Sensor-to-Tissue Contact Device Using Opposing Suction and Pressing Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue characterization methods face challenges in achieving reliable sensor-to-tissue contact due to interference from air bubbles, liquids, and foreign matter, which can degrade the quality of measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a structure with a first mechanism to immobilize tissue and a second mechanism to press a sensor against the tissue, ensuring effective contact by opposing forces that maintain the tissue in close proximity to the sensor, minimizing gaps and foreign matter interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction is used to engage the medical instrument to the tissue, then the tissue is fixed in place, but air bubbles and foreign matter can interfere with sensor-to-tissue contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes air bubbles and foreign matter from the interface between the sensor and tissue by applying negative pressure through suction ports. This eliminates the harmful factors that would otherwise interfere with sensor-to-tissue contact, allowing the sensor to maintain direct contact with the tissue surface while the suction removes interfering substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium (saline solution) as an intermediary between the sensor and tissue. This fluid displaces air bubbles and foreign matter, creating a clear path for sensor-to-tissue contact. The fluid acts as a mediator that eliminates interference while maintaining the necessary contact interface.
2Reliability
If the sensor is pressed against the tissue, then contact is improved, but tissue movement and deformation can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies negative pressure (suction) as a counterbalancing force to the positive pressure applied by the sensor. The suction ports create a holding force that counteracts the sensor's pressing force, preventing tissue deformation while maintaining contact. This force balance allows the sensor to stay in contact with the tissue without causing tissue movement or shape changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different forces to different parts of the tissue-sensor interface. The sensor applies localized pressure at the contact point to ensure good electrical and optical contact, while the suction ports distributed around the interface apply a broader holding force that stabilizes the overall tissue position without causing localized deformation.
3Reliability
If suction force is increased to remove foreign matter, then contact quality improves, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of the suction force, using moderate negative pressure levels that are sufficient to remove air bubbles and foreign matter but below the threshold that would cause tissue damage. The system adjusts the suction force parameters to optimize contact quality while maintaining tissue integrity, avoiding excessive forces that would harm the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial suction force through multiple ports rather than excessive force through a single point. By distributing the suction action across multiple ports, the system achieves effective removal of foreign matter and air bubbles without concentrating excessive force that could damage the tissue. The partial action of multiple ports provides cumulative effect with reduced individual stress.
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
This approach achieves contact levels of 95% to 99.8% effectiveness, ensuring high-quality tissue characterization by maintaining the tissue and sensor in close contact, reducing interference from air bubbles and foreign matter.
Implementation Method 1
a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for exerting a first force on a tissue, for fixing the tissue to the structure
Implementation Method 2
a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing a sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a second force on the immobilized tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A device for tissue characterization, comprises a structure; a first mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for exerting a first force on a tissue, for fixing the tissue to the structure, so as to substantially immobilize the tissue; and a second mechanism, associated with the structure, configured for pressing a sensor against an external surface of the immobilized tissue, thereby exerting a second force on the immobilized tissue, wherein at least a component of the first force is in opposition to at least a component of the second force, forcing the immobilized tissue against the sensor, and forcing the sensor against the immobilized tissue, bringing about an effective contact between the sensor and the immobilized tissue.