Pressure-Dependent Clutching Device for Needle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating and positioning needles in body cavities, such as the epidural space, are prone to human error and require precise manual control, leading to risks of overshooting and tissue damage due to their reliance on subjective operator skills and instability in pressure-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-dependent clutching device that automatically engages and disengages the needle from a driving force based on pressure differentials, ensuring the needle does not overshoot the target cavity by modulating the transmission of driving force through a pressure-sensing element and a driving force engaging mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual methods are used to locate and position the needle, then the operator can control the needle placement, but human error and subjectivity lead to imprecise positioning and risk of overshooting the target cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting the target cavity location through pressure sensing and autonomously controlling the needle advancement and stopping, eliminating the need for continuous manual operation and reducing human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated system that uses pressure sensors, control circuits, and automated actuators to detect the target cavity and control needle positioning, substituting human operator skills with automated detection and control mechanisms
2Reliability
If pressure-based automated systems are used to locate the body cavity, then operator error is reduced, but pressure instability causes inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes in real-time and uses this feedback to adjust needle advancement, enabling accurate detection of the target cavity despite pressure fluctuations and allowing the system to adapt to dynamic pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pressure threshold adjustment where the detection threshold adapts based on real-time pressure conditions, allowing the system to maintain accurate detection capabilities under varying pressure stability conditions
3Productivity
If the needle is advanced quickly to reach the target cavity, then procedure time is reduced, but the risk of overshooting and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous automated control throughout the needle advancement process, continuously monitoring pressure changes and adjusting advancement speed, allowing fast overall procedure while preventing overshooting through real-time control
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary stopping force by detecting pressure changes before the needle can overshoot the target cavity, preventing harmful effects by counteracting the advancing momentum in advance
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 a safe and precise method for positioning needles in body cavities by automatically disengaging the driving force upon reaching the target space, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving control over needle placement.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensing element defining a portion of a pressure chamber disposed in the interior space of the body. The pressure chamber is in pressure communication with an opening on the body of the device, wherein the opening is adapted for connecting to a needle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a pressure-depending clutching device capable of automatically engaging and disengaging a needle from a driving force depending on the pressure experienced by needle. The device has a body with an interior space, a pressure- sensing element disposed in the body defining a portion of a pressure chamber, and a force-receiving element operatively connected to the pressure-sensing element. The force-receiving element has a shape complimentary to a portion of a force-sending element operatively connected to a force-applying structure. The pressure sensing element, the force-receiving element, and the complementary force-sending element form a driving force engaging mechanism for coupling the force-applying structure to the needle during operation. Also provided are needle-and-syringe assemblies incorporating the disclosed clutching devices, methods for manufacturing the disclosed clutching devices, as well as methods for safely locating and positioning needles in the body cavity utilizing a needle-and- syringe assembly incorporating the disclosed clutching devices.