Segmented Strain Gauge for Rapid Catheter Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain gauges require a lengthy preheating time, causing inconvenience and increasing the complexity and risk of surgical procedures due to their slow stabilization for pressure measurement.
Innovation Solution
A strain gauge design featuring a substrate with a transverse sensitive grid and two non-transverse sensitive grids connected by a transverse connection, sharing a common ground lead and interface, allows for rapid stabilization and enhanced interference rejection, reducing the preheating time to a few seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single longitudinally arranged sensitive grid with large circumferential surface area is used, then the strain gauge can detect force effectively, but it requires lengthy preheating time (5-6 minutes) to attain stable condition
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensitive grid is segmented into multiple sensitive grids (first longitudinal, second longitudinal, and transverse grids) arranged in different orientations. This segmentation allows the strain gauge to achieve stable measurement conditions faster while maintaining force detection capability through the combined response of multiple grid configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensitive grids are arranged with different orientations (longitudinal and transverse) to have different sensitivities to various strain components. The longitudinal grids primarily detect axial strain while the transverse grid detects circumferential strain, creating local quality differences that enable faster stabilization.
2Device complexity
If a single sensitive grid configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the stabilization time is extended and surgical procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge structure is segmented into multiple sensitive grids with different orientations rather than using a single grid configuration. This segmentation increases structural complexity but dramatically reduces stabilization time from 5-6 minutes to a few seconds, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple sensitive grids are pre-arranged in specific orientations during manufacturing to anticipate and compensate for thermal stabilization requirements. This preliminary configuration allows the strain gauge to reach stable operating conditions faster without requiring extended preheating periods during surgical procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single sensitive grid is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but preheating time increases causing surgical inconvenience and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The fabrication process is extended to include multiple sensitive grids in different orientations rather than a single grid. While this increases manufacturing steps, it eliminates the need for lengthy preheating during surgery, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing surgical risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimal multi-grid configuration is predetermined and manufactured in advance, performing the stabilization preparation during manufacturing rather than during surgical use. This preliminary action transfers the time penalty from the surgical procedure to the manufacturing process, improving surgical convenience.
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 strain gauge achieves higher accuracy, faster stabilization, and reduced complexity in surgical procedures by shortening the preheating time, thereby alleviating patient suffering and improving the success rate of interventional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
When the strain gauge is stretched, the sensitive grid will become narrower and longer, which increases its electrical resistance. When the strain gauge is compressed, the sensitive grid will broaden and shorten, which decreases its electrical resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A strain gauge includes: a substrate; a transverse sensitive grid arranged on the substrate; and at least two non-transverse sensitive grids arranged on the substrate so as to be located on opposite sides of the transverse sensitive grid both electrically connected to the transverse sensitive grid. The two non-transverse sensitive grids are connected to each other by a connection and share a common ground lead and a common ground interface. One end of the ground lead is connected to the connection at the middle thereof. The other end of the ground lead is connected to the ground interface. The two non-transverse sensitive grids have equal resistances and are connected to ends of two respective non-ground leads having equal resistances. The other ends of the two non-ground leads are connected to two respective non-ground interfaces.