Parallel Sensor Catheter for 2D Fluid Flow Direction Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor arrangements for measuring fluid flow velocity in cardiovascular procedures require multiple sensors, leading to space constraints and reduced sensitivity, especially when trying to measure flow in two dimensions as perpendicular sensors may not be equally exposed to the flow.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with at least two displaced sensors arranged in parallel in a plane, along with a control unit to determine the direction of fluid flow in two dimensions, ensuring that both sensors are exposed to a similar flow pattern, thereby improving measurement accuracy without increasing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two perpendicular sensors are used to measure fluid flow direction, then the direction of fluid flow can be determined, but the sensors cannot be equally exposed to the flow when the catheter touches a vessel wall, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a symmetric perpendicular sensor arrangement to an asymmetric parallel sensor arrangement where both sensors are positioned on the same side of the catheter, exposed to the flow from the same direction. This asymmetric configuration ensures that both sensors experience identical flow conditions when the catheter contacts a vessel wall, eliminating the reliability issue of inconsistent sensor exposure while maintaining the capability to determine flow direction through differential measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures fluid flow velocity in two dimensions by using two parallel sensors displaced from each other along the catheter axis, rather than using perpendicular sensors in three-dimensional space. This dimensional reduction allows both sensors to remain exposed to the flow simultaneously while providing sufficient information to calculate flow direction and velocity magnitude through mathematical processing.
2Volume of moving object
If the sensor surface is minimized to save space, then space requirements are reduced, but the sensor's sensitivity is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves space savings by measuring flow in two dimensions rather than three, using two parallel sensors displaced along the catheter axis. This configuration requires minimal space on the catheter surface while maintaining adequate sensor surface area for sensitivity, as both sensors can be positioned in a compact arrangement along the longitudinal axis without requiring lateral separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the flow measurement function into two separate parallel sensors that each measure a component of the flow velocity. By segmenting the measurement task across multiple sensors with smaller individual surfaces, the system achieves the required sensitivity through combined measurement while keeping each sensor compact and space-efficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two orthogonal displaced sensors are used, then three-dimensional flow velocity measurement is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by measuring flow velocity in two dimensions rather than three, using two parallel sensors instead of three orthogonal sensors. This dimensional reduction simplifies the sensor arrangement while still providing comprehensive flow characterization for cardiovascular procedures, where two-dimensional flow information is typically sufficient for clinical decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel sensor arrangement is designed to be universally applicable for two-dimensional flow measurement in various cardiovascular procedures. The configuration can determine both the direction and magnitude of flow velocity through mathematical processing of the two sensor signals, providing multi-functional capability (direction finding, velocity measurement, flow pattern analysis) from a simple two-sensor setup.
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 configuration allows for accurate bi-dimensional fluid flow velocity measurement, reducing ambiguity in determining the correct direction of fluid flow while minimizing space on a catheter, thus enhancing sensitivity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid flow should exchange the same amount of heat with the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement including at least two displaced first sensors arranged in parallel in a first plane and adapted to measure a quantity of a fluid flow and a control unit adapted to determine, from the measured quantity of the fluid flow, information indicating at least a range of directions of the fluid flow in two dimensions.