Ultrasonic Fluid-Powered Pressure Sensor for Battery-Free Dialysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powering wearable or implanted sensors for medical applications, such as pressure sensors during peritoneal dialysis, is challenging due to issues with battery replacement or recharging, which can be cumbersome and pose safety risks, and existing solutions are not cost-effective or efficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultrasonic energy transmitted through a fluid connection from a dialysis machine to a remote sensor, where a piezoelectric transducer converts kinetic energy into electrical power to power or charge the sensor, eliminating the need for battery replacement or external recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a replaceable battery is used to power the remote sensor, then the sensor can be powered continuously, but the catheter becomes more complex and heavier, and battery replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power source (battery) is extracted from the remote sensor device and placed in the external dialysis machine. This allows the sensor to remain simple and lightweight while still receiving continuous power through wireless energy transmission through the fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection (dialysate) acts as an intermediary medium to transmit energy from the external dialysis machine to the implanted sensor. The machine generates ultrasonic waves that propagate through the fluid to power the sensor without direct electrical connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rechargeable battery is used to power the remote sensor, then the device can be reused, but the patient is exposed to risk of injury or electrocution from external electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is replaced with a mechanical wave transmission system. Instead of using electrical wires to charge the battery, the system uses ultrasonic mechanical waves transmitted through the fluid to wirelessly power the sensor, eliminating the risk of electrical shock to the patient.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a disposable device is used for the remote sensor, then the device life is extended, but the battery becomes larger and heavier, and cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The external dialysis machine serves multiple functions: it performs dialysis treatment and simultaneously acts as a wireless power source for the sensor. This eliminates the need for a dedicated battery in the sensor, reducing its weight and size while allowing indefinite device life through continuous external powering.
4Ease of operation
If a battery is added to the remote sensor, then the sensor can operate independently, but the critical volume in the catheter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the sensor and placed in the external machine. This removes the power source volume constraint from the implanted sensor, maximizing the available volume within the catheter for other sensor components while maintaining operational independence through wireless power transmission.
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 a safe, efficient, and cost-effective means of powering medical sensors, allowing continuous monitoring without the risks associated with battery replacement or external charging, enhancing the reliability and convenience of medical treatments like peritoneal dialysis.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric transducer in the sensor transforms the ultrasonic waves into electrical power which can be used to either power the sensor directly or to charge a power storage element on the device
Implementation Method 2
The APD cycler generates ultrasonic waves which are propagated via the fluid to the remote sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device that can be powered or charged via ultrasonic energy conducted from another device via a fluid connection. In particular, disclosed herein is a pressure sensor for use with an automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler wherein power is transferred from the APD cycler to the sensor via ultrasonic wave transmitted through a dialysate fluid. A piezoelectric transducer is used in the device to convert the kinetic energy of the ultrasonic waves in to electrical energy that can be used to power the device or charge a power storage element within the device.