Inline Pressure Transducer for Surgical Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for determining fluid pressure in conduits are complex, costly, and prone to pressure spikes, requiring multiple components and time-consuming assembly, with limited reusability and high waste generation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system utilizing a pair of sensors and a controller to measure fluid pressure by converting electrical signals generated from the force applied by an expanding conduit, allowing for quick installation, easy removal, and multiple uses without direct contact with the fluid, reducing complexity and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a disc-shaped diaphragm member with load cell is used to measure fluid pressure, then pressure measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (diaphragms, load sensors, cassettes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diaphragm member and load cell into a single integrated pressure sensor assembly, eliminating the need for separate cassette components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining pressure measurement functionality, directly addressing the complexity issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is designed to be universally compatible with multiple conduit types and surgical systems. The sensor can function as both a measurement device and a mounting interface, eliminating the need for dedicated cassette structures and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a diaphragm to load cell setup is used for pressure determination, then pressure measurement is enabled, but pressure spikes occur due to extreme sensitivity to peristaltic pump pulsations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compliant mounting structure that acts as a mechanical buffer between the load cell and the diaphragm. This cushioning element absorbs the high-frequency pulsations from peristaltic pumps before they reach the sensitive load cell, preventing pressure spikes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A compliant mounting structure serves as an intermediary between the diaphragm and load cell. This mediator transfers the static pressure signal to the load cell while filtering out the harmful dynamic pulsations, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and stability.
3Measurement precision
If a cassette including diaphragm member is assembled and disposed after each procedure, then pressure measurement is achieved, but time is lost during assembly and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the pressure sensor as a disposable, pre-assembled unit that eliminates the need for complex cassette assembly. Each sensor is manufactured as a complete, ready-to-use component that can be quickly attached and later disposed of, reducing assembly time while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is pre-assembled and pre-calibrated during manufacturing, so no assembly is required at the surgical site. This preliminary preparation eliminates assembly time during procedures while ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained.
4Measurement precision
If multiple components (diaphragms, load sensors, cassettes) are used, then pressure measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single integrated pressure sensor unit. The diaphragm, load cell, and mounting structure are combined into one component, reducing part count and associated costs while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable sensor design where the entire pressure measurement unit is discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive maintenance, calibration, and component replacement. This approach reduces long-term costs despite the initial component integration.
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 accurate, quick, and cost-effective determination of fluid pressure with reduced complexity and waste, facilitating efficient surgical procedures and system reuse.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit is positioned, attached, or installed in the surgical system such that an external surface of the conduit is against the pair of sensors so that when the conduit expands, the external surface of the conduit applies a force on the pair of sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining fluid pressure inside a conduit. The method includes positioning a conduit in a surgical system. The conduit having an external surface, and the surgical system having a pair of sensors. The conduit is positioned in the surgical system such that the external surface of the conduit applies a force on the pair of sensors when the conduit expands. The method includes a step of generating one or more electrical signals with the pair of sensors. The one or more electrical signals corresponding to the force on the pair of sensors. The method includes a step of determining the fluid pressure inside the conduit by converting the one or more electrical signals into a fluid pressure value through a controller.