Adjustable Limb Probe for Stable SpO2 Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pulse oximetry probes face challenges in accurately measuring physiological parameters due to poor signal stability and incorrect placement, especially in infants, caused by unsatisfactory pressure transfer and varying limb sizes, leading to incorrect results and potential finger entrapment.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable design featuring a body with a first and second section, where the second section is adjustable via a sliding or detachable means, allowing for secure and adjustable opening sizes to accommodate different limb sizes, enhancing pressure transfer and signal stability by embedding a physiological sensor with a light source and detector for accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size probe is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different limb sizes and causes poor signal stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different limb sizesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe incorporates a movable second section that can be adjusted relative to the first section, transforming a static fixed-size structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the opening size to be adapted to different limb dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The probe body is divided into a first section and a second section that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the opening size by moving only the second section, rather than redesigning the entire probe structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If pressure is increased to improve signal stability, then measurement accuracy improves, but risk of finger entrapment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidfinger entrapment risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable second section allows the opening size to be dynamically adjusted before measurement. By optimizing the opening size to match the limb dimensions, appropriate pressure can be applied for stable signaling without excessive force that would cause entrapment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening size parameter can be adjusted to match different limb sizes. This ensures that the pressure applied during measurement is optimized for each specific case, achieving sufficient contact for signal stability while avoiding harmful excessive pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the opening size is reduced for better pressure transfer, then signal stability improves, but adaptability to larger limbs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different limb sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second section can be moved to adjust the opening size according to the specific limb being measured. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the probe to achieve optimal pressure transfer and signal stability for each limb size without compromising versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The probe design with adjustable opening size makes it universally applicable to different limb sizes. The same probe can be configured to work optimally with various dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size probes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures accurate and stable measurement of physiological parameters like SpO2 by securely positioning the limb, reducing signal interference and preventing misplacement or entrapment, while being adaptable to various sizes, thus improving measurement reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a red and infrared light signals are transmitted into the subject's finger by two light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the scattered light is detected by a photodiode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

measures changes in light absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

the scattered light is detected by a photodiode at the other side of the finger, where the blood oxygen saturation is derived from the ratio of pulse amplitudes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3481282B1Device and method for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3481282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1C
  • EP3481282B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3481282B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3B

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 an opening for receiving the limb therein, a moving means coupled to the body and movable relative to the body, a receiving element for receiving a sensor configured for interacting with the limb received in the opening, wherein the body comprises a first section and a second section movable relative to the first section for defining the opening, wherein the moving means is coupled to the second section so as to adjust the size of the opening by moving the moving means.