Medical Sensor Switching Composite Waveform Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as endoscopes, face challenges in incorporating multiple sensors at the distal tip due to size constraints, which limits the number and types of components that can be positioned there, and increases the complexity and cost of the device.
Innovation Solution
A medical system that includes a processing unit, a medical device electrically coupled to the processing unit, and an electronic assembly at the distal portion of the insertion portion. The electronic assembly includes at least a first sensor, a second sensor, and a switch configured to switch between the sensors based on instructions from the processing unit, allowing for the transmission of a composite waveform via a single conducting element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are incorporated at the distal tip of a medical device, then the functionality and diagnostic capability are improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor signals into a single composite waveform that is transmitted through one conducting element. The electronic assembly merges data from multiple sensors (e.g., image sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor) and transmits them together, reducing the number of separate cables and connections needed at the distal tip.
Solution Approach 2:
A single conducting element serves multiple functions by carrying a composite waveform that contains signals from various sensors. This universal transmission medium replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cables for each sensor type, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-sensor capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are incorporated at the distal tip, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the number of cables and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor signal transmission paths into a single conducting element. Instead of having separate cables for each sensor, the electronic assembly combines all sensor signals into one composite waveform that travels through a single cable to the processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic assembly acts as an intermediary between the multiple sensors and the processing unit. It receives signals from multiple sensors, processes and combines them into a composite waveform, and transmits this unified signal through a single conducting element, thereby reducing cable complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more components are positioned at the distal tip, then the therapeutic and diagnostic functionality is improved, but the size constraints are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a compact electronic assembly that can be positioned at the distal tip without significantly increasing its volume. By merging multiple sensing capabilities into a single integrated unit with shared transmission infrastructure, the design maintains functionality while respecting size constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes a processing unit, a medical device electrically coupled to the processing unit, and an electronic assembly disposed at a distal portion of the insertion portion. The medical device includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a body lumen of a subject. The electronic assembly includes at least a first sensor, a second sensor, and a switch. The electronic assembly is electrically coupled to the processing unit. The switch is configured to switch between the first sensor and the second sensor based on an instruction of the processing unit.