In Situ Offset Compensation for Intracranial Pressure Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure sensors for intracranial pressure monitoring face challenges with calibration errors and drift due to water uptake and electronic interference from bodily fluids, leading to inaccurate readings and increased risk of false pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor system featuring a deformable membrane with a contiguous energizable membrane that alters sensor readings, allowing for automatic correction of sensor drift and calibration without user input, using a delta response method to determine actual pressure values by applying a controlled voltage across the contiguous membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are calibrated by immersion in saline solution before implantation, then water uptake and mechanical relaxation effects are corrected, but calibration errors and drift due to electronic interference from bodily fluids occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements in a controlled environment before implantation, establishing baseline sensor characteristics. The system then uses post-implantation energization of the second membrane to compensate for drift effects that occur after deployment, combining pre-preparation with active compensation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor readings and using the energized second membrane to generate compensatory deflection. The system processes the difference between expected and actual readings, adjusting measurements in real-time to compensate for drift caused by bodily fluid interference and electronic effects.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by personnel in the operating room, then sensor drift is corrected, but handling errors and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the sensor system to perform its own calibration and compensation without requiring manual intervention from personnel. The energized second membrane automatically compensates for drift effects, and the system self-corrects calibration errors through electronic processing of the membrane deflection differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an electronic/energetic system. Instead of physically immersing the sensor in saline solution for calibration, the system uses electrical energization of the second membrane to create controlled mechanical deflection, substituting manual calibration operations with automated electronic compensation.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive or piezoresistive effects are used to measure membrane deflection, then pressure can be detected, but electronic interference with fluids causes drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the second membrane as an intermediary element that mediates between the pressure sensing function and the harmful electronic interference from bodily fluids. By energizing this intermediate membrane, the system creates a compensatory mechanical effect that counteracts the drift caused by direct electronic interference, protecting the primary sensor measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically altering the mechanical state of the second membrane through electrical energization. This changes the physical parameters of the sensor system (membrane tension, deflection characteristics) to compensate for electronic interference effects, allowing the sensor to maintain accuracy despite environmental factors.
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
This approach enables accurate and automatic correction of sensor readings in situ, reducing handling errors and time required for sensor preparation, while providing reliable and precise pressure measurements by compensating for sensor drift and interference effects.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization contact such that an electrostatic force is exerted on the membrane when the actuator is charged
Implementation Method 2
The deflection typically is measured using capacitive or piezoresistive effects
Implementation Method 3
The deflection typically is measured using capacitive or piezoresistive effects
Implementation Method 4
The deflection typically is measured using capacitive or piezoresistive effects
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A pressure sensor having a substrate and a first, deformable membrane, partially supported by the substrate, which generates a first sensor reading when deformed by pressure. A second membrane is contiguous to the first membrane. When the second membrane is energized, it deforms the first membrane to alter the first sensor reading. The objective of the invention is to enable automatic correction of sensor readings without input from a user.