Conversion Unit for Vital-Signs Sensor Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient monitoring systems struggle to accurately display corrected temperature values, such as core-body temperature, when using non-invasive body-surface temperature sensors or sensors with different resistance-temperature dependencies, as they are designed to measure resistive outputs and assume standard thermistor-based sensors.
Innovation Solution
A temperature conversion unit is introduced between the sensor and the patient monitor, generating an auxiliary signal that, in combination with the test signal from the monitor, adjusts the response signal to represent the corrected temperature, using techniques like Pulse-Width Modulation or Digital to Analog Conversion, allowing for accurate display of desired temperatures without relying on a-priori knowledge of the monitor's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-invasive body-surface temperature sensor is used, then the ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but the measurement precision of core-body temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A conversion unit is introduced as an intermediary device between the non-invasive temperature sensor and the patient monitor. This conversion unit receives the raw temperature signal from the sensor and transforms it into a corrected temperature value that represents core-body temperature, thereby enabling accurate core temperature measurement using non-invasive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter representation by converting the body-surface temperature measurement into a corrected core-body temperature value through mathematical models and algorithms in the conversion unit, allowing the monitor to display accurate core temperature despite using non-invasive sensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor with different resistance-temperature dependency is used, then the adaptability of the monitoring system is improved, but the measurement precision of temperature display deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion unit dynamically adjusts the resistance-temperature conversion parameters based on the specific sensor characteristics. It receives the raw signal from sensors with different resistance-temperature dependencies and applies appropriate conversion algorithms to ensure accurate temperature display across various sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the conversion unit continuously monitors and adjusts the temperature conversion based on the actual sensor output characteristics, ensuring accurate temperature display while maintaining compatibility with different sensor types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conversion unit is introduced between the sensor and monitor, then the adaptability and temperature conversion accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion unit is designed as a universal interface that can work with multiple types of temperature sensors (thermistors, non-invasive sensors, etc.). It performs multiple functions including signal conversion, temperature correction, and compatibility adaptation, thereby justifying the added complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the conversion unit as a standardized intermediary component, the system isolates the complexity in a dedicated module that interfaces between diverse sensors and the monitor. This modular approach manages device complexity by concentrating conversion functionality in a single adaptable unit rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one sensor, a connector and a conversion unit. The sensor is coupled to a patient body so as to measure a physiological parameter of the body. The connector coupled to a patient monitor, which measures a value of the physiological parameter by applying a test signal via the connector and measuring a response signal on the connector in response to the test signal. The conversion unit is coupled between the at least one sensor and the connector, and is configured to determine a corrected value of the physiological parameter, to calculate an auxiliary signal that, in combination with the test signal produced by the patient monitor, causes the response signal on the connector to represent the corrected value of the physiological parameter, and to generate and output the auxiliary signal to the connector so as to cause the patient monitor to measure the corrected value.