Volumetric Induction Phase Shift Detection for Tissue Water Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting abnormal tissue water content properties, such as edema and ischemia, are invasive, time-consuming, and lack sufficient sensitivity, particularly for conditions like brain edema and intraperitoneal bleeding, where non-contact and rapid assessment is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact electrical measurement system using bioimpedance analysis to detect changes in tissue properties by measuring the electromagnetic induction spectroscopic distribution of phase shift over time, allowing for instantaneous bulk measurements of tissue electrical properties without the need for galvanic coupling, suitable for detecting edema, ischemia, and intraperitoneal bleeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive measurement methods are used to detect tissue water content properties, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue water content detection accuracyVSAvoidinvasiveness of measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical/electrical contact measurement systems with a non-contact electromagnetic induction system. The system uses induction coils to generate electromagnetic fields that penetrate tissue and detect water content properties through phase shift measurements, eliminating the need for galvanic coupling or physical insertion of electrodes into the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the measurement system and the tissue. The induction coils generate electromagnetic fields that interact with the tissue's water content properties, and the phase shift of these fields serves as a mediator to convey information about tissue hydration status without direct contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If complex measurement systems are used to detect tissue properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue property detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex invasive measurement apparatus with a simpler non-contact electromagnetic induction system consisting of induction coils and phase detection circuitry, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If contact-based electrical measurement is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of galvanic coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical property measurement accuracyVSAvoidgalvanic coupling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes contact-based electrical measurement requiring galvanic coupling with non-contact electromagnetic induction measurement. The system uses time-varying magnetic fields from induction coils to induce currents in the tissue and measures the phase shift of the induced signals, completely eliminating the need for skin preparation, electrode placement, or galvanic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer measurement information without direct electrical contact. The induction coils generate magnetic fields that penetrate the tissue, and the phase shift of these fields serves as a mediator to convey electrical property information without requiring galvanic coupling between electrodes and tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means for detecting changes in tissue water content, suitable for remote or emergency settings, and is particularly effective in detecting edema and ischemia without the need for invasive procedures, enabling timely intervention.

Implementation Method 1

positioning induction coils in contact with the skull of the subject; passing a spectrum of currents through a first of the induction coils; measuring spectrum of alternating current produced in the second of the induction coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8633033B2Volumetric induction phase shift detection system for determining tissue water content properties

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A method and apparatus of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.