Flexible Circuitry in Medical Sensors for Wireless Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse oximeter sensors have limited processing capabilities due to their small size and flexibility, leading to issues with signal-to-noise ratio, power consumption, and patient mobility, as they often require a cable for signal transmission and processing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating flexible circuitry within the sensor for enhanced processing capabilities, including amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion, and enabling wireless communication with a monitor to eliminate the need for a cable, while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable is used to transmit signals between the sensor and monitor, then signal transmission is enabled, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to electrical noise pickup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based signal transmission system with a wireless communication system. The sensor incorporates wireless transceiver circuitry that transmits physiological data wirelessly to the monitor, eliminating the physical cable that picked up electrical noise. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining signal transmission capability while removing the source of electrical noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary medium between the sensor and monitor. Instead of direct cable connection, the wireless transceiver acts as an intermediary that converts electrical signals to electromagnetic waves for transmission, then converts them back at the receiver. This intermediary process isolates the sensor from electrical noise in the cable while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
2Reliability
If a cable is used for signal transmission, then data can be transmitted, but power loss increases due to resistive cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the resistive cable with a wireless communication system. The wireless transceiver in the sensor converts electrical signals to electromagnetic waves for transmission, eliminating the resistive losses inherent in cable-based transmission. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability while significantly reducing power loss by avoiding the ohmic resistance of the cable.
3Reliability
If a cable connects the sensor to the monitor, then signal transmission is achieved, but patient mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless communication system. The sensor incorporates a wireless transceiver that transmits physiological data wirelessly to the monitor, eliminating the physical cable that restricted patient movement. This substitution maintains reliable signal transmission while completely removing the mobility restriction imposed by the cable, allowing patients to move freely.
4Ease of operation
If the sensor is kept small and flexible, then comfort is improved, but processing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible circuit boards and thin-film semiconductor technologies to integrate processing capabilities into the sensor. The circuit board is constructed from flexible materials that allow the sensor to maintain its small, flexible form factor while incorporating signal processing circuits, analog-to-digital converters, and wireless transceiver components. This approach enables enhanced processing capabilities without compromising the sensor's flexibility and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (signal processing, analog-to-digital conversion, wireless communication) into the sensor unit itself. By integrating these previously separate functions into the small flexible sensor, the system eliminates the need for a cable connection to the monitor while maintaining comfort. This consolidation resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced processing capabilities within the constrained form factor through functional integration.
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 solution improves signal quality, reduces power consumption, and enhances patient mobility by allowing the sensor to process and display physiological parameters independently, providing reliable data transmission and increased comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor emits light and photoelectrically senses the absorption and/or scattering of the light after passage through the perfused tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein may include systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose the use of a flexible circuitry in a medical sensor that is small and lightweight and easily bendable, such that it may be comfortably affixed to a patient while also providing added electronic functions, such as digital conversion and wireless capability.