Adaptive Finger Oximeter Clamp for Continuous SpO2 Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingertip pulse oximeters require a care receiver to be at rest and are not suitable for continuous monitoring, causing discomfort and inaccurate measurements due to tight or loose clamping.
Innovation Solution
A wearable physiological measurement apparatus with telescopic support members and resilient elements that adjust to accommodate various finger sizes, allowing continuous monitoring while maintaining comfort and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fingertip pulse oximeter uses tight clamping to ensure measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the care receiver experiences discomfort and the device cannot be worn continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp force mechanism is designed to automatically adjust and maintain optimal clamping pressure dynamically. The resilient element provides continuous adaptive pressure that maintains measurement accuracy without causing discomfort, allowing the device to respond to changes in finger size and position over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the clamping pressure parameter from a fixed high value to a dynamically adjusted value within an optimal range. By controlling the clamp force to be within a specific range (not too tight, not too loose), the device achieves both measurement accuracy and wearer comfort for continuous monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If a fingertip pulse oximeter uses loose clamping to improve comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates and the device may drop
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp force mechanism dynamically maintains optimal pressure rather than using loose static clamping. The resilient element ensures continuous adaptive pressure that prevents the device from dropping while maintaining measurement accuracy, combining comfort with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element automatically maintains the clamp force within the optimal range without user intervention. The mechanism self-regulates to provide consistent pressure that ensures both comfort and measurement accuracy throughout the wearing period.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fingertip pulse oximeter is designed for fixed size fingers, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to various body figures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into adjustable components, particularly the support arm and clamp force mechanism. This segmentation allows the device to be configured for different finger sizes while maintaining consistent manufacturing of individual components, resolving the conflict between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the clamp force and positioning to be adapted to different finger sizes. This enables a single device design to serve multiple user groups while maintaining manufacturing consistency for the core components.
4Measurement precision
If a wearable device requires the care receiver to be at resting posture, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and continuous monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from requiring static resting posture to enabling dynamic monitoring during movement. The improved clamp force mechanism and wearable design allow the device to maintain measurement accuracy whether the user is at rest or on the go, enabling continuous monitoring without posture restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous blood oxygen saturation monitoring without interruption by eliminating the requirement for resting posture. The measurement function continues effectively whether the user is stationary or moving, providing uninterrupted health monitoring data.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable physiological measurement apparatus comprises a base, a bridge member, and a first and second support members movably coupled to the base and the bridge member to surround size-variable an opening for accommodating a care giver's finger therein. A measurement device is coupled to the base and with a probe projecting toward the opening for contacting the finger for vital sign measurement and monitoring. Resilient members are coupled between the base, the bridge member and the first and second support members to bias the base, the bridge member and the first and second support members moving toward each other to grip the finger to maintain proper contact of the probe to the finger.