Piezoelectric Sensor Array for 3D Mechanical Property Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing tubular disorders in biological tubes, such as those in the vascular and gastrointestinal systems, are inadequate as they fail to provide specific location and distribution information due to their reliance on single-point pressure measurements, which can miss or incorrectly map pathology in three-dimensional structures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an array of piezoelectric sensors to measure mechanical properties of biological tubes by applying a known force and tracking displacement in three dimensions, allowing for improved diagnosis of pathological states by calculating mechanical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single-point pressure measurements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to provide specific location and distribution information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple discrete piezoelectric sensor elements arranged in an array along the biological tube. Each sensor measures pressure at its specific location, enabling spatial mapping of mechanical properties. This segmentation transforms a single-point measurement into a distributed measurement network, providing both location and distribution information while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional single-point pressure measurement to three-dimensional spatial mapping by arranging sensors in an array that captures pressure distribution across the tube's length and circumference. This dimensional expansion allows precise localization of pathological changes and provides comprehensive mechanical property assessment throughout the biological tube structure.
2Measurement precision
If array of piezoelectric sensors is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric sensors that serve multiple functions: they detect pressure changes, measure mechanical deformation, and provide spatial location information simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems for each parameter, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity through unified sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates signal processing that analyzes outputs from multiple piezoelectric sensors to calculate mechanical properties such as stiffness and elasticity. The processor uses feedback from the sensor array to map pressure distributions and identify pathological regions, transforming complex multi-sensor data into meaningful diagnostic information about the biological tube's mechanical characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional displacement tracking is implemented, then measurement precision is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex force application and sensing coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a predetermined known force to the biological tube before measurement, establishing a reference state for calculating mechanical properties. This preliminary action simplifies the measurement process by providing a standardized loading condition, allowing the sensor array to directly measure displacement and strain without requiring complex real-time force control during the actual measurement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a mediator element or structure that transmits the applied force uniformly to the biological tube while allowing the piezoelectric sensors to measure the resulting deformation. This intermediary component simplifies operation by decoupling the force application mechanism from the sensitive measurement process, enabling three-dimensional displacement tracking without requiring direct coordination between force application and sensing systems.
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
Enables precise measurement of mechanical properties in three dimensions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for tubular disorders by providing detailed information on the location and extent of mechanical aberrations within biological tubes.
Implementation Method 1
each piezoelectric element is configured to generate a signal in response to sensing application of the predetermined force
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for measuring a mechanical property of a biological tube. The system and method operate to arrange a plurality of piezoelectric elements about the biological tube and apply a predetermined force or transduce an endogeneous or exogeneous force to the biological tube. The system and method also operate to receive a respective signal from each piezoelectric element in the plurality of piezoelectric elements responsive to the application of the predetermined force or a transduced endogenous or exogeneous force and calculate the mechanical property of the biological tube based on the signals received from the plurality of piezoelectric elements.