Adjustable Infant Pulse Oximetry Probe with Centering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse oximetry probes for infants are not adaptable to varying limb sizes across different age groups, leading to incorrect placements and motion artifacts, which result in inaccurate oxygen saturation measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable body parts that can be slid or twisted to accommodate different limb sizes, featuring a clip with an L-shaped end section for secure fitting and a centering element to ensure accurate alignment of the limb with the sensor optics, allowing one-handed operation and preventing caregiver-induced motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size probe is used for infants, then the probe structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying limb sizes across different age groups leading to incorrect placements
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates movable body parts that can be adjusted between different positions to accommodate varying limb sizes. The first and second body parts can be moved relative to each other to define an opening of adjustable size, allowing the same probe to fit infants of different ages while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sleeve mechanism is used to accommodate different limb sizes, then adaptability improves, but placement cannot be done using one hand only and requires two hands for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple body parts (first body part and second body part) that can be independently moved and adjusted. This segmentation allows the probe to be configured for different limb sizes while maintaining ease of one-handed operation, as each segment can be independently positioned without requiring complex two-handed manipulation.
3Reliability
If the caregiver holds the limb while measuring, then comfort and stability improve, but motion artifacts are introduced leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a centering element that automatically centers the limb within the opening without requiring the caregiver to hold or stabilize the limb. The centering element passively maintains proper alignment through its geometric design, eliminating motion artifacts while allowing the caregiver to comfortably hold the infant without introducing measurement errors.
4Measurement precision
If no centering element is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but incorrect placement occurs leading to inaccurate oxygen saturation measurements
Solution Approach 1:
A centering element is introduced as an intermediary component between the limb and the sensor optics. This centering element ensures proper alignment and positioning of the limb relative to the light source and detector, thereby improving measurement accuracy without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
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 device provides reliable and accurate oxygen saturation measurements across a wide range of limb sizes, reducing the risk of incorrect placement and improving measurement stability by ensuring proper alignment and secure fitting.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for generating a measurement light signal and a light detector for detecting the measurement light signal after its interaction with the limb
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb such as peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. The device comprises a body comprising a first body part and a second body part, which are movable relative to each other to define an opening with an adjustable size for receiving the limb therein, and a physiological sensor for interacting with the limb received in the opening, the sensor being attached to the body, wherein the first and second body parts are slidable or twistable relative to each other while at least partially engaging or intersecting each other, or wherein the first and second body parts are configured to form a clip having an L-shaped end section for at least partially enclosing the limb received in the opening, in order to adjust the size of the opening.