Animal Physiological Sensor Module Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological data measuring devices for animals face issues with the source and sensor modules not being optimally positioned, leading to potential misalignment during use, which can result in inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The measuring device is designed such that the first and second modules can only be connected within a predetermined range of mutual orientations, ensuring the source and sensor system remain opposite each other, with a limited turning range and translation capability to accommodate varying skin thicknesses, using a pin and lead-through opening with specific groove and ridge configurations to maintain precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin/hole connection is used to attach the first and second modules, then the modules can be mechanically connected, but the modules can rotate relative to each other during use, causing misalignment between the source and sensor system
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is provided with an asymmetric groove configuration that allows insertion only when the pin and opening are oriented correctly relative to each other. The groove is positioned such that it engages with a corresponding feature on the opening, creating an asymmetric mechanical interlock that prevents rotation while maintaining ease of connection when properly oriented.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove on the pin is designed to guide the opening into the correct orientation during the connection process. As the pin is inserted through the opening, the groove engages first, automatically aligning the components before the full connection is made, thereby ensuring proper orientation is achieved automatically during assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the first and second modules are attached with approximate orientation, then connection is simplified, but misalignment occurs during use due to rotation or inadvertent touching
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric groove design ensures that only one orientation of the pin relative to the opening allows for successful connection. This asymmetry eliminates the possibility of incorrect orientation, ensuring that the source and sensor system remain precisely aligned for accurate measurements while still allowing for easy assembly when the correct orientation is achieved.
3Manufacturing precision
If absolute precision is required during attachment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the connection mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove on the pin is designed to automatically guide the opening into the correct orientation during the connection process. As the pin is inserted, the groove engages with a corresponding feature on the opening, automatically aligning the components before the full connection is made. This preliminary alignment action achieves high precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
This configuration ensures accurate and stable positioning of the source and sensor system, preventing misalignment and allowing for reliable measurement of physiological parameters like heartbeat and blood pressure without requiring absolute precision during attachment, extending the device's useful life.
Implementation Method 1
one of the modules comprises a source (122) for emitting electromagnetic radiation such as light (L)
Implementation Method 2
another of the modules comprises a sensor system (142) for measuring a parameter such as intensity of a fraction (Lm) of the emitted radiation (L) received via that skin part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Measuring device for measuring physiological data of an animal such as a mammal for determining at least one condition parameter of the animal, comprising a first and second module (12,14) which are configured to be worn, in use, by the animal, wherein the first and second module are furthermore configured for them, from a condition of being mechanically separated from each other, to be mechanically connected with each other whereby in the connected condition, in use, between the first and second module is a skin part of the animal, wherein one of the modules comprises a source (122) for emitting electromagnetic radiation such as hght (L) and wherein another one of the modules comprises a sensor system (142) for measuring a parameter such as intensity of a fraction (Lm) of the emitted radiation (L) received via that skin part and for generating a measuring signal (SL) which is indicative of the measured parameter, wherein the measuring device is configured such that, in use, the first and second module can possibly have been connected or be connected stably with each other only when they have at least one predetermined mutual orientation or when they have at least one mutual orientation that falls within a predetermined range of mutual orientations.