Medical Device Sensor Integration for Geometric Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical disposables used in blood treatment systems face manufacturing tolerances that affect their geometric and dimensional accuracy, leading to calibration challenges and increased production costs due to the need for individual calibration of each device, which is logistically complex and not effective in correcting geometry changes post-manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
Integrating sensor components and converters directly into medical devices using additive, template-free printing methods, allowing for on-device measurement and correction of geometric characteristics, reducing the need for complex calibration and enabling miniaturization of blood treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual calibration is performed for each medical device to correct manufacturing tolerances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating sensor components directly into the medical device during the manufacturing process itself, rather than performing calibration after manufacturing. The sensor measures geometric characteristics in-situ, and correction values are determined and stored beforehand, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device performs self-calibration by using its own integrated sensor to measure its geometric characteristics and determine correction values autonomously. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment and complex calibration procedures, reducing device complexity while improving measurement accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensor components are integrated into medical devices using additive printing methods, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manufacturing of the medical device with the integration of sensor components by using additive printing methods to create both the device structure and the sensor components in a single production process. This combining approach maintains manufacturing precision while actually simplifying production by eliminating separate assembly steps, contrary to the assumption that integration increases complexity.
3Reliability
If correction values are determined and stored for each device, then reliability is improved, but loss of time during production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and storing correction values during the initial manufacturing process rather than during subsequent calibration or operation. The sensor measures geometric characteristics in-situ, and correction values are calculated and stored in memory beforehand, ensuring measurement reliability without adding time loss during production or operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a medical device with respectively at least one hard part with fluid paths for guiding a medical fluid, for example, blood, through the hard part. The medical device also includes a converter and a device for determining a characteristic of the device. The converter is arranged to measure the characteristic of the fluid, while the fluid is present in one of the fluid paths. The characteristic may be geometric characteristic, for example, a fluid path.