Multilayer Collision Sensor for Medical Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collision sensors for medical apparatuses are not robust or disinfectable and only provide selective, spatially limited force measurement, failing to meet the criteria for medical technology applications.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer, flat collision sensor device with two sensors separated by a spacer layer and a crumple layer, combined with a surface layer, using textile materials and different sensor principles for enhanced disinfectability, robustness, and spatially resolved measurement, allowing for staged triggering and redundancy in collision detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional collision sensors (load cell or pressure sensor) are used, then force measurement is achieved, but the sensor only provides selective, spatially limited measurement and lacks robustness and disinfectability for medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent sensing zones arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing spatially resolved collision detection across different areas while each zone maintains the same robust and disinfectable construction
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor combines multiple materials with different properties: a robust outer layer for disinfectability, a compliant intermediate layer for sensing, and a rigid backing layer for structural support, achieving both measurement capability and medical-grade durability
2Reliability
If a robust and disinfectable sensor structure is used, then reliability for medical applications is improved, but the sensor may become less sensitive to collision forces
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the sensor have different local properties: the outer layer is hard and disinfectable, while the intermediate sensing layer is soft and compliant to detect forces, allowing each layer to optimize its function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite structure combines materials with contrasting mechanical properties, where the compliant intermediate layer maintains sensitivity to collision forces while being sandwiched between robust outer and backing layers that provide durability and disinfectability
3Ease of operation
If a flat sensor structure is used, then ease of integration and coverage area is improved, but the sensor may lack the cushioning effect to prevent damage during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor incorporates a crumple layer behind the sensing elements that is designed to deform and absorb energy during collision, providing cushioning protection in advance before damage can occur to the sensor or underlying components
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor transitions from a two-dimensional flat structure to a three-dimensional multi-layer construction, adding depth in the vertical dimension to accommodate the crumple layer while maintaining a thin overall profile for easy integration
4Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for staged triggering and redundancy, then collision detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing zones are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly with shared layers (spacer layer, crumple layer, backing layer), reducing overall complexity compared to using separate sensor units while maintaining redundancy and staged triggering capability
Data Source
AI summary
A collision sensor device for a medical apparatus includes a sensor structure having a first sensor and a second sensor that are separated by a spacer layer, at least one crumple layer that adjoins one of the first sensor and the second sensor and is configured to provide a run-on path, and an outer surface layer provided on a side facing away from the medical apparatus in an installed state of the collision sensor device.