Electric Field Coupling for Sensorized Guidewire Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interventional medical devices face challenges in integrating sensors due to limited space, managing power and data communication, and ensuring precise positioning within the body, often requiring harmful imaging methods and complex wire management.
Innovation Solution
A power and data coupling device using a conductive surface to transmit power and data via an electric field, integrated with a medical device, allowing for wireless communication and real-time sensor data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into the distal portion of guidewires and catheters, then device functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transfer and data communication functions into a single conductor, eliminating the need for separate wires. The conductor serves dual purposes: delivering power to distal sensors and carrying bidirectional data signals, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power delivery path, a data communication channel, and a signal return path. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device architecture while enabling sophisticated sensor integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wires and cables are used for power and data communication, then device functionality is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate wires for power and data are merged into a single conductor. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex wire management during procedures, making the device easier to operate while preserving all necessary functionality for power delivery and bidirectional communication.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used for localization, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electromagnetic imaging systems (X-ray, dye injection) with an electrical field-based localization system. The conductor's electrical properties are used to determine catheter position, eliminating exposure to harmful radiation and contrast agents while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 efficient sensor integration, reduces device complexity, eliminates harmful imaging, and improves positioning accuracy by using a conductive pathway for power and data transfer, enhancing device robustness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first conductive surface radiates a time-varying electric field that is configured to convey power to the second conductive surface
Implementation Method 2
a first conductive surface integrated into a medical device and configured to couple via an electric field with a second conductive surface
Data Source
AI summary
A power and data coupling device for medical sensors comprises a first conductive surface integrated into a medical device and configured to couple via an electric field with a second conductive surface. The second conductive surface is translatable with respect to the first conductive surface. Additionally, the first conductive surface is connected to a power source for providing power, through the electric field, to the second conductive surface. The first conductive surface also radiates a time-varying electric field that is configured to convey power to the second conductive surface. Further, the first conductive surface is connected to a pick-up that is configured to receive signals from the second conductive surface.