Layered Piezoelectric Sensor Stack for Medical Instrument Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with sensor units face challenges in adequately capturing measured variables, resulting in low signal strength, which complicates navigation within the body and is time-consuming and expensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument with a sensor stack constructed in layers, comprising a first portion for capturing measured variables and a second portion for conducting electrical signals, produced using printing methods such as screen printing, inkjet printing, or dip coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional adhesive bonding and lamination methods are used to manufacture sensor stacks, then the sensor unit can be assembled, but the production process becomes very time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate manufacturing steps (adhesive bonding, lamination, alignment) into a single printing process where functional layers are deposited directly onto the catheter tip in their final positions, eliminating the need for subsequent assembly operations and significantly reducing production time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adhesive bonding and lamination processes with a printing-based deposition method, where functional layers are applied directly to the catheter tip surface through printing technology, eliminating the need for mechanical assembly equipment and reducing manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If conventional sensor units are used, then the medical instrument can be produced, but the capture of measured variables is inadequate resulting in low signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional materials and structures to different regions of the catheter tip surface, optimizing the sensor properties locally to enhance the capture of measured variables and improve signal strength while maintaining overall device performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite functional layers combining multiple materials with complementary properties (conductive, piezoelectric, insulating) to create a sensor unit that effectively captures measured variables and generates strong electrical signals for accurate navigation
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 solution enhances the capture of measured variables, improves signal strength, and simplifies the production process, making navigation and manufacturing more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the piezo layer, in particular configured to capture and convert ultrasonic pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument has a distal end for insertion into a patient and a sensor unit at the distal end that is configured to capture and convert a measured physical variable into an electrical measurement signal. The sensor unit is a sensor stack constructed in layers and having a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions each have functional layers arranged one above another. The functional layers are applied to one another in layers and cover one another at least in portions. The first portion includes a first insulation layer, a first electrode, a piezoactive piezo layer, a second electrode layer, a second insulation layer, and a shielding layer. The second portion includes an insulation layer, a first conductor track, and a second conductor track. The sensor unit and the medical instrument are produced by a method.