Ear Canal Sensor Housing with Non-Overlapping Radiation Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for monitoring physiological parameters in the ear canal face challenges in optimizing the positioning and alignment of radiation emitters and detectors to ensure effective radiation interaction with tissue while minimizing overlap and maximizing signal quality, which affects the accuracy and reliability of measurements such as pulse frequency and blood pressure.
Innovation Solution
The design involves a housing configuration that positions radiation emitters and detectors in a specific alignment within the ear canal, with non-overlapping emission cones and fields of view, and the use of windows or lenses to control radiation paths, ensuring a minimum distance between emitters and detectors to enhance tissue interaction and reduce noise, allowing for accurate physiological parameter measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If radiation emitters and detectors are positioned close together in the housing, then the device size is reduced, but the signal quality deteriorates due to increased noise and reduced tissue interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the emitter and detector on different surface parts of the housing that are directed in different directions, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement rather than linear placement. This allows the components to be close in volume while maintaining sufficient separation in their functional paths, with the emitter directing radiation away from the housing and the detector receiving radiation from a different direction, thus reducing noise while keeping the housing compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with non-overlapping surface parts having different orientations, creating an asymmetric configuration where the emitter and detector are positioned on differently oriented surfaces. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the emission cone and field of view do not overlap, optimizing the path of radiation through tissue while maintaining a compact housing volume.
2Device complexity
If the emission cone and field of view overlap, then the device structure is simplified, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to increased system noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric orientation of surface parts on the housing, where the first surface part containing the emitter and the second surface part containing the detector are directed in different directions. This asymmetric design naturally prevents overlap between the emission cone and field of view without requiring complex additional components, thus maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If emitters and detectors are positioned to maximize tissue interaction, then signal quality improves, but the positioning and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing specific surface parts of the housing with particular orientations optimized for their function. The first surface part is oriented to facilitate emitter radiation away from the housing, while the second surface part is oriented to enable detector reception from a different direction. This localized optimization of surface orientations simplifies the overall positioning and alignment process while maximizing tissue interaction and signal quality.
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 improves the accuracy and reliability of physiological parameter measurements by ensuring optimal radiation interaction with tissue and minimizing system noise, leading to better signal quality and more precise monitoring of parameters like pulse frequency and blood pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the emitter(s) being configured to emit radiation away from the housing and the detector(s) being configured to receive radiation directed toward the housing
Implementation Method 2
which relates to absorption, reflection and/or scattering of radiation in the tissue, including blood vessels
Implementation Method 3
which relates to absorption, reflection and/or scattering of radiation in the tissue
Implementation Method 4
which relates to absorption, reflection and/or scattering of radiation in the tissue
Implementation Method 5
the detector(s) being configured to receive radiation directed toward the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly of at least one radiation detector, at least one radiation emitter and a housing configured to be positioned inside the ear canal of a person or animal, the detector(s) and emitter(s) being provided in or on the housing, the emitter(s) being configured to emit radiation away from the housing and the detector(s) being configured to receive radiation directed toward the housing. No overlap may be provided between the field of view of the radiation detector(s) and the emitter(s), such as by providing a blocking element.