Obstetrical Pressure Sensing Shell for Real-Time Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstetrical instruments lack real-time pressure detection capabilities, leading to potential fetal and maternal injuries due to excessive force application during childbirth, and existing pressure detection devices are costly, complex, or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A pressure detection device comprising an elastically deformable shell with an internal pressure-sensitive tube and a transducer, which can be easily mounted on obstetrical instruments or hands, providing comprehensive pressure detection across a larger area and avoiding sterilization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoresistive pressure sensors are used in obstetrical instruments, then pressure detection capability is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and cannot be sterilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable elastomeric shell with integrated pressure-sensitive particles that can be sterilized. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes while maintaining pressure detection functionality, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sterilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic piezoresistive sensors with a mechanical pressure detection system using elastomeric material and pressure-sensitive particles. This mechanical system can be sterilized using standard autoclaving procedures, thereby achieving both pressure detection and sterilization capability.
2Measurement precision
If piezoresistive sensors protrude from the shell surface, then proper contact with fetal head is achieved, but the sensors are expensive and require complex insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable nature of the elastomeric shell allows for pre-sterilization and simplified insertion. The shell is designed to be inserted as a complete unit, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures during surgery while maintaining proper contact quality through the pressure-sensitive particle distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric shell is flexible and can be deformed during insertion to pass through the groove, then returns to its original shape to provide proper contact. This flexibility simplifies the insertion process while ensuring the pressure-sensitive particles maintain appropriate contact with the fetal head surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If the shell has a groove for sensor insertion, then sensor attachment is enabled, but proper attachment is not achieved and retention risk exists
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable elastomeric shell is designed as a complete, pre-assembled unit that eliminates the need for separate sensor attachment procedures. The shell itself provides the attachment mechanism through its elastic properties, ensuring reliable retention without complex grooves or assembly steps that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric shell uses its inherent flexibility and elastic recovery to secure the pressure-sensitive particles and attach to the instrument. When compressed during insertion, the shell deforms to pass through the groove, then springs back to its original shape, creating a secure mechanical interlock that prevents retention in the body.
4Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to detect force, then real-time pressure assessment is achieved, but the device becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic pressure sensors with a simple mechanical system based on elastomeric material properties and pressure-sensitive particles. This mechanical approach provides real-time pressure assessment through the physical deformation of the elastomeric shell, which can be detected by simple transducers or even visual inspection, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the elastomeric material (deformation, density distribution of pressure-sensitive particles) in response to applied pressure. These parameter changes provide real-time pressure information without requiring complex electronic sensing systems, thereby achieving cost-effective pressure assessment.
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 device offers reliable, cost-effective, and comprehensive pressure detection, reducing the risk of fetal and maternal injuries by alerting practitioners to excessive force, and facilitating safer childbirth procedures.
Implementation Method 1
said detection element comprises at least one elastically deformable tube having a portion arranged in said shell, said tube being closed at one end thereof and filled with a fluid, the other end of said tube being open, arranged outside said shell and connected to said transducer
Implementation Method 2
an elastically deformable shell made of biocompatible and sterilizable material... said detection element comprises at least one elastically deformable tube
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for detecting a pressure, of the type including a detection element on which a pressure is exerted, a transducer connected to the detection element and an elastically deformable shell. The shell is made of biocompatible and sterilizable material, has two opposing walls and an insertion opening, and the detection element includes at least one elastically deformable tube, the tube includes a portion arranged in the shell, the tube is closed at one end and filled with a fluid, the other end of the tube being open, arranged outside the shell and connected to the transducer.