Nanoassembly Pressure Sensor for Intracorporeal Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-intrusive pressure measurement devices modify the mechanical response of conduits, making it difficult to accurately measure circumferential or axial pressure distribution over small distances, especially in intracorporeal applications like blood vessels, due to the need for mechanical coupling which can alter fluid flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized pressure sensor using a nanoassembly of conductive or semi-conductive nanoparticles on a flexible substrate, mechanically linked to the conduit, which measures electrical properties sensitive to pressure variations, allowing for precise pressure measurement without significantly affecting fluid flow conditions, and can be temporarily bonded or used as a clip for easy placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical coupling is used to measure pressure in conduits, then pressure measurement is enabled, but the conduit's mechanical response is modified and fluid flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical strain gauge coupling with a capacitive sensing system. Conductive nanoparticles form a capacitive sensor that detects pressure through electrical field interactions rather than direct mechanical coupling, thereby measuring pressure without significantly altering the conduit's mechanical response or disrupting fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical deformation (strain) to electrical capacitance variations. By monitoring changes in capacitance of the nanoparticle assembly in response to pressure-induced dimensional changes in the conduit, the system achieves pressure measurement with minimal mechanical interference.
2Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensors are used, then pressure can be measured, but the device size is large and cannot measure pressure distribution over small distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure sensing function into distributed nanoparticle assemblies that can be placed at multiple locations along the conduit. Each nanoparticle assembly acts as an independent sensing element, enabling spatial resolution of pressure distribution over small distances while maintaining miniaturized dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible substrate to mount the nanoparticle assemblies, allowing the sensor to conform to the conduit surface and achieve compact integration. This flexible mounting approach enables multiple sensors to be positioned closely together without requiring large device volume.
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
The sensor provides highly sensitive and non-invasive pressure measurements, capable of measuring spatial and temporal pressure distributions without disrupting fluid flow, and can be used intracorporeally without causing trauma, with the option of bioresorbable materials for temporary placement and natural elimination.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical property being sensitive to the distance between the nanoparticles of the assembly
Implementation Method 2
an assembly of conductive or semi-conductive nanoparticles in contact with the two electrodes; a measurement device providing proportional information with respect to an electrical property of the nanoassembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for measuring the pressure of a fluid carried in a conduit. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a nanoassembly of conductive or semi-conductive nanoparticles in contact with the two electrodes, and a measurement device. The measurement device provides proportional information with respect to an electrical property of the nanoassembly. The electrical property is measured between the first and second electrode, and the electrical property is sensitive to the distance between the nanoparticles of the nanoassembly. The nanoassembly is mechanically linked to a flexible substrate having a mechanical linkage with the fluid carried in the conduit such that the distances between the nanoparticles of the nanoassembly are modified by a pressure variation in the fluid.