Sensor Handle Assembly with Force Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable sensors used in surgical procedures often face damage during removal due to excessive force applied on the cord, leading to detachment and loss of the sensor's location guide, which complicates the removal process and data collection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a handle and force indicator that allows controlled force application on the sensor cord, providing tactile and visual feedback when the predetermined force is exceeded, reducing the risk of damage and enabling safe removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If force is applied to the sensor cord to remove the sensor, then the sensor can be removed from the body part, but the sensor and/or cord may be damaged by excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The force indicator provides real-time feedback to the surgeon about the amount of force being applied to the sensor cord during removal. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to monitor the force levels and adjust their actions to avoid exceeding the maximum safe force, thereby preventing damage to the sensor and cord while maintaining efficient removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force indicator acts as a preventive measure that cushions against the harmful effects of excessive force by warning the surgeon before damage occurs. It establishes a safety boundary in advance, allowing the removal process to proceed efficiently while protecting the sensor and cord from force-related damage through proactive monitoring and warning.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor cord is used as a guide for locating the sensor, then the removal process is simplified, but the cord may snap if too much force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The force indicator provides continuous feedback to the surgeon about the force levels being applied to the sensor cord during the removal process. This feedback allows the surgeon to maintain appropriate force levels that enable the cord to function as a location guide while preventing excessive force that would cause the cord to snap.
Solution Approach 2:
The force indicator serves as a protective mechanism that prevents cord snapage by establishing and monitoring safe force boundaries before damage occurs. It allows the cord to be used effectively as a location guide while cushioning against the harmful effects of excessive force through real-time monitoring and surgeon awareness.
3Productivity
If the cord is pulled with sufficient force to remove the sensor, then the sensor can be extracted, but the surgeon's hand may experience strain
Solution Approach 1:
The force indicator provides feedback to the surgeon about the force being applied during sensor removal, allowing for optimized force application that achieves successful extraction while minimizing hand strain. The visual or tactile feedback enables the surgeon to apply sufficient force for removal without exceeding comfortable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The force indicator acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's hand and the sensor cord, providing information about the force transmission. This intermediary device allows the surgeon to maintain control over the removal process, achieving extraction success while reducing hand strain through informed force application.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for use in a surgical procedure is described. The assembly can includes a sensor for implantation into a body part, a sensor cord attached to and extending from the sensor and a handle fastened to the sensor cord. The handle is fastened so that a force can be applied to the sensor cord via the handle. The handle comprises a force indicator to which force applied to the sensor cord is applied and which can provide an indication of the force applied to the sensor cord via the handle.