Reusable Housing Module for Medical Flow Sensor Cost Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical flow sensor module assemblies are not cost-efficient due to the integration of expensive electronics components, which limits their reuse and increases the overall cost of the system.
Innovation Solution
A modular design is implemented, separating the system into a reusable housing module and a single-use sensor module, allowing the expensive electronics to be housed in the reusable module, which can be used multiple times. This design includes a form-fit mechanism to secure the sensor module, enabling secure connections for supply components and using various interface standards for data transmission and energy supply, including wireless options, and incorporates a reusable pump unit for fluid flow assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive electronics components are integrated into the sensor module, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and reusability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate modules: a reusable housing module containing expensive electronics components (processor, memory, interface units) and a disposable sensor module containing the flow sensor and channel body. This segmentation allows the expensive electronics to be reused across multiple sensor modules, reducing per-unit manufacturing cost while maintaining high measurement precision through advanced electronic processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is discarded after one use, while the housing module with expensive electronics is reused. This approach eliminates the need to recover or refurbish expensive electronics, reducing overall system cost despite the sensor module being single-use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive electronics components are integrated into the sensor module, then functionality and data processing capabilities are improved, but device reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates reusable housing module containing advanced electronics (processor, memory, multiple interface units for wireless and wired communication) from disposable sensor module. This enables the housing module to be reused multiple times with different sensor modules, maintaining high functionality and adaptability across uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing module is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different sensor modules through standardized connection interfaces. The reusable housing module supports various fluidic materials and measurement scenarios through programmable electronics and multiple communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RS232, USB).
3Ease of manufacture
If modular design is implemented separating housing and sensor modules, then cost efficiency and reusability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into housing module and sensor module that connect via standardized interfaces. While this creates multiple components, the standardized connection protocols and form-fit mechanical interfaces simplify assembly and reduce complexity in manufacturing and usage compared to integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing module serves as an intermediary that provides standardized mechanical, electrical, and data communication interfaces between the disposable sensor module and external systems. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating interface complexity in the reusable housing rather than requiring complex integration in each sensor module.
4Reliability
If form-fit mechanism is used to secure sensor module, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that provides form-fit engagement with the housing module, preventing rotation and ensuring correct orientation. This asymmetric design achieves reliable mechanical connection through shape complementarity rather than requiring high-precision machining tolerances, as the form-fit relies on geometric compatibility rather than tight dimensional tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical flow sensor module assembly is part of an installation for patient monitoring and/or patient care. A single-use sensor module has a channel body with a flow channel A flow sensor is used to measure a fluid flow through the flow channel A flow sensor interface is in signal connection with the flow sensor. A reusable housing module of the module assembly serves to accommodate the sensor module. The housing module has at least one electronics unit and an electronics unit interface via which the electronics unit is in signal connection with the flow sensor interface. The housing module has at least two housing sections which enclose the sensor module in a form-fitting manner. This results in an assembly that can be used cost-efficiently.