Passive RF Sensor Circuitry for Disposable Extravasation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting extravasation or infiltration of fluids in tissue are costly and pose infection risks due to non-disposable circuitry, and they lack mobility and efficient detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, passive sensor system driven by RF electromagnetic power, which segregates active components for disposable use, utilizing RF transmission to detect fluid levels without a local power source, allowing for remote digital signal processing and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for detecting extravasation are used, then detection capability is provided, but cost increases and infection risk arises due to non-disposable circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable sensor that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the infection risk associated with non-disposable circuitry. The sensor includes a receiver, signal splitter, sensor circuitry, and transmitter that are all integrated into a single-use device, allowing it to be thrown away after detection, thus preventing cross-contamination while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into separate functional components: a receiver for receiving RF signals, a signal splitter for separating signals, sensor circuitry for detecting fluid levels, and a transmitter for sending data. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables the entire system to be manufactured as a disposable unit, reducing infection risk while preserving detection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If wireless passive sensor system is used, then mobility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases due to RF transmission components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed as a passive device that receives RF power and control signals wirelessly from an external transmitter, processes the signals through its internal circuitry, and transmits detection data back wirelessly. This self-contained wireless design eliminates the need for external wiring or local power sources, improving mobility while the integration of all components into a single chip or module keeps the actual device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the receiver, signal splitter, sensor circuitry, and transmitter into a single integrated wireless passive sensor unit. This merging of multiple functions into one compact device simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from having separate components, while still providing full wireless functionality for enhanced mobility.
3Ease of manufacture
If RF electromagnetic power is used to drive passive sensor, then local power source is eliminated, but energy transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using local batteries or power sources with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The passive sensor receives RF electromagnetic power wirelessly through its receiver circuitry, which converts the RF energy into the power needed to operate the sensor and transmit data. This substitution eliminates the need for physical power sources, simplifying manufacturing while the RF energy transmission requirements are managed through efficient antenna design and signal processing.
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 system provides cost-effective, disposable, and mobile detection of fluid levels in tissue, enhancing health protocols by reducing infection risks and improving detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless and passive sensor (no local power source is required on the sensor) of a system for detecting extravasation or infiltration... A receiving antenna receives a transmitted signal comprising RF electromagnetic power
Implementation Method 2
A transmit antenna transmits the output signal to a receiver for use in determining a change in a level of fluid in the body portion
Data Source
AI summary
A system detects extravasation or infiltration by segregating active components that drive a passive sensor for economical single use. A receiving antenna of the passive sensor receives antenna for receiving a transmitted signal comprising RF electromagnetic power. A first circuit transmits a first portion of the received signal through a body portion. A sensor detects a resultant signal from the body portion. A second circuit combines a reference signal comprising a second portion of the received signal with the resultant signal so as to define an output signal. A transmit antenna transmits the output signal to a receiver.