Sensing Obturator for Accurate Intraosseous Needle Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intraosseous access devices require training to ensure correct placement, are prone to complications due to varying bone sizes and densities, and often used in emergency situations where trained personnel may not be available.

Innovation Solution

An obturator with integrated sensors to detect access to a medullary cavity, using modalities like pressure, oxygen saturation, electrical impedance, or pH, coupled with control logic to modify the driver's operation, ensuring accurate placement and preventing complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If automated sensing is integrated into the obturator, then placement precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is integrated within the obturator structure, with the sensor interface disposed at the proximal end of the obturator hub and the sensor disposed proximate the distal end of the obturator. The obturator body itself serves as the structural framework that houses and positions the sensing elements, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining placement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The obturator serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the needle, acts as a stylet during insertion, and houses the sensing interface that detects medullary cavity access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while enabling automated detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are integrated into the obturator, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing capabilities (pressure, oxygen saturation, electrical impedance, temperature, pH) are integrated into a single sensor interface system. The sensor interface at the proximal end of the obturator hub provides a unified communication pathway that consolidates multiple sensing functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy through multi-modal sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects medullary cavity access by monitoring changes in multiple physical and chemical parameters simultaneously. The sensor detects changes in modality such as pressure differential, oxygen saturation levels, electrical impedance, temperature, or pH levels, allowing accurate detection through multi-parameter analysis rather than relying on a single sensor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If real-time sensor feedback is implemented, then placement safety is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement safetyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor interface provides real-time feedback during the drilling process, allowing the control logic to monitor tissue characteristics continuously. The system implements periodic sensing during needle advancement, with the sensor detecting changes in modality as the needle penetrates through different tissue layers, enabling safe placement while managing energy consumption through targeted rather than continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor interface is communicatively coupled with control logic that receives real-time data from the sensor disposed proximate the distal end of the obturator. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect when the medullary cavity has been accessed based on sensor readings, improving placement safety by providing immediate feedback to guide the insertion process and prevent over-penetration or incorrect placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Automated detection of medullary cavity access reduces the risk of incorrect placement and complications, enhancing precision and safety in emergency situations.