Electronic Valve Reader Orientation Sensing for Magnetic Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic-based indicator tools for implantable medical devices, such as fluid flow control valves, face challenges in accurately determining the setting of these devices due to interference from external magnetic fields and the difficulty in maintaining the correct orientation of the reader device.
Innovation Solution
The development of magnetic-based electronic valve readers equipped with a plurality of magnetic sensor devices, an orientation sensing mechanism, and a processing system that uses digital measurements to determine the location and orientation of magnetic indicator devices coupled to implantable medical devices, thereby accurately assessing the setting of the control valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical compass-based indicator tool is used to determine the setting of the implantable medical device, then the device can determine the position of the magnet through magnetic coupling, but the compass drifts toward aligning with the Earth's magnetic field when the magnet's pull is not strong enough, leading to inaccurate device setting indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compass-based indicator tool with an electronic sensor system that uses magnetic field sensing elements and electronic processing to determine device settings. This electronic system is less susceptible to Earth's magnetic field interference and can provide more accurate measurements through signal processing and calibration techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic sensor system as an intermediary between the magnet and the indicator tool. This intermediary system processes magnetic field signals electronically, filtering out Earth's magnetic field interference and extracting only the relevant signals from the implantable device magnet.
2Ease of operation
If the distance between the magnet and the compass increases, then the compass can be positioned more easily, but the deflection angle increases leading to inaccurate device setting indications
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic sensor system with multiple magnetic field sensing elements can detect and process magnetic field signals from greater distances more effectively than a mechanical compass. The electronic processing amplifies and filters signals, maintaining measurement accuracy even when the reader is positioned at a comfortable distance from the implant site.
3Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic sensor devices are used to determine location and orientation, then the accuracy of setting determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic field sensing elements into a single integrated electronic sensor system with unified processing circuitry. This merging approach maintains the accuracy benefits of multiple sensors while reducing overall system complexity through integration and centralized signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: determining device location, orientation, and setting all with the same sensor array and processing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If an orientation sensing mechanism is added to provide real-time orientation feedback, then the ease of use is improved by reducing multiple attempts, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation sensing mechanism is merged with the existing magnetic field sensing elements and processing system. The same sensors and electronic processing circuitry that determine device location and setting are also used to sense reader orientation, eliminating the need for separate orientation sensing hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time orientation feedback to the user through the display interface, allowing the user to see how the reader is positioned relative to the implantable device and make immediate adjustments. This feedback loop reduces the need for multiple trial attempts and improves ease of use.
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 solution enhances the accuracy and ease of use of magnetic-based indicator tools by minimizing the impact of external magnetic fields and providing real-time orientation feedback, reducing the need for multiple attempts and improving procedure efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic-based electronic valve reader includes a plurality of magnetic sensor devices... to determine a location and orientation of the magnetic indicator device
Implementation Method 2
The processing system utilizes digital measurements and information generated from the orientation sensing mechanism to determine the location and orientation of the magnetic indicator device by accounting for changes in three-dimensional (i.e. x-y-z-axis) orientation of the electronic valve reader
Implementation Method 3
The tool set works by using magnetic coupling between the magnet on the implantable medical device and each of the indicator tool compass and the adjustment tool magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic-based electronic valve readers for determining a location and orientation of magnets coupled to implantable medical devices to determine a setting of the device (e.g., setting of a fluid flow control valve of the medical device). The electronic valve readers include an orientation sensing mechanism that is provided and configured to enable the electronic valve reader to: 1) allow for internal offset calculation of an orientation change of the electronic valve reader during a reading process; and/or 2) during the reading process, provide an indication or warning to the clinician that the orientation of the electronic valve reader has changed to an extent at or exceeding a predetermined angular acceptance threshold or window. Systems including the disclosed electronic valve readers and methods of reading a setting of the device are also disclosed.