Tactile Sensing Apparatus for In Vivo Tissue Hardness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic methods for diagnosing tumors are limited by their inability to effectively measure tissue hardness within the body, often requiring tissue slicing that poses risks and providing insufficient accuracy, especially for distinguishing soft tissues like those found in human bodies.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensing apparatus and method utilizing a pair of pivotally connected working elements with pressure-sensing components and electrodes to measure and analyze the elastic coefficients of tissues, allowing for the differentiation of tissue hardness without the need for slicing, by applying external forces and measuring deformation-induced voltage ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tissue slicing is performed for pathology judgment, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but risk of hemorrhage and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tissue slicing operation with a tactile sensing measurement system. The sensing element measures tissue elasticity coefficients through contactless or minimal-contact mechanical measurement, substituting the need for invasive slicing while providing sufficient diagnostic information for tumor detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tactile sensing element as an intermediary between the diagnostic system and the tissue. This sensing element acts as a mediator that can indirectly assess tissue properties (elasticity coefficients) without requiring direct tissue extraction or slicing, thereby avoiding hemorrhage risks while maintaining diagnostic capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional tactile sensing apparatuses are used to verify softness or hardness, then material property identification is improved, but device complexity increases and performance is insufficient for soft tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex traditional tactile sensing apparatuses. By focusing solely on measuring elasticity coefficients through a simplified sensing element structure, the patent removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core capability to differentiate soft tissues effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from general tactile properties (softness/hardness) to a specific quantitative parameter (elasticity coefficient). This parameter change enables more precise measurement and differentiation of soft tissues while allowing for a simpler device design that targets a specific measurement objective rather than multiple general properties.
3Measurement precision
If endoscope is equipped with spring-based hardness verification, then material property measurement is improved, but measurement precision and reliability are limited causing misjudging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical measurement system with a more advanced tactile sensing element that can accurately measure elasticity coefficients. The new system substitutes the inadequate spring mechanism with a sensing element designed specifically for soft tissue measurement, improving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from measuring general mechanical properties with a spring to specifically measuring elasticity coefficients. This parameter specialization improves measurement precision for soft tissues and enhances diagnostic reliability by providing more accurate and tissue-appropriate measurement data.
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
Enables instant verification of tissue hardness within the body, reducing the risk of hemorrhage and improving diagnostic accuracy for early-stage tumor detection and assessing material properties of embedded materials or connective tissues post-surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensing component (441), having a first and a second surfaces; a first and a second electrodes (421, 422) separately disposed on the first surface; a third electrode (423) disposed on the second surface and corresponding to the first electrode; a fourth electrode (424) disposed on the second surface and corresponding to the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for performing a measurement inside a living body. The apparatus includes a first sensing element, a manipulating device and an analyzing device. The first sensing element performs the measurement. The manipulating device is coupled to the first sensing element, and manipulates the first sensing element. The analyzing device is for analyzing the measurement.