Nanotube Elastomer Sensor for Medical Balloon Stress Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors fail to accurately measure changes in stress, elongation, and pressure on flexible and expandable medical devices, such as balloons, due to limitations in their ability to deform and maintain electrical conductivity during repeated deformations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible piezoresistive sensor composed of an elastomeric polymer with 0.02 to 8% by total weight of conductive nanotubes, which is attached to or molded within the medical device, allowing for measurement of changes in resistivity to determine stress and pressure through changes in current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used on flexible medical devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision of stress and pressure changes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating conductive nanotubes (such as carbon nanotubes) into the elastomeric polymer matrix to create a piezoresistive sensor material. This composite structure enables the sensor to detect stress and pressure changes through electrical resistance variations while maintaining the flexibility and conformability needed for medical device applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by measuring the electrical resistance of the nanotube-containing elastomer under different stress and pressure conditions. The resistance of the conductive nanotube network changes in response to mechanical deformation, allowing the sensor to translate physical stress into measurable electrical signals for monitoring device expansion and tissue interaction.
2Reliability
If the elastomeric material maintains desired physical properties, then the device flexibility is preserved, but the electrical conductivity is insufficient for sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating conductive nanotubes (such as carbon nanotubes) into the elastomeric polymer matrix to create a piezoresistive sensor material. This composite structure enables the sensor to detect stress and pressure changes through electrical resistance variations while maintaining the flexibility and conformability needed for medical device applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different nanotube concentrations or configurations within the elastomeric material. Areas requiring higher conductivity for sensing are enriched with conductive nanotubes, while other areas maintain the base elastomer properties for flexibility and structural integrity, allowing different functional zones within the same device.
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 accurate and reliable measurements of stress and pressure changes on flexible medical devices, maintaining electrical conductivity and physical properties even under significant deformation, enabling effective monitoring during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible piezoresistive sensor composed of an elastomeric polymer with 0.02 to 8% by total weight of conductive nanotubes, which is attached to or molded within the device, measures changes in resistivity to determine stress and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible substrate has a major surface and a sensor attached to and aligned with the major surface of the substrate. The sensor may have an elastic body containing conductive nanotubes homogeneously distributed therein to form a conductive path and at least two electrodes in electrical connection with the conductive path. Balloons and flexible elements used in medical procedures are particularly useful.