, and a control device arranged to control the positioning device to position the contact sensor in a desired position. The contact sensor positioning system includes one or more sensors to determine a position and/or contact force related parameter representative for a position and/or contact force of the contact sensor, and a processing device to process the position and/or contact force related parameter and to provide a position control signal to the control device, where the contact sensor is an imaging sensor.