mechanical or electrical/electronic engineering?

[worldman]

Hello!

What is the most crucial type of engineering, in order to develop a sensor? or an implantable cardiac pacemaker? or a system to measure a substance in blood? other medical devices?

ofcourse I understand that other professionals are needed, like biologists, chemists, doctors, physicists, etc, but between mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering, which is more essential?


thanks!

 

[ctopher]

We make all of those sensors. It depends what your desire is. We have mech and elect engineers that understand both, and work together.
What is your desire, mech or elect? Do you have the aptitude for one?

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
ctopher's home
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[worldman]

My desire is to innovate. I don't have a specific preference for mech or elect.

It's quite surprising that mech engs make those sensors, because I 'd expect elects to make them!

​

 

[IRstuff]

At the heart of EVERY sensor is both electronics and something to package it in, particularly when it comes to biological sensors, since the electronics would not tolerate well the fluid environment of a typical body. Moreover, something like a blood pressure monitor requires an electromechanical structure that converts pressure to voltage.



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[worldman]

the package of the sensor, obviously, isn't any important as the heart of it!

as for sensors that detect chemical substances?

 

[IRstuff]

I disagree, for the MEs; there are sensors, as I mentioned that require specific mechanical properties, regardless of what the electronics are.

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[MacGyverS2000]

the package of the sensor, obviously, isn't any important as the heart of it!

With that attitude, you will not go far in the design world. You obviously underestimate the importance of all disciplines involved.

I can only assume you are a young (and inexperienced) student...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[rotw]

MacGyverS2000,
I am worried about your comment to the OP.

Now in general I see here and in other forums a growing tendency of criticizing very quickly (jumping at very first possible occasion) new/inexperienced people. The pattern is specific and often it is finger pointing to attitude problems with sort of statement "you will go no where with that attitude".

It often happens more and more when (green) people complain about that they are uncomfortable with a boss, with a coworker, when they feel not valued etc.

Yes years of experience matter, definitely. But I am getting quite annoyed becomes its is becoming predictable harsh comments.



"If you want to acquire a knowledge or skill, read a book and practice the skill".

 

[IRstuff]

The OP's only other posting relates to being offered an apprenticeship, so they are, in fact, young and presumably, inexperienced. Even if, for the sake of argument, one might argue that electronics hold sway simply by virtue of being the medium through which measurements and detections are made, it's highly impolitic to lord over the very coworkers that are, in fact, critical to getting things built. The OP can take their licks here, where there's no particular dire consequence or bad atmosphere at work, or, they can take their licks in an actual work environment and suffer the consequences there.

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[ctopher]

True, mech and elect are equally important to make a sensor work, they work together.

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
ctopher's home
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[moon161]

Is it the bread or the salami that makes the sandwich?

 

[racookpe1978]

The peanut butter.
And the banana. 8<)

 

[MacGyverS2000]

MacGyverS2000,
I am worried about your comment to the OP.

I saw no point in waxing poetic about a subject that's pretty straightforward. The OP stated in no uncertain terms that he doesn't think the packaging matters. Tell that to the heart patient who uses a pacemaker made of toxic aluminum instead of stainless steel or titanium (metallurgy, chemistry, bio), one that uses silicon contacts that corrode away instead of gold (metallurgy and bio), a sharp-cornered design that the body creates scar tissue around instead of a smooth casing that still functions (mechanical and bio), etc. The electronics of a pacemaker are but a small part of the overall design, but every field is just as important... the device will be an abysmal failure if any are ignored. If the OP dismisses those fields out of hand as secondary, he's in for a rude awakening.

What about MEMS devices in sensors? That's more mechanical than electrical. Peristaltic pumps? Same. Microfluidic devices for blood testing, as the OP mentioned? Mechanical.

I could create a similar list with "chemical" after them all, or "bio", or, or, or...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[TheTick]

If you want to "make a difference", go where your interests and abilities lead you. There is lots of space to innovate in every field and every discipline.

Your impact as an innovator will be dictated more by your personality than your education. You're either a creator or you're not.

 

[worldman]

thanks for your replies
I may rephrase my question in order to become more understandable

what prevents us from having now a device that detects blood glucose without having to draw blood?
I doubt that an unsolved mechanical property prevents us
is it the correct signal processing? is it the correct radiation properties? not sure
but I doubt it's a mechanical problem that prevents us

 

[TheTick]

A more important question: what do you know about how blood glucose is currently measured? It's easy to say something should be better without having a clue about the blood and sweat that went into getting things as far as they are today.

 

[IRstuff]

So, here's a good lesson to be learned for the OP. Had they asked the correct question, this thread would substantially shorter and more to the point.

"but I doubt it's a mechanical problem that prevents us"

How do you know? What is your basis for this assertion? What makes you think it's that easy to measure glucose? Do you really think that millions of people want to prick their fingers multiple times a day?

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[worldman]

I don't know much about how it is currently measured
I suppose a test strip with a reactive material comes in contact with blood, reacts with glucose and in a concentration-dependent way, this reaction changes the electrochemical properties of the reactive material, which digital signal is processed and results in the measurement of glucose

the question is, will we be capable to measure the glucose non-invasively? there are many attempts, so it seems yes
but what is the role of mechanical engineers in this technological advance? chemists may play a role, physicists may play a role, electronic engineers may play a role, but what about mechanical engineers? are they only for the packaging of the device?

 

[ctopher]

worldman,
You seem to think you know about sensors already. Pick a field that interests you.
(Constructive): Practice spelling/grammar. ;-)

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[IRstuff]

"only"????

If not for the packaging and materials design how would they do this:

http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/treatment-and-products/continuous-glucose-monitoring

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