Flexible Y-Shaped Array for Carotid Stenosis Sensor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for detecting infrasonic acoustic signals in the carotid artery are difficult to use, prone to signal noise, and require complex setup, making them challenging for quick and accurate stenosis detection, especially in emergency situations and for patients of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible Y-shaped array with slideable sensor pods made of plastic or metal, designed to accommodate different body sizes and shapes, providing secure and adjustable positioning for sensors near the neck and heart, allowing for easy alignment and reduced signal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transducers and acoustic pads are used for sensing acoustic signals, then signal detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase, and signal noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular sensor pods that can be independently positioned and adjusted on the Y-shaped array. Each sensor pod contains the sensing elements, allowing the system to detect acoustic signals while maintaining simplicity through modular design. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable signal detection without requiring a complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y-shaped array structure serves as an intermediary framework that holds and positions the sensor pods. This intermediate structure simplifies the overall system by providing a ready-made positioning mechanism, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring proper sensor placement for reliable acoustic signal detection.
2Reliability
If traditional acoustic sensing devices are used, then signal detection is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult setup and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pods are designed to be movable along the arms of the Y-shaped array, allowing dynamic adjustment of sensor positions. This dynamic positioning capability enables easy operation and quick setup while maintaining reliable signal detection, as sensors can be rapidly adjusted to optimal positions without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device eliminates complex mechanical positioning mechanisms by using a simple Y-shaped array with slideable sensor pods. This mechanical simplification replaces complicated adjustment systems with an intuitive slideable design, making the device easy to operate while maintaining reliable acoustic signal detection through proper sensor placement.
3Device complexity
If fixed-position sensors are used, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to different body sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pods can be moved to different positions along the Y-shaped array arms, providing adaptability to various body sizes and shapes. This dynamic positioning maintains simple device structure while enabling versatility, as the same basic array can accommodate different patients by simply adjusting sensor locations rather than requiring multiple fixed-position devices.
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
The array enables efficient and accurate detection of carotid artery stenosis by ensuring proper sensor placement and minimizing signal interference, allowing for non-invasive, quick, and easy administration of tests without requiring a doctor's presence.
Implementation Method 1
The arms and the distal end of the stem, each define a track section, which is suited for attaching a sensor pod thereto. The sensor pods attached to the track sections can be slideably moved along the track section to vary a position of the pod along a respective track section.
Data Source
AI summary
A yoke for use with infrasonic sensing elements, where the yoke is Y shaped, flexible, and assists in positioning, on a human subject, the sensing elements appropriately on the carotid arteries and on the heart.