Devices, systems and methods for controlling a spring force exerted on a sensor for obtaining bio-conductance readings using a linear actuator

Abstract

A probe device provides an enhanced bioelectric and spring-loaded sensing tip with an integrated force sensor. The probe device measures the bioelectric conductance value from a patient for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purpose using the spring-loaded sensing tip. In addition, the probe device measures the force applied by the spring-loaded sensing tip against the patient using the integrated force sensor. Using feedback from the force sensor and the bioconductive data of the patient, the force applied at the spring-loaded sensing tip may be adjusted to obtain improved results.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A device for measuring bio-conductance comprising:
 an actuator having an output shaft;   an electrode tip;   a mechanical linkage interconnecting the output shaft and the electrode tip; and   the mechanical linkage comprising a resilient member biased against the electrode tip;   wherein the resilient member exerts a variable force on the electrode tip responsive to a position of the output shaft.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a force sensor in communication with the electrode tip. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the force sensor comprises a sensor pad interposed in the mechanical linkage between the electrode tip and the output shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the force sensor comprises one of a force sensitive resistor or a force sensitive capacitor or a force sensitive load cell. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient member is one of a spring, a coil spring, and a deformable material. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a hood, wherein the electrode tip is operable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the hood. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical linkage is responsive to movement of the output shaft of the actuator to control a force applied at the electrode tip. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a hollow cylindrical tube extending between a closed end and an open end;   wherein the resilient member is disposed within the hollow cylindrical tube;   wherein the output shaft of the actuator is connected to the closed end of the hollow cylindrical tube.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 ,
 wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a control shaft and a pin;   wherein the control shaft is interposed between the electrode tip and the resilient member;   wherein the control shaft comprises a rotation control groove;   wherein the pin connects the control shaft and the hollow cylindrical tube;   wherein the pin extends through a bore in a sidewall of the hollow cylindrical tube and the rotation control groove of the control shaft.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a force sensor having a sensing pad;
 wherein the sensing pad of the force sensor is interposed between the control shaft and the resilient member.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 ,
 wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a force sensor backer;   the force sensor backer having a top surface and a plug extending rearwardly from the top surface;   wherein the force sensor backer is disposed within the hollow cylindrical tube;   wherein the resilient member comprises an inner passage;   wherein the plug of the force sensor backer extends into the inner passage of the resilient member;   wherein the sensing pad of the force sensor is disposed between the control shaft and the top surface of the force sensor backer.   
     
     
         13 . A system for measuring bio-conductance comprising:
 an actuator having an output shaft;   an electrode tip;   a mechanical linkage interconnecting the output shaft and the electrode tip, the mechanical linkage comprising a resilient member biased against the electrode tip; and   a processor and a memory, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored therein that, when executed, cause the processor to vary a position of the output shaft of the actuator responsive to conductance data obtained from the electrode tip to thereby vary a compression of the resilient member and a force applied by the resilient member to the electrode tip.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a force sensor in communication with the electrode tip and the processor, wherein the force sensor provides force data to the processor regarding the force applied to the electrode tip. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the force sensor comprises a pad interposed between the electrode tip and the output shaft. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the force sensor comprises a force sensitive resistor or a force sensitive capacitor or a force sensitive load cell. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 ,
 wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a hollow cylindrical tube extending between a closed end and an open end;   wherein the resilient member is disposed within the hollow cylindrical tube;   wherein the output shaft of the actuator is connected to the closed end of the hollow cylindrical tube.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 ,
 wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a control shaft and a pin;   wherein the control shaft is interposed between the electrode tip and the resilient member;   wherein the control shaft comprises a rotation control groove;   wherein the pin connects the control shaft and hollow cylindrical tube;   wherein the pin extends through a bore in a sidewall of the hollow cylindrical tube and the rotation control groove of the control shaft.   
     
     
         20 . A method of measuring conductance of an object comprising:
 providing a probe device having (i) an actuator having an output shaft, (ii) an electrode tip, and (iii) a mechanical linkage interconnecting the output shaft and the electrode tip, the mechanical linkage comprising a resilient member that exerts a force at the electrode tip responsive to a position of the output shaft;   placing the electrode tip of the probe device against the object; and   controlling the force the resilient member exerts against the electrode tip by signaling the actuator to vary a position of the output shaft.