Flexible RF Sensor Array for Pulmonary Edema Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pulmonary edema and emphysema are invasive, expensive, complex, and limited by high-frequency operations, low depth of penetration, and require bulky machinery, making them unsuitable for continuous monitoring and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A wearable RF sensor array fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate operating at low frequencies (50-75 MHz) to measure transmission coefficients, estimating an average dielectric constant for detecting water/air presence in lungs, allowing for non-invasive, low-power, and cost-effective monitoring of pulmonary edema and emphysema.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT, X-ray, or MRI imaging methods are used for detecting pulmonary edema and emphysema, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT, X-ray, MRI) with an RF sensor array that uses electromagnetic fields at lower frequencies. This substitution maintains detection capability while eliminating the need for bulky machinery and complex processing equipment, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high frequencies (used in CT, X-ray, MRI) to low frequencies (50-75 MHz) for the RF sensor array. This parameter change enables portable, low-cost operation while maintaining the ability to detect dielectric constant variations associated with pulmonary edema and emphysema, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and equipment complexity
2Measurement precision
If high frequency RF sensors are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but depth of penetration decreases and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from high frequency to low frequency (50-75 MHz) operation. This parameter change simultaneously improves depth of penetration through tissue, reduces health risks associated with high frequency exposure, and maintains detection precision by measuring transmission coefficients and calculating dielectric constants, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful factors
3Ease of manufacture
If planar geometry RF sensors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited monitoring area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete RF sensor elements arranged in an array configuration. Each element maintains simple planar geometry for ease of fabrication, but the collective array provides extended monitoring coverage across the chest surface, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and measurement precision by distributing multiple simple sensors rather than using one complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single planar sensor to a two-dimensional array of sensors distributed across the chest surface. This dimensional expansion maintains the simplicity of individual planar elements while achieving comprehensive coverage for accurate permittivity measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement precision
4Measurement precision
If multiple RF sensors are linked together to improve coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each RF sensor element in the array with identical planar geometry and electrical characteristics, making them universal and interchangeable. This universality simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the collective data from multiple sensors, as each element performs the same function and can be processed using consistent algorithms
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 system provides accurate detection of pulmonary edema and emphysema with low measurement error, is portable, and suitable for continuous monitoring, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by being smaller, less complex, and using lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ports of the RF sensor array measures a set of transmission coefficients
Implementation Method 2
The post-processing unit proceeds to estimate an average dielectric constant. The average dielectric constant is used to determine the presence of water/air in human and porcine lungs
Data Source
AI summary
A low complexity, low powered, non-invasive, and wearable system for detecting pulmonary edema and emphysema by estimating an average dielectric constant includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor array, which is fabricated along a flexible substrate, a data collection unit, a body area network (BAN), and a post-processing unit. The flexibility of the flexible substrate allows the RF sensor array to worn around the chest region. A plurality of ports of the RF sensor array is used to measure a set of transmission coefficients. The data collection unit accumulates and transfers the set of transmission coefficients to the post-processing unit, wherein the BAN is used during the transfer process. At the post-processing unit, the average dielectric constant is estimated. Since the average dielectric constant can be used as a measure of fluids and air within the lungs, pulmonary edema and emphysema may be detected using the average dielectric constant.