Counterbalanced Pulse Oximeter for Accurate Readings During Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse oximeters fail to provide accurate oxygen saturation readings during patient movement, such as exercise or CPET tests, leading to potential misdiagnosis and complications like dyspnea.
Innovation Solution
A pulse oximeter design featuring a small disk, precision spring, string, motor, and sensor system that stabilizes the sensor during motion by balancing forces to prevent oscillation and ensure accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the patient moves during pulse oximetry measurement, then the patient can perform exercise and mobility activities, but the pulse oximeter cannot provide accurate oxygen saturation readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism that balances the weight of the sensor assembly, eliminating the effects of gravity and motion-induced forces. The counterweight system includes adjustable masses that can be tuned to offset the sensor weight, allowing the sensor to remain stable on the finger even during patient movement and exercise activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary calibration and adjustment of the counterweight system before measurements begin. The device includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the operator to pre-set the counterweight values based on the specific sensor configuration and patient characteristics, ensuring optimal performance before the patient begins moving or exercising.
2Measurement precision
If the pulse oximeter sensor is made heavier to improve stability during motion, then measurement accuracy improves, but patient comfort and ease of wear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a heavy fixed-weight sensor, the patent employs a counterbalanced design where the sensor assembly is paired with an adjustable counterweight mechanism. This allows the system to achieve stability during motion without requiring the sensor itself to be heavy, as the counterweight compensates for motion effects dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, fixed-weight sensor design to a dynamic counterbalanced system. The counterweight mechanism can be adjusted during setup and potentially during operation to adapt to different motion conditions, patient sizes, and sensor configurations, providing optimal stability without excessive weight.
3Measurement precision
If the pulse oximeter is designed for stationary use to ensure accurate readings, then measurement precision is maintained, but the device cannot be used during exercise and mobility tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles to enable the pulse oximeter to function accurately during both stationary and mobile conditions. By balancing the sensor assembly's weight and compensating for motion-induced forces, the device maintains measurement precision whether the patient is resting, walking, or exercising.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the pulse oximeter as a universal device that can operate in multiple conditions - stationary clinical settings and mobile exercise environments. The counterbalanced sensor assembly and adjustable mounting system enable the same device to provide accurate readings across diverse应用场景, from hospital monitoring to field-based exercise testing.
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
Enables continuous, accurate monitoring of oxygen saturation during patient movement, preventing misdiagnosis and complications by maintaining sensor stability.
Implementation Method 1
a precision spring (2) that enables to objectively measure the force amount by moving downward during oscillation
Implementation Method 2
an oxygen saturation sensor (4) that houses the precision spring and measures the tensioning force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse oximeter that is not affected by motion, which is formed of a small disk, a precision spring, a string, a sensor, a motor, a large disk, a rod and a string holder, wherein the oximeter enables continuous tracking of the oxygen saturation of a patient and correct measurement thereof.