Non-invasive Tissue Elasticity Measurement via Mechanical Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for measuring tissue mechanical properties are often destructive, inaccurate, or rely on assumptions that lead to significant errors due to the use of adjustable parameters, poorly described models, and incorrect Poisson's ratios, resulting in discrepancies with destructive techniques.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method involving the application of an oscillating force to tissues to measure natural frequency using Fourier Transform, allowing for the determination of elastic modulus and viscoelasticity without damaging the tissue, utilizing an oscillating force generator and mathematical equations to calculate the modulus based on natural frequency, mass, and cross-sectional area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional destructive techniques are used to measure tissue mechanical properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the tissue sample and measures its resonant frequency to determine mechanical properties. The vibration-based measurement allows accurate characterization of tissue elasticity and viscoelasticity without causing permanent damage, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and tissue preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical destructive testing methods with a vibration-based non-destructive testing approach. By using resonant frequency analysis instead of force-applied destructive methods, the system achieves accurate mechanical property measurement while preserving tissue integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive techniques such as ultrasonography and elastography are used, then tissue preservation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration at resonant frequencies to measure tissue mechanical properties. This approach provides more accurate measurements compared to conventional non-invasive techniques like ultrasonography and elastography, while still preserving tissue integrity through non-destructive testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures resonant frequency as a key parameter to characterize tissue mechanical properties. By using resonant frequency analysis and incorporating viscoelasticity corrections, the method achieves higher measurement accuracy while maintaining non-invasive tissue preservation.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable parameters are used in mathematical models to fit data, then ease of analysis is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from resonant frequency measurements to directly determine tissue mechanical properties without relying on adjustable parameters for data fitting. The resonant frequency provides direct information about tissue elasticity and viscoelasticity, eliminating the need for parameter-adjusted mathematical models and improving measurement accuracy.
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 method provides accurate, non-destructive measurements of tissue mechanical properties, aligning with values obtained from destructive techniques, and allows for early diagnosis of conditions like cancer and fibrosis by measuring strain and stress over time, improving clinical diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
applying an oscillating force to the polymeric material having the pulling force applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
measuring a strain and stress on the polymeric material as a function of time while the material oscillates; determining a natural frequency of the polymeric material based on a Fourier Transform of the strain or stress in a frequency domain
Implementation Method 3
determining a natural frequency of the polymeric material based on a Fourier Transform of the strain or stress in a frequency domain
Implementation Method 4
The oscillating force can comprise an oscillating acoustic force
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for determining a Material's ("MTL") mechanical properties. The methods comprise: coupling a first end of MTL to a First Mechanical Mechanism ("FMM") movable in a First Direction ("FD") and coupling a second end of MTL to a Second Mechanical Mechanism ("SMM") movable in a Second Direction ("SD"); applying a first Pulling Force ("PF") to MTL; applying an Oscillating Force ("OF") to MTL; applying a second PF to MTL so as to cause any undulations in MTL to be removed and to cause a loading of fibers or polymeric units that support MTL; allowing MTL to oscillate through a series of cycles of loading and unloading; measuring a strain/stress on MTL as a function of time; determining a natural frequency of MTL based on the strain/stress; and determining an elastic modulus of MTL using the natural frequency.