PVDF Membrane Sensor for Continuous Stenosis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting vascular constrictions in lumens, such as stenoses, are either complex, costly, or require high-voltage conditioning, leading to short circuits and limited availability, making them impractical for continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a membrane-like substrate and stacked layers of electrically conductive and PVDF layers, connected to an evaluation unit, allows for reliable detection of stenoses through differential signal evaluation, minimizing production costs and avoiding short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyvinylidene fluoride sensors are used for continuous monitoring, then detection capability is improved, but high-voltage conditioning is required causing short circuits and limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the PVDF sensing layer from the complex high-voltage conditioning system and couples it directly to simple electrically conductive electrodes. This separates the detection function (PVDF layer) from the signal processing function (evaluation unit), eliminating the need for high-voltage conditioning while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical high-voltage conditioning system with a direct piezoelectric coupling system. The PVDF layer's piezoelectric effect directly generates measurable electrical signals when subjected to mechanical stress from blood flow or tube constriction, substituting complex voltage conditioning with simple electrode detection.
2Reliability
If complex dialysis equipment is used for monitoring, then monitoring functionality is improved, but device complexity and disinfection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into a simple disposable sensor unit (membrane with PVDF layer and electrodes) and a reusable evaluation unit. This allows the sensitive monitoring components to be discarded after single use, eliminating complex disinfection requirements while maintaining continuous monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable sensor membrane that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex disinfection procedures and high availability requirements for the sensor components, while the reusable evaluation unit handles data processing. The disposable nature ensures reliability without requiring complex equipment maintenance.
3Reliability
If silver layers are used for electrical connection in PVDF sensors, then electrical conductivity is improved, but short circuits frequently arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the PVDF sensor and places it on separate electrically conductive electrodes. This separates the piezoelectric sensing function (PVDF layer) from the electrical conduction function (electrodes), eliminating the short-circuit risk inherent in integrating conductive layers with PVDF while maintaining electrical conductivity for signal evaluation.
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 enables economical and secure detection of impending stenoses, with improved sensitivity and robustness, suitable for continuous monitoring and use as a disposable item.
Implementation Method 1
the PVDF layer is electrically polarised perpendicularly to the layer structure and has a piezo effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable device (1) for the detection of a constriction stenosis in a lumen, wherein the wearable device has a membrane-like substrate (S) which, in use, is arranged on the outside of the lumen, wherein at least two sound converters (M1, M2) are arranged on the membrane-like substrate (S), wherein each sound converter (M1,M2) has at least one stack of layers, wherein the stack of layers comprises at least one stack of layers, wherein the stack of layers comprises at least one partially covering sequence of a first electrically conductive layer, a PVDF layer and a second electrically conductive layer, wherein the PVDF layer is polarised electrically perpendicularly to the layer structure and has a piezo effect, wherein on the side facing away from the substrate furthermore a biocompatible cover layer (DS) is provided, wherein the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer are able to be connected to an evaluation unit (AE).