RF Tag Masking for Implantable Valve Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the pressure setting of implantable medical devices, such as hydrocephalus shunts, are invasive, require radiation, or use cumbersome instruments, lacking accuracy and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An implantable valve with a radio frequency tag and masking element that interacts with wireless signals to indicate pressure settings through changes in resonant frequency, harmonic spectra, or Q factor, allowing non-invasive and accurate pressure setting determination using a wireless interrogation signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-rays or magnetic tools are used to determine pressure setting, then measurement can be performed, but the methods are invasive or require radiation and cumbersome instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive measurement methods with an electromagnetic field-based wireless system. A radio frequency tag embedded in the valve interacts with external electromagnetic fields to wirelessly transmit pressure setting information, eliminating the need for invasive X-rays or magnetic tools while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radio frequency tag as an intermediary between the pressure setting mechanism and the external reader. This intermediary wirelessly transmits pressure information without requiring direct physical contact or invasive procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then pressure setting can be determined, but the process is not instantaneous and requires cumbersome instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous wireless monitoring of pressure settings through the radio frequency tag that continuously interacts with external electromagnetic fields. This allows instantaneous measurement without the time-consuming procedures required by traditional methods, while maintaining ongoing accurate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting mechanical measurement systems with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication, the patent achieves instantaneous pressure setting determination without the time delays associated with traditional invasive or cumbersome measurement instruments.
3Measurement precision
If a masking element moves relative to the radio frequency tag, then pressure setting can be indicated through response changes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in the radio frequency tag's electromagnetic response parameters (such as resonant frequency, harmonic spectra, or Q factor) to indicate pressure settings. The masking element modulates these parameters by moving relative to the tag, allowing accurate pressure indication through parameter analysis rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking element's movement relative to the radio frequency tag creates variations in electromagnetic field interaction, analogous to mechanical vibration principles. This relative motion modulates the RF tag's response characteristics, enabling pressure setting indication through analysis of electromagnetic 'vibrations' or resonant characteristics.
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, non-invasive, and instantaneous indication of pressure settings in implantable medical devices, reducing the need for invasive procedures and cumbersome instruments, and can be applied to a wide range of implanted controls and valves.
Implementation Method 1
the radio frequency tag can produce a response to the wireless signal... the response of the radio frequency tag can have one or more characteristics, such as a resonant frequency, harmonic spectra, decay characteristic, and Q factor
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods useful for non-invasively indicating the position or setting of a mechanical device, such as a sensor or control in an implanted medical device, are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a valve housing adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough is provided. The flow of fluid through the valve housing can be controlled, for example, by a valve assembly that has a plurality of predetermined pressure settings. A radio frequency tag can be disposed in the valve assembly, and the masking element and the radio frequency tag can be configured to move relative to one another. The relative positions of the masking element and the radio frequency tag can alter the response of the radio frequency tag to a wireless signal (which can be emitted from an external reading device, for example) and thereby indicate the pressure setting of the valve assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the masking element can selectively cover at least part of the radio frequency tag according to the pressure setting of the valve assembly, which can change a characteristic of the radio frequency tag's response to the wireless signal.