Thin Membrane Carrying Device for Perturbation-Free Sensor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to measure physical and chemical parameters within hollow spaces, such as those in artificial heart pumps, without damaging sensitive fluids like blood, as existing methods alter flow conditions or introduce obstructions that can lead to clotting and hemolysis, and require mechanical coupling that is difficult to achieve with minimal thickness and biocompatibility.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing a carrying device with a receiving body and a sealing surface, where a formable filling material is used to create a thin, biocompatible membrane that seals the space, allowing for the integration of sensors without altering fluid conditions, using techniques like thermal expansion and chemical vapor deposition to achieve a seamless and robust measurement system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is directly inserted into the fluid within a hollow space, then measurement access is achieved, but the fluid flow is altered and sensitive fluids may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accessVSAvoidfluid damage and flow alteration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A thin membrane is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the sensor and the fluid. The membrane allows physical separation while maintaining measurement capability through its thin structure, preventing direct contact between the sensor and fluid that would cause damage or flow alteration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin membrane (thin film) to seal the hollow space while enabling sensor placement outside the fluid path. This thin film structure provides the necessary separation to protect sensitive fluids while maintaining measurement accuracy through its minimal thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a thick or planar membrane is used to seal the hollow space, then sealing and protection are achieved, but measurement accuracy and sensitivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy and sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the critical parameter of membrane thickness to a minimal value. By making the membrane extremely thin, the system maintains sealing capability (reliability) while minimizing the barrier effect that would reduce measurement accuracy and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If mechanical coupling is used to attach the sensor to the hollow space, then structural stability is achieved, but the coupling thickness increases and biocompatibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbiocompatibility and thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling methods with a thin membrane-based sealing approach. This substitution eliminates the need for thick mechanical interfaces that would compromise biocompatibility, while maintaining structural stability through the membrane's sealing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables perturbation-free measurement of fluid properties and operating conditions, avoiding physiological side effects like blood clotting and hemolysis, with a membrane thickness less than 10 µm, ensuring accurate and sensitive sensor readings without interfering with the fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

heating the receiving body and the second body to achieve interlocking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

The coating may particularly be applied through chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP3432773B1Method for the manufacturing of a carrying device, carrying device, system for detection of a physical parameter and method for detection of a physical parameter

Publication Date: 2023.02.22 ETH ZURICH

Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of a carrying device, a carrying device, a system for detection and a method for detection of at least one physical parameter and/or chemical composition. A method for the manufacturing of a carrying device for reception of at least one sensor is presented, in which a receiving body with a surface to be coated is provided. In the receiving body, a space is provided which is open on the side of this surface. A second body with a sealing surface is provided. This sealing surface is positioned in such a manner that the surface to be coated of the receiving body is sealed by the second body at least in the circumference of the space in the receiving body. A formable or moldable filling material is provided in the space in such a manner that the filling material forms a surface shaped complementary to the sealing surface of the second body, closing the space. At least the volume of the filling material contacting the sealing surface of the second body is solidified. The sealing surface of the second body is removed from the surface to be coated as well as from the surface provided by the filling material. The surface to be coated is coated such that a membrane is provided, sealing the space.