Radial Seal Assembly for Disposable Force Sensor Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors and sensor systems for measuring fluid pressure are difficult and inefficient to produce, requiring substantial time and materials, and existing sealing methods, such as O-rings, are insufficient for secure attachment under loading conditions, especially in healthcare applications.
Innovation Solution
A radial seal system using a generally columnar sealing member with asymmetrical engaging elements that form an adhesive-free interface with the inner cylindrical surface of a receiving tube, providing greater frictional resistance during removal than insertion, ensuring secure attachment and preventing leaks without the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sensors and sensor systems are used to measure fluid pressure, then measurement function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate modular components: a disposable sensor assembly containing the sensor and engagement member, and a reusable housing. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and assembly, improving production efficiency and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a disposable component that is manufactured economically and discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization and reprocessing procedures, substantially improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing healthcare costs.
2Reliability
If O-rings or adhesive bonding are used for sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but attachment reliability under loading conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bonding methods (adhesives) and simple mechanical seals (O-rings) with an asymmetrical mechanical engagement system featuring reflex and obtuse angles that provide secure attachment through geometric interlocking and friction resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member features asymmetrical geometry with reflex angles on one side and obtuse angles on the other, allowing easy insertion in one direction while providing high resistance to removal in the opposite direction, thereby achieving reliable attachment under loading conditions.
3Reliability
If secure attachment is achieved through mechanical engagement, then attachment reliability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes friction as a key parameter to achieve secure attachment. The asymmetrical geometry creates direction-dependent friction forces that provide strong holding power during insertion and even greater resistance during removal, reducing the need for extremely tight geometric tolerances.
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 radial seal system facilitates quick, efficient, and secure manufacturing of disposable sensor assemblies, effectively withstanding the loads required in healthcare applications while preventing leaks and contamination, thus improving manufacturability and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the friction force between the generally columnar sealing member and the inner cylindrical surface is greater during application of a force to the generally columnar sealing member in a removal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure reading assembly including a housing defining a conduit configured to transmit bodily fluid therethrough and a receiving tube having a first opening and an inner cylindrical surface. The pressure reading assembly further includes a sensing apparatus which includes a sensor disposed on a substrate and an engagement member including a generally columnar sealing member configured to engage an inner cylindrical surface of a receiving tube within the housing connected to the substrate about the sensor. The sealing member defines an axial bore extending from a proximal end to a distal end and includes an outer sealing surface defining one or more engaging elements configured to non-adhesively engage the inner cylindrical surface of the receiving tube to resist removal of the sensor assembly so that a pre-sterilized sensor assembly can be removed from a clean sealed packaging and joined directly with the housing.