Spherical Cap Girdle with 19 Ultrasound Transducers for Fetal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiotocography (CTG) girdles face issues with sensor positioning, leading to false measurements and discomfort due to rigid sensors that do not adapt to the patient's morphology, restricting mobility and requiring frequent repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A cardiotocography girdle featuring a spherical cap design with nineteen ultrasound transducers positioned on an elastic support layer, encapsulated by a second elastic layer, allowing for unique and adaptable positioning that remains fixed across different postures and activities, enhancing comfort and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ultrasound sensor is placed on the maternal abdomen with an elastic strap, then the sensor can be held in a fixed location, but poor positioning leads to false measurements and requires frequent repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sensing function into multiple independent ultrasound transducers (at least 19) arranged in a matrix on a spherical cap. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy even when individual sensors are not optimally positioned, as other sensors can compensate, thereby reducing the need for frequent repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point sensor to a two-dimensional matrix of sensors distributed across a spherical cap surface. This dimensional expansion provides spatial redundancy, ensuring that at least one sensor maintains good contact and measurement quality regardless of fetal position or maternal morphology variations.
2Strength
If rigid plastic transducers are used, then the sensor structure is simple and durable, but the patient experiences discomfort and inhibition of mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid plastic transducers with flexible elastomeric materials for both the support layer and transducer housing. This flexibility allows the girdle to adapt to the curved surface of the maternal abdomen and accommodate fetal movements without causing discomfort or restricting maternal mobility, while maintaining structural integrity through the reinforced spherical cap geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining elastomeric materials with a spherical cap geometry and reinforced stitching. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for patient comfort and the structural durability required for repeated use and disinfection, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple ultrasound transducers are positioned on a rigid support, then sensor positioning is precise, but the girdle does not adapt to patient morphology and restricts movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adopts a spherical cap geometry for the girdle that naturally conforms to the curved surface of the maternal abdomen. This curved design maintains precise sensor positioning relative to the fetal head while adapting to variations in patient morphology and allowing freedom of movement, as the spherical shape flexes with bodily movements rather than restricting them.
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 solution ensures accurate and continuous foetal heart rate monitoring with improved patient comfort and reduced need for frequent sensor repositioning, maintaining contact with the abdomen and allowing for cleaning and disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
a first support layer made of an elastic material, each UST being positioned in a support cavity
Implementation Method 2
at least nineteen ultrasound transducers, referred to as USTs
Implementation Method 3
a second support layer, likewise made of an elastic material and which encapsulates said USTs housed in the support cavities with the first support layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cardiotocography girdle. It is in the form of a spherical cap and comprises at least nineteen ultrasound transducers, denoted USTs, which are positioned on a first support layer (23) made of an elastic material, each UST being positioned in a support cavity (20), said girdle comprising a second support layer (24), likewise made of an elastic material and which encapsulates said USTs housed in the support cavities (20) with the first support layer (23), assembly being performed by adhesively bonding the first support layer (23) to the second support layer (24).