Ear-Worn Pulse Oximeter for Continuous Sleep Monitoring Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse oximeters are not designed for continuous wear and do not provide automated emergency detection and response capabilities, particularly during sleep, potentially leading to critical oxygen level drops that can exacerbate conditions like pulmonary hypertension.
Innovation Solution
A wearable oxygen monitor that can be continuously worn on the ear, featuring LEDs and photodetectors to measure oxygen saturation, with alert mechanisms and emergency response capabilities, including automatic emergency calls and alerts to emergency contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pulse oximeter is designed for portability and ease of wear, then it can be worn on the body, but it lacks automated emergency detection and response capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable pulse oximeter is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous oxygen saturation monitoring, automated low oxygen level detection, emergency alert generation, and communication with emergency services. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both ease of wear and automated emergency response capabilities into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically monitors oxygen levels, detects critical conditions without user intervention, generates alerts, and can automatically contact emergency services. This self-service capability enables the device to provide automated emergency detection and response while maintaining simplicity for the user.
2Reliability
If a pulse oximeter provides continuous monitoring, then it can detect critical oxygen level drops, but existing devices are not designed for continuous wear particularly during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse oximeter employs a flexible, thin earpiece design that can be comfortably worn continuously during sleep. This form factor allows the device to remain in contact with the user's ear throughout the night, enabling reliable continuous monitoring without compromising wear comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with dynamic capabilities including automatic adjustment to user movement during sleep and adaptive monitoring that continues uninterrupted through various sleep positions, ensuring both continuous reliability and comfort.
3Ease of operation
If a pulse oximeter is designed for simplicity, then it is easy to use, but it lacks automated emergency response capabilities including automatic emergency calls
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs emergency response actions including generating alerts, contacting emergency services, and notifying designated contacts without requiring user intervention during critical events. This maintains simplicity for the user while providing comprehensive automated emergency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user through alerts and notifications while simultaneously executing automated emergency response protocols. This dual approach maintains user awareness and simplicity while ensuring automated emergency capabilities are activated.
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 monitoring and immediate alerts for low oxygen levels, facilitating timely intervention and reducing the risk of condition exacerbation.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the emitted light passes through the portion of the ear prior to arriving at the photodetector. The photodetector detects a signal in response to the portion of the emitted light, and the memory stores instructions to cause the processor to calculate a blood oxygen saturation level of the wearer based on the detected signal.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring an oxygen saturation level of a wearer of the apparatus includes a processor, a memory operably coupled to the processor, a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a connection member. The first housing portion includes at least one light-emitting diode (LED), and the second housing portion includes a photodetector. The connection member is mechanically coupled to each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The apparatus is sized and shaped to be worn about a portion of an ear of a wearer of the apparatus. During operation, the at least one LED emits light in a direction toward the photodetector. A portion of the emitted light passes through the portion of the ear prior to arriving at the photodetector. The photodetector detects a signal in response to the portion of the emitted light, and the memory stores instructions to cause the processor to calculate an oxygen saturation level of the wearer based on the detected signal.