Chest-Based Oximeter Hydrogel Interface for Signal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional oximeters used for measuring oxygen saturation of blood hemoglobin at peripheral sites face limitations in accuracy and comfort, particularly in detecting weaker signals from the chest area, which can be influenced by movement and tissue absorption.
Innovation Solution
A chest-based oximeter with radiation sources and detectors spaced apart, a pressure device for optimal coupling, and a hydrogel interface to enhance signal strength and accuracy, allowing for accurate measurement of oxygen saturation and heart rate with reduced noise and improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional transmission oximeter is used at peripheral sites, then oxygen saturation measurement is achieved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when applied to the chest area due to weaker signals and tissue absorption
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrogel interface is introduced as an intermediary between the oximeter and the chest skin. This hydrogel layer improves optical coupling, reduces air gaps, and minimizes the effects of skin movement and tissue absorption on the radiation signal, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy in the chest area
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional transmission measurement (radiation passing through the body) to reflectance measurement (radiation reflected from the chest surface). This dimensional change in measurement geometry allows effective oxygen saturation detection at the chest area where transmission measurement is impractical
2Ease of operation
If radiation sources and detectors are placed close together for chest measurement, then device comfort is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to reduced measurement path length
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement mode from transmission to reflectance, and adjusts the radiation wavelengths to optimize penetration depth and signal quality for chest measurement. The hydrogel interface also modifies the optical parameters by improving coupling efficiency, allowing accurate measurement with closer source-detector placement
3Measurement precision
If pressure is applied to the oximeter for better contact with the chest, then signal strength is improved, but subject comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel interface acts as a compliant intermediary that distributes applied pressure evenly across the contact area. This reduces pressure points and discomfort to the subject while maintaining sufficient contact pressure to ensure strong optical coupling and high-quality radiation signals for accurate measurement
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 chest-based oximeter effectively measures oxygen saturation and heart rate with improved signal quality and repeatability, providing accurate and reliable data with reduced interference from movement and tissue effects, while being more comfortable to wear than conventional devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation detector adapted to detect radiation reflected from the chest
Implementation Method 2
a hydrogel interface situated between the at least one radiation source and the at least one radiation detector and the chest of the subject
Implementation Method 3
a pressure device adapted to apply pressure to the oximeter to connect the oximeter to the chest
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a chest-based oximeter (1) for measuring oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in blood of the chest of a subject, comprising at least one radiation source (5,7) adapted to emit radiation onto the chest, at least one radiation detector (9) adapted to detect radiation reflected from the chest, and a pressure device (11) adapted to apply pressure to the oximeter to connect the oximeter to the chest.