Combined Physiological Sensor System for Multi-Parameter Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical monitoring systems require multiple sensors with separate cables, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential for signal interference, making it difficult to accurately and efficiently monitor multiple physiological parameters simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A combined physiological sensor device with multiple sensors integrated into a single flexible substrate, including electrodes and optical detectors, which can be applied to a subject's body to detect parameters like pulse blood oxygen saturation, respiration rate, and body temperature, with a shared cable connection to reduce interference and simplify data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors with separate cables are used to monitor different physiological parameters, then comprehensive physiological monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and potential for signal interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate physiological sensors (electrodes for electrical signals, optical detectors for optical signals, temperature sensors) into a single integrated sensor device that can monitor multiple physiological parameters simultaneously. This merging approach maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while reducing the number of separate cables and components, thereby decreasing system complexity and minimizing signal interference between separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different types of sensors that can detect various physiological parameters including electrical activity, optical properties, and temperature. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized sensors, improving versatility while simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors with separate cables are used, then comprehensive physiological monitoring capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor types into a single integrated device with a shared cable connection, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This approach lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to monitor multiple physiological parameters, directly addressing the cost issue associated with using multiple separate sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types within a single device structure where electrical electrodes, optical detectors, and temperature sensors share a common cable connection. This unified design reduces electromagnetic interference and signal crosstalk that would occur with multiple separate cable systems, thereby improving signal quality and reliability while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
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 combined sensor system effectively monitors multiple physiological parameters with reduced complexity and cost, minimizing signal interference and improving data transmission efficiency, facilitating better patient monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
An optical detector may be disposed on the substrate at a location between the first electrode and the second electrode for receiving an optical signal transmitted into the subject
Implementation Method 2
A first electrode may be disposed on the substrate for receiving a first electrical signal associated with the subject
Implementation Method 3
the optical detector may be disposed in a location between the optical emitter and a second optical detector, and the temperature sensor may be disposed in a location between the two optical detectors
Data Source
AI summary
A combined physiological sensor and methods for detecting one or more physiological characteristics of a subject are provided. The combined sensor (e.g., a forehead sensor) may be used to detect and/or calculate at least one of a pulse blood oxygen saturation level, a regional blood oxygen saturation level, a respiration rate, blood pressure, an electrical physiological signal (EPS), a pulse transit time (PTT), body temperature associated with the subject, a depth of consciousness (DOC) measurement, any other suitable physiological parameter, and any suitable combination thereof. The combined sensor may include a variety of individual sensors, such as electrodes, optical detectors, optical emitters, temperature sensors, and/or other suitable sensors. The sensors may be advantageously positioned in accordance with a number of different geometries. The combined sensor may also be coupled to a monitoring device, which may receive and/or process one or more output signals from the individual sensors to display information about the medical condition of the subject. In addition, several techniques may be employed to prevent or limit interference between the individual sensors and their associated input and/or output signals.