Segmented Sensor Strip for Leg Ulcer Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandaging techniques for leg ulcers fail to achieve a uniform pressure gradient effectively, often resulting in higher and non-uniform pressures that can worsen the condition and cause patient discomfort, and existing pressure sensors can introduce inaccuracies and discomfort by altering the pressure profile.
Innovation Solution
A segmented sensor strip with longitudinal and transverse grooves, allowing it to conform to the leg's curvature and avoid pressure enhancements, featuring pressure-sensitive sensors in the central column and tapered outer segments to minimize disruption, using optical or capacitive sensors for accurate pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is inserted between the leg and bandage to measure pressure, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but the sensor itself perturbs the pressure and causes erroneous readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is divided into multiple segments separated by grooves, allowing each segment to move independently and conform to the leg's curvature. This segmentation reduces the overall pressure perturbation by distributing the sensor's presence across multiple flexible units rather than a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip is constructed as a thin, flexible structure that can conform to the curved surface of the leg. This flexibility minimizes the disruption to the natural pressure distribution while still allowing accurate pressure measurements to be taken through the compliant medium.
2Reliability
If conventional bandaging techniques are used to achieve pressure gradient, then treatment is provided, but the pressure profile is non-uniform and often higher than expected causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip provides real-time feedback on the actual pressure distribution along the leg. This information can be used to adjust the bandaging technique to achieve the desired uniform pressure gradient, ensuring the treatment is effective while minimizing patient discomfort from excessive or non-uniform pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip incorporates visual indicators that change color or appearance in response to pressure levels. This allows for immediate visual assessment of the pressure distribution, enabling quick adjustments to achieve uniform pressure and prevent areas of excessive pressure that would cause discomfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If small thin sensors are used to mitigate pressure perturbation, then pressure accuracy is improved, but the sensors become expensive relying on fibre gratings and complex interrogation schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is designed as a disposable, cost-effective device that does not require expensive fibre optic technology or complex interrogation systems. The simplified design uses standard pressure-sensitive materials that can be manufactured economically, making the treatment more accessible while still providing accurate pressure measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex optical or electronic sensor systems with a simpler mechanical pressure-sensing approach. The sensor strip uses inherent mechanical properties of flexible materials to detect pressure, eliminating the need for expensive fibre gratings, LEDs, or complex electronic interrogation schemes.
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 sensor strip provides accurate and comfortable pressure measurement without significantly altering the pressure profile, ensuring effective treatment of leg ulcers by maintaining a uniform pressure gradient, reducing patient discomfort, and allowing for cost-effective mass production.
Implementation Method 1
The separation of the first and second layers is determined by capacitive or optical means. This gives an indication of the pressure applied to the top and bottom layers.
Implementation Method 2
The separation of the first and second layers is determined by capacitive or optical means.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of testing the pressure under a bandage, which comprises introducing a sensor strip according to any preceding claim under the bandage, and recording the pressure at each of the pressure-sensitive sensors.