Elastic Sleeve Pulse Oximeter for Infant Limb Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse oximetry probes are not suitable for infants due to their smaller size and varying limb dimensions, leading to incorrect measurements and potential misdiagnosis, especially in low-resource settings where health workers may not have the necessary training or tools for accurate sizing.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a hollow elastic sleeve with a hinge mechanism that adjusts to fit different limb sizes, allowing for secure and accurate measurement of physiological parameters like oxygen saturation using a 'snake jaw' design that expands and secures the limb with one hand, reducing the need for additional support elements and minimizing motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size probe is used for adults, then the probe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot fit infants' smaller limbs leading to incorrect measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a flexible sleeve that can dynamically adjust its circumference to match different limb sizes. The sleeve transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during measurement, allowing a single probe design to adapt to both infant and adult limbs without requiring multiple fixed-size probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe changes its physical parameter (circumference) through the expansion mechanism. The flexible sleeve's circumference can vary continuously from a small size suitable for infants to a large size suitable for adults, allowing the same probe to accommodate a wide range of limb sizes by changing its dimensional parameter.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible sleeve mechanism is used to accommodate different sizes, then adaptability improves, but the mechanism requires two hands to operate and may be misplaced by untrained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve is pre-compressed into a compact form that fits within the probe housing. This preliminary compression state allows the sleeve to be easily inserted onto the limb with one hand, and then it automatically expands to its functional size without requiring the operator to manually manipulate complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve performs self-service by automatically expanding to its operational size once inserted onto the limb. The elastic properties of the sleeve cause it to self-expand without requiring manual activation or complex mechanical triggers, making the probe easy to apply with one hand while maintaining secure attachment.
3Measurement precision
If the probe is made to fit smaller infant limbs, then measurement accuracy for infants improves, but the probe becomes too loose for adult limbs
Solution Approach 1:
The probe achieves universality by incorporating a flexible sleeve that can accommodate multiple limb sizes within a single device. The same probe design, with its adjustable circumference, can be used on both infant and adult limbs, eliminating the need for separate probes for different age groups while maintaining measurement accuracy across the full size range.
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 device provides a 'one-fits-all-sizes' solution for infants and children, ensuring accurate and reliable SpO2 measurements by adjusting to various limb sizes and allowing single-handed operation, reducing the risk of incorrect placement and motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow elastic sleeve has a predetermined shape to which the sleeve returns due to its resilience when an external force deforming the sleeve ceases to be applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
a pulse oximeter which illuminates the skin and measures changes in light absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for measuring a physiological parameter of a human limb such as peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. The device comprises a hollow elastic sleeve of a predetermined shape comprising a cavity having a closed-loop cross-section for enclosing the limb; first and second arms, each comprising a hinge portion between a coupling portion and a handle portion, the coupling portion of the first and second arms being adapted to be coupled, respectively, to first and second diametrically-opposite longitudinal sections of the sleeve; and a physiological sensor for interacting with the limb enclosed in said cavity. The hollow elastic sleeve holds the first and the second arms and causes their hinge portions to mutually engage to form a hinge mechanism so that, by applying a compression force on the handle portions, the first and second arms rotate about the hinge mechanism expanding the cavity, allowing the limb to be received therein. Moreover, the hinge portions, when mutually engaged, are further configured to slide relative to each other.