Thin Membrane Force Sensor Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force sensors used in medical applications face challenges with FDA certification requirements for isolation mediums, leading to high costs, long development cycles, and material compatibility issues, especially when dealing with bodily fluids or other external mediums.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thin membrane, such as silicone or PDMS, which is pre-approved and non-permeable, isolates the external medium from the sensor, eliminating direct contact and allowing for either permanent or removable attachment, thereby reducing the need for frequent FDA certification and material changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the isolation medium directly contacts the external medium, then the sensor can sense force/pressure through direct interaction, but the isolation medium requires FDA certification and material compatibility verification leading to high costs and long development cycles
Solution Approach 1:
A thin membrane is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the isolation medium and the external medium. The membrane allows force transmission while preventing direct contact, thereby eliminating the need for FDA certification of the isolation medium and reducing development cycle time while maintaining sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin flexible membrane is used to isolate the external medium from the isolation medium while still allowing force transmission. This thin film solution enables the sensor to maintain accuracy without requiring the isolation medium to be FDA certified, thus reducing development time and costs.
2Productivity
If the isolation medium directly contacts the external medium, then force transmission is direct, but material compatibility issues arise requiring frequent FDA certification and material changes
Solution Approach 1:
The thin membrane serves as a mediator that separates the isolation medium from the external medium, allowing the same isolation medium to be used across different applications without worrying about material compatibility with various external media. This increases adaptability while accelerating product design cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct zones: the external medium contact zone (membrane), the isolation medium zone, and the sensing zone. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the membrane handling external medium compatibility while the isolation medium focuses on sensing performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a thin membrane is introduced to isolate the external medium, then FDA certification requirements are reduced and development cycles are accelerated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A thin flexible membrane is used to provide isolation while maintaining a simple overall structure. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the sensor housing, and its thin nature minimizes the added structural complexity while achieving the desired isolation and cost reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin membrane can be implemented as a disposable or easily replaceable component, reducing the need for complex sealing mechanisms or permanent installations. This approach simplifies the overall device structure while lowering manufacturing costs and facilitating quick replacements if needed.
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 solution accelerates product design cycles, reduces costs, and ensures consistent performance by using pre-existing, FDA-approved membrane materials, while preventing fluid leakage and maintaining sensor accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the thin membrane is located adjacent to the isolation medium and is configured to provide a shield between an external medium and the isolation medium and transfer a force from the external medium to the isolation medium
Implementation Method 2
an isolation medium, wherein the isolation medium is configured to transfer a force to the sense element
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments generally relate to assembly and methods for detecting force. A force sensor assembly may comprise a sense element, an isolation medium, a thin membrane, and a substrate. Typically, the sense element may be located adjacent to the substrate, the isolation medium may be located adjacent to the sense element, and the thin membrane may be located adjacent to the isolation medium. Generally, the thin membrane may be configured to provide a shield between an external medium and the isolation medium and transfer a force from the external medium to the isolation medium. In this manner, the isolation medium may be configured to transfer the detected force to the sense element. The sense element may electrically communicate the force data as output signals to the electrical traces on the substrate.