Implantable Sensor Housing With Elastomeric Coupling Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable shunting systems face challenges in adjusting the geometry of the shunt lumen post-implantation, leading to suboptimal therapy delivery and potential complications due to fluid ingress or diffusion, which degrades sensor performance in medical implants.
Innovation Solution
The development of medical systems with adjustable shunting elements and advanced sensor assemblies that utilize a housing with a pressure responsive element and an elastomeric coupling element, allowing for accurate pressure signal transmission while preventing fluid interference, thereby enhancing the accuracy and robustness of the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a combined material is used as both pressure responsive element and coupling element, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to fluid ingress or diffusion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure transmission system into separate functional components: a pressure responsive element (diaphragm) that interfaces with physiological fluid, and a separate coupling element (silicone oil) that transmits pressure to the measurement component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while preventing fluid ingress to the measurement component, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and reliable performance.
2Measurement precision
If a separate diaphragm and fluid coupling element are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and reliability decreases due to leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealed housing that contains the measurement component and isolates it from physiological fluid. The housing includes a pressure responsive element (diaphragm) that interfaces with the fluid and a coupling element (silicone oil) that transmits pressure signals to the measurement component through the sealed housing. This intermediary structure prevents fluid ingress while maintaining accurate pressure transmission, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and seal integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor assemblies are made smaller for percutaneous delivery, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to difficulties in injection and encapsulation of fluid coupling element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the coupling element (silicone oil) and pressure responsive element into the sensor assembly before the sensor is sterilized and packaged. This preliminary assembly allows the fluid coupling element to be properly contained and sealed within the housing prior to delivery, eliminating the need for complex post-sterilization assembly operations. This approach enables miniaturization for percutaneous delivery while maintaining manufacturing precision by performing critical assembly operations before final sterilization.
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 proposed solution enables adjustable shunting systems that can be tailored to individual patient needs, reducing the risk of fluid-related complications and improving the accuracy and reliability of sensor performance in medical implants.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling element positioned within the cavity and at least partially covering, contacting, and/or encapsulating the measurement component, wherein the coupling element is composed of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element is composed of an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology generally relates to a sensor assembly for an implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a housing having a cavity, and a measurement component positioned within the cavity. When the medical device is implanted within a patient, the sensor can be configured to measure one or more physiological parameters of the patient. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly further includes a coupling element positioned within the cavity and at least partially covering, contacting, or encapsulating the measurement component. The coupling element can be configured to transmit or convey the one or more physiological parameters to the measurement component, such that the measurement component can measure the one or more physiological parameters without exposure to an environment external to the sensor assembly.