Magnetoelastic Sensor for Wound Force Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor technologies cannot effectively monitor mechanical forces applied to wound sites postoperatively, particularly tensile forces on surgical sutures, and are limited in real-time tracking of internal injury sites, including stress and strain on muscles or tendons, and cannot be used with metallic implants or in motion.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a magnetoelastic sensor coupled to a wound site repairing structure, with an excitation coil and detection coil to transmit and detect signals indicative of mechanical forces, allowing for in vivo monitoring of tensile forces applied to sutures, including biodegradable materials, and enabling real-time tracking without the need for direct power supply or data acquisition systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard sensors are used to monitor forces at wound sites, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensors cannot be used for postoperative monitoring and require direct connection to power supply and data acquisition systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic sensors with a magnetoelastic sensor that detects force through magnetic field changes. The sensor contains a magnetoelastic element whose magnetic permeability changes in response to applied force, allowing detection via magnetic coupling without direct electrical connections. This substitution enables wireless, implantable force monitoring that maintains measurement precision while eliminating complex wiring and power supply requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field coupling as an intermediary between the sensor and detection system. The magnetoelastic sensor modulates the magnetic field in response to applied force, and this modulation is detected by an external coil without requiring direct contact or electrical connection between the implant and external equipment. This intermediary approach enables simple, wireless force measurement while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray, and ultrasound are used to track internal injury sites, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but they cannot be deployed accurately while in motion or around metallic implants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imaging-based tracking methods with direct magnetic field-based force sensing. The magnetoelastic sensor responds directly to mechanical force through changes in magnetic permeability, providing reliable real-time force measurement without relying on external imaging systems. This approach works independently of motion status and is compatible with metallic implants, as the sensor itself is the detection element rather than an external imaging system.
3Reliability
If flexible sensor systems with integrated electronics are incorporated within sutures to monitor conditions, then monitoring capability is improved, but the sensors require direct connection to power supply and data acquisition system which prevents long-term monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing systems with a magnetoelastic sensor that operates passively through magnetic field modulation. The sensor contains no integrated electronics, power supply, or data acquisition components. Instead, it relies on the intrinsic magnetoelastic properties of the material to modulate the magnetic field in response to applied force, enabling long-term wireless monitoring without complex connections or power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetoelastic sensor is self-powered and self-sensing, requiring no external power supply or active electronics. The sensor's magnetic properties automatically respond to mechanical force, and this response is detected through magnetic coupling with an external coil. This self-service approach eliminates the need for batteries, power management circuits, or data transmission electronics, enabling simple long-term implantation.
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 monitoring of mechanical forces applied to wound sites, preventing excessive force damage and improving surgical techniques and post-operative care by providing real-time data on tensile forces, even in internal injury sites with metallic implants.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetoelastic sensor coupled to the wound site repairing structure... the signal produced by the detection coil is indicative of a change in the magnetic permeability of the magnetoelastic sensor when the mechanical force is applied
Implementation Method 2
an excitation coil configured to transmit a signal to the magnetoelastic sensor... an electrical current generator configured to generate an electrical current in the excitation coil
Implementation Method 3
a detection coil constructed and arranged to generate a signal indicative of a mechanical force applied to the wound site repairing structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring a mechanical force applied to a wound site repairing structure are disclosed. In an embodiment, the systems include a wound site repairing structure, a magnetoelastic sensor coupled to the wound site repairing structure, and a detection system. The detection system includes an excitation coil configured to transmit a signal to the magnetoelastic sensor and a detection coil configured to detect a signal indicative of a mechanical force applied to the wound site repairing structure. The detection system also includes a detection unit configured to detect the signal indicative of the mechanical force applied to the wound repairing structure.