Body-Mountable Pressure Dosimeter with Rupture Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack definitive diagnosis for traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by explosive shockwaves, as physical symptoms are not visible using existing medical equipment, and there is a need to determine and quantify pressure exposure from overpressure events.
Innovation Solution
A body-mountable pressure dosimeter with multiple pressure sensors arranged in a grid pattern, each with a membrane configured to rupture at specific overpressure thresholds, allowing for visual indication of exposure levels and potential injuries, and potentially including electronic data recording and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors with different rupture thresholds are used to detect overpressure events, then measurement precision and diagnostic capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure detection system is segmented into multiple independent pressure sensors, each with a membrane configured to rupture at a specific overpressure threshold. This segmentation allows the system to detect different levels of pressure exposure independently, improving measurement precision while keeping each individual sensor relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pressure sensor in the array is given a specific local quality through its uniquely configured membrane with a distinct rupture threshold. This allows different parts of the sensor array to respond to different pressure levels, enabling precise characterization of the pressure wave profile without requiring complex electronics or processing in each sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If membranes with different rupture thresholds are implemented, then diagnostic capability for different injury levels is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the membrane material properties to achieve different rupture thresholds. By varying parameters such as membrane thickness, material composition, or pre-stress levels, the system can detect different injury thresholds (e.g., eardrum rupture at 6 psi, brain injury at 15 psi, lung injury at 30 psi) using standardized manufacturing processes for each membrane type.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane assembly is allowed to move within the cavity, then pressure equalization capability is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane assembly is designed to be dynamically movable within the cavity rather than fixed in place. This dynamic configuration allows the membrane assembly to move in response to pressure differentials, enabling pressure equalization between the cavity and the external environment. The sealing member maintains reliability by providing a compliant seal that accommodates this movement while preventing leaks during normal operation.
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 accurate determination of overpressure exposure levels, informing likely injuries and guiding appropriate treatment by visually indicating rupture thresholds and potentially transmitting data for remote analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is configured to rupture at a selected overpressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure dosimeter can include a body-mountable housing comprising a well having a first end portion open to the atmosphere, a second closed end portion, and a cavity. The dosimeter can include a membrane assembly disposed within the cavity, and a sealing member disposed within the cavity between the membrane assembly and the second end portion. The membrane assembly has a diameter less than a diameter of the cavity and a thickness less than a height of the cavity such that it can move within the cavity allowing air to pass around it and into the second end portion. When exposed to a pressure event the membrane assembly is urged against the sealing member, sealing the second end portion. The membrane will rupture at a selected overpressure threshold.