Optical Palpation Device Deformable Sensing Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical palpation techniques, such as OCT-based methods, are complex, costly, and limited in accessibility and resolution for evaluating mechanical properties of sample materials like biological tissues, particularly in medical applications where precise measurement of elasticity is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera-based optical palpation device with a deformable sensing layer having a compression-dependent optical property, allowing for direct or indirect contact with the sample material, which measures mechanical properties by detecting changes in light transmission or reflection, enabling simplified and cost-effective evaluation of elasticity without the need for depth scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCT-based optical palpation is used to measure deformation in sample material, then measurement precision of mechanical properties is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex OCT interferometry system with a simpler digital camera-based optical detection system. The sensing layer's deformation is captured through changes in light transmission or reflection patterns that can be detected by standard digital cameras, eliminating the need for sophisticated interferometric measurement equipment while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital camera imaging to create a visual copy or representation of the sensing layer's deformation state. Instead of using OCT to directly measure physical deformation, the system captures optical images that represent the deformation patterns, which can then be analyzed to determine mechanical properties
2Measurement precision
If OCT-based optical palpation is used to evaluate stiffness, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex OCT system with a digital camera-based system that is easier to operate. The simplified optical detection method requires less specialized knowledge and equipment operation, making the system more accessible while maintaining measurement precision through the sensing layer's optical response to deformation
3Ease of operation
If a deformable sensing layer with compression-dependent optical property is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensing layer with compression-dependent optical properties, such as changes in light transmission, reflection, or color under compression. This allows the layer to automatically indicate deformation states through optical parameter changes, simplifying the measurement process while the manufacturing precision is managed through consistent material formulation and fabrication processes
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 provides improved accuracy and accessibility for measuring mechanical properties, particularly elasticity, with enhanced spatial resolution and reduced friction, facilitating applications in medical fields like cancer margin imaging and scar assessment, while being more cost-effective and compact compared to traditional OCT-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing layer is deformed and because of the predetermined deformation-dependent optical property of the sensing layer the mechanical property of the sample material is measurable
Implementation Method 2
detecting the light that transmitted through at least a portion of the sensing layer
Implementation Method 3
The deformation-dependent optical property of the sensing layer may be compression-dependent transmissivity, polarisation, light absorption, or light scattering
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical palpation device for evaluating a mechanical property of a sample material. The device comprises a body having a sensing portion and a sensing layer positioned at the sensing portion of the body and having a sensing surface positioned for direct or indirect contact with a surface area of the sample material. The sensing layer is deformable and has a predetermined deformation-dependent optical property. The device further comprises a light detector positioned to detect light transmitted through at least a portion of the sensing layer. The optical palpation device is arranged such that, when the sensing surface of the sensing layer is in direct or indirect contact with the surface area of the sample material and a pressure is applied through both the sensing layer and at least a portion of the surface area of the sample material, because of the predetermined deformation or pressure-dependent optical property of the sensing layer the mechanical property of the sample material is measurable by detecting the light that transmitted through at least a portion of the sensing layer.