Integrated Pressure Sensor Assembly for Medical Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure sensor assemblies face challenges in providing accurate measurements due to external pressure variations and require additional circuitry and equipment, increasing cost and complexity, especially when used with existing patient monitors that have limited power and incompatible electrical formats.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensor assembly that includes a programmable sensor conditioning unit and an external pressure sensor to measure and compensate for external pressure variations, generating a standardized output signal that is independent of ambient pressure changes, using a PGA309 programmable analog sensor conditioner and a microprocessor for signal processing, and optionally a transceiver unit for wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate interface circuit is used to connect miniaturized sensors to existing patient monitors, then compatibility with existing monitors is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing monitorsVSAvoidadditional circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor element, signal conditioning circuitry, and interface functions into an integrated sensor assembly. The sensor element includes integrated circuits that perform signal conditioning and provide interfaces compatible with existing patient monitors, eliminating the need for separate interface circuits and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly is designed with multi-functional integrated circuits that can interface with multiple types of existing patient monitors. The circuitry provides universal compatibility by implementing standard interfaces and signal conditioning that work across different monitor platforms, making the sensor adaptable to various monitoring systems without requiring separate interface devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional interface circuitry is added to enable sensor compatibility, then adaptability improves, but power consumption increases beyond what existing monitors can provide

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuits within the sensor element dynamically manage power consumption by adjusting their operation based on available power from the monitor's excitation signal. The circuitry optimizes its power usage to operate within the limited power budget provided by existing patient monitors while maintaining compatibility and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly changes its operational parameters, including excitation signal frequency and amplitude, to optimize power consumption. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the sensor can maintain compatibility with existing monitors while operating within their limited power output capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If sensors are configured to generate output signals proportional to sensed pressure, then measurement function is achieved, but compatibility with standard monitor formats is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidelectrical format compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuits within the sensor element act as an intermediary between the pressure sensing mechanism and the monitor's input interface. The circuitry converts the raw sensor output into standardized electrical formats that existing patient monitors can process, while preserving the accurate pressure measurement information through proper signal conditioning and scaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8641633B2Pressure wire assembly

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 ST JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENT

AI summary

A pressure sensor wire assembly measures pressure inside a body of a patient. The assembly comprises a pressure sensor element for measuring pressure and to generate a pressure sensor signal representative of the pressure, and a pressure sensor wire having the pressure sensor element at its distal portion, and adapted to be inserted into the body in order to position the sensor element within the body. A sensor signal adapting circuitry is an integrated part of the assembly, wherein the pressure sensor signal is applied to the adapting circuitry which is adapted to automatically generate an output pressure signal, related to the sensor signal, in a standardized format such that the measured pressure is retrievable by an external physiology monitor. The assembly further comprises an external pressure sensor to measure the pressure outside the patient's body and to generate external pressure values in dependence thereto.