Electro-Optical PPG Connector With Movable Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoplethysmographic devices face limitations with bulky optics, low light levels, and limited spectral bandwidth, particularly when measuring thicker tissues or those with high melanin content, and are restricted to single blood analyte measurements, which can be improved by using lasers but require efficient optical and electrical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electro-optical connector design for photoplethysmographic devices that allows for removably couplable monitor and patient cable connectors with precise optical and less precise electrical connections, using diode lasers and optical fibers to transmit signals efficiently, minimizing optical losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fiber optic bundles are used to transmit light to the sensor, then light transmission is achieved, but the patient cable becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical transmission system into separate components: a light guide in the monitor connector and a corresponding light guide in the patient cable connector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall bulkiness while maintaining light transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the optical transmission function from the electrical cable bundle by incorporating a separate light guide system. This extraction allows the optical path to be optimized independently from the electrical connections, reducing cable bulkiness while maintaining illumination intensity.
2Ease of manufacture
If broadband LED light sources are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the spectral bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional connector design that can accommodate both broadband LED sources and narrowband laser sources through the same optical infrastructure. The optical port and light guide system are designed to be universally compatible with different light source types, enabling the device to measure multiple blood analytes while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laser light sources are used to increase spectral bandwidth, then multiple blood analytes can be measured, but optical losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling methods with precise optical alignment mechanisms. The optical port uses a standardized interface with alignment features that ensure optimal coupling between the light guide and optical connector, minimizing optical losses while maintaining the spectral bandwidth benefits of laser sources.
4Loss of energy
If precise optical connections are implemented, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but the connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines precise optical alignment features with the electrical connector housing into a single integrated component. The optical port is integrated into the connector assembly, allowing precise optical coupling to be achieved without adding separate alignment mechanisms, thus maintaining signal transmission efficiency while minimizing connector complexity.
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 accurate measurement of multiple blood analytes with reduced bulkiness and improved signal transmission, suitable for various tissue types, enhancing the functionality of photoplethysmographic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A first light guide in the monitor connector and a second light guide in the patient cable connector may each be adapted to transmit a laser from the monitor to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The photodetector converted the received optical photoplethysmographic signals to electronic photoplethysmographic signals for processing into measurements of oxygen saturation
Data Source
AI summary
A photoplethysmographic device has a monitor with a monitor connector and a patient cable. The patient cable has a patient cable connector, a cable, and a sensor. The monitor connector and the patient cable connector each have an electrical portion with two or more electrical connections and an optical portion with two or more optical connections. The monitor connector and the patient cable connector are removably couplable to each other. The optical connections of the optical portions of the monitor connector and the patient cable connector are physical contact connections. At least one of the optical portions of either the monitor connector or the patient cable connector is movably positioned within the associated monitor connector or patient cable connector.