Sensor Pod Self-Diagnostic Acoustic Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for detecting stenosis in the arterial circulatory system are antiquated and lack effective methods to identify relevant acoustic signals, leading to inefficiencies in diagnosing heart-related issues such as stroke and heart disease.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor base with a charging component, speaker, processor, and sensors that perform self-diagnostic and active diagnostic tests by playing predetermined sound signatures and comparing detected sounds to ensure proper functioning and placement of sensors on a patient, using indicators to confirm if the detected sounds are within specified tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If self-diagnostic and active diagnostic tests are implemented to ensure proper sensor functioning and positioning, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-diagnostic test that plays predetermined sound signatures through a speaker before actual measurement to verify sensor functionality. This preliminary action ensures the sensor is working correctly before patient use, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through automated testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compares detected sounds from the sensor against predetermined sound signatures and provides feedback through indicators (LED lights, display screen) to confirm proper sensor positioning and function. This feedback mechanism ensures measurement accuracy by verifying the sensor is correctly placed on the patient's body before data collection begins.
2Reliability
If self-diagnostic and active diagnostic tests are implemented to ensure proper sensor functioning and positioning, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic testing is performed periodically - once before patient use (self-diagnostic) and once during patient application (active diagnostic with predetermined sound signatures). This periodic approach ensures reliability without requiring continuous testing, balancing diagnostic confidence with time efficiency in the overall measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If predetermined sound signatures are played and compared to detect proper sensor function, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system plays predetermined sound signatures at specific frequencies and amplitudes that are sufficient to verify sensor function without excessive energy input. The sound signatures are designed to be just strong enough to detect proper sensor operation, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision through adequate signal levels.
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
Ensures accurate and reliable detection of stenosis by ensuring the proper functioning and positioning of sensors, reducing false readings and improving diagnostic accuracy for cardiovascular conditions.
Implementation Method 1
This ensures that the piezoelectric element is functioning properly in the range to be detected by the device for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining proper placement of a sensor pod on a patient comprising: performing a first quality control procedure on a detection device, wherein said detection device comprises a base unit, at least two sensor pods, a computer system implementing appropriate software, and a display; wherein the first quality control procedure generates a tone from a speaker embedded within said base unit and wherein each of said sensor pods measures and compares the measured sound to a predetermined measurement in real-time; wherein a sensor pod is determined to have met quality control if said sound is within 10% of the predicted measurements; performing a second quality control procedure on said sensor pods, wherein said sensor pods measure sounds on a patient; wherein the system, once engage, detects sounds from the sensor pods and compares the detected sounds in real-time to a predicted sound based on the fluid flow vessel; and wherein said method provides for an audio or visual alarm when said sensor pod is not detecting the predicted sounds, indicating an improper location for the sensor pod.