Wireless Electronic Stethoscope Modular Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stethoscopes lack the capability for wireless data transmission and digital signal processing, limiting their ability to enhance diagnostic quality and facilitate remote collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Innovation Solution

A wireless electronic stethoscope with a pen-shaped design, incorporating a sensor module, processor module for signal processing, wireless communication module for data transmission, power module for energy storage, and control module for user interface and operational commands, enabling digital data capture and transmission of body sounds for improved diagnostic analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional stethoscope design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but diagnostic capability and data transmission functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stethoscope is divided into functionally independent modules: sensor module for acoustic signal acquisition, processor module for digital signal processing, wireless communication module for data transmission, power module for energy supply, and control module for user interaction. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve enhanced diagnostic capabilities while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If wireless communication module is added, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidmodule quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor module serves multiple functions: it processes acoustic signals from the sensor module, prepares data for wireless transmission, and manages power distribution. The wireless communication module not only transmits data but also receives commands and configuration data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If digital signal processing is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The processor module implements digital signal processing with adjustable processing levels. It can perform basic filtering and analysis for routine examinations, or engage in more intensive processing when diagnostic accuracy requirements are higher. The power module provides variable power output to match processing demands, allowing the system to consume only the necessary amount of power for each diagnostic task rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules are integrated, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control module integrates multiple control functions into a unified interface: it manages sensor activation, processor operations, wireless communication settings, and power distribution through a single set of controls. This consolidation allows the user to operate the complex multi-module system through a simplified interface, improving ease of operation while maintaining enhanced functionality across all modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9265478B2Wireless electronic stethoscope
Publication Date: 2016.02.23 MEDICUSTEK
  • US9265478B2 patent drawing
  • US9265478B2 patent drawing
  • US9265478B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless electronic stethoscope device is disclosed. The wireless electronic stethoscope device includes a pen-shaped main body; a sensor module for data collection; a processor module to coordinate operation of electronic stethoscope modules; a wireless communication module to transmit and receive digital and analog data; a power module including a battery for storing energy; a control module to communicate information and receive operational commands.