Medical Probe Cover Detection via Electromagnetic Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical instruments with reusable probes face challenges in preventing cross-contamination due to incorrect reuse of probe covers, and there is a need to ensure proper depth of insertion for accurate function, such as in ear examinations.

Innovation Solution

A medical instrument equipped with an electromagnetic radiation emitter and sensor system that determines if a probe cover is mounted and the depth of insertion by measuring radiation blockage, using a microprocessor to manage usage and prevent reuse if the cover is not properly changed or if the insertion depth is insufficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If disposable probe covers are used to prevent cross-contamination, then patient safety is improved, but the complexity of ensuring proper cover usage and disposal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-contaminationVSAvoidprobe cover usage monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors to detect whether a probe cover is properly mounted and provides feedback through indicators (visual, auditory, or electronic) to confirm proper coverage. The system also monitors probe insertion depth and provides feedback to ensure the probe is inserted sufficiently, thereby preventing incorrect usage without requiring complex manual tracking procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The medical instrument performs self-monitoring of its own state by using sensors to detect probe cover presence and insertion depth automatically. This eliminates the need for external monitoring systems or complex manual tracking, allowing the device to manage its own sanitation and usage verification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If probe insertion depth is increased to ensure accurate function, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the risk of tissue damage or patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveear drum temperature measurementVSAvoidtissue damage or patient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor probe insertion depth and provides feedback through indicators to show when the optimal depth is achieved. This feedback mechanism ensures the probe is inserted far enough to accurately measure ear drum temperature but stops before causing tissue damage or excessive patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the monitoring and feedback based on the probe insertion depth, transitioning from a static insertion approach to a dynamic, monitored process that adapts to the specific anatomical conditions of each patient while maintaining safety and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If reusable probes are used to reduce waste, then environmental impact is reduced, but the risk of cross-contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe wasteVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the probe into two segments: a reusable main body and a disposable probe cover. This segmentation allows the expensive probe to be reused while the cover is discarded after single use, reducing waste of critical resources while maintaining sanitation. The sensor system further segments the monitoring functions to track cover usage and probe insertion independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs disposable probe covers that are inexpensive and single-use, replacing them after each patient to prevent cross-contamination. The sensor system monitors whether the cover is properly mounted and can detect if it has been removed or compromised, ensuring that the disposable element fulfills its protective function without requiring complex sterilization of the reusable probe itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 system ensures sanitary reuse by preventing cross-contamination and ensuring accurate function by confirming the use and proper disposal of probe covers and verifying the depth of insertion, thereby enhancing patient safety and instrument effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission and detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A sensor can also be used to determine the extent to which the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation blockage: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9282883B2Medical instrument with probe and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 WELCH ALLYN INC

AI summary

A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. Electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received, whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation, thereby indicating a position of the sensor, and thus, the probe, within the orifice.