Flexible Subdural Sensor With Curved Tip for Brain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subdural sensors struggle to accurately monitor brain pathological conditions ahead of symptom onset, particularly in cases of increased intracranial pressure and cerebral hypoxia, and lack effective focal brain cooling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A subdural sensor with a flexible substrate and integrated sensor parts, including a convexly curved tip and dome-shaped light reflection part, designed for safe insertion and improved signal sensitivity, allowing simultaneous measurement of cerebral blood flow, brain temperature, and electroencephalogram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid sensor structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but insertion safety into subdural space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate made of silicone rubber or polyimide that can bend and conform to the curved surface of the brain. This flexible structure allows the sensor to be safely inserted into the subdural space without causing tissue damage, while still maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled material properties and substrate thickness (5-50 μm).
Solution Approach 2:
The tip part of the substrate is designed with a convex curvature that matches the contour of the brain surface. This curved geometry enables the sensor to conform to the brain's surface, improving contact for accurate measurement while reducing mechanical stress and damage risk during insertion.
2Measurement precision
If sensor area is increased, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types (electrode, temperature sensor, blood flow sensor) and their corresponding wiring patterns onto a single flexible substrate. This merging approach increases measurement precision by simultaneously monitoring multiple brain parameters while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices through unified integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, conducts electrical signals, houses temperature sensors, and accommodates blood flow sensors. This multi-functionality increases measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple roles.
3Manufacturing precision
If tip part is made flat, then manufacturing precision is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tip part is designed with a convex curved surface rather than a flat structure. This curvature improves the signal-to-noise ratio by enhancing contact with the curved brain surface, thereby improving signal sensitivity. The manufacturing precision is maintained through controlled curvature radius (50-200 μm) and surface finish during fabrication processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A subdural sensor includes: a substrate formed of a flexible material; and at least one type of sensor part mounted on the substrate. The substrate has an elongated shape, and includes: a sensor area in which the sensor part is mounted and a wiring pattern connected to the sensor part is formed; a wiring area contiguous with the sensor area, the wiring pattern extending in the wiring area; and a connector area contiguous with the wiring area, the connector area being an area on which a connector to be connected to the wiring pattern extending from the wiring area is mounted. A tip part of the sensor area has a planar shape that curves convexly toward an outer periphery, and a side shape that curves toward a first surface, the first surface being on the side of a dura mater when the subdural sensor is inserted into the subdural space.