Flexible Hat Sensor for Pulse Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximetry sensors face challenges in achieving a conforming fit on patients' tissues without causing discomfort or interference from ambient light, leading to inaccurate measurements due to stiff components and difficulty in securing the sensor snugly.
Innovation Solution
Flexible wearable sensor assemblies with optical fibers woven into fabric or applied directly, using thin and flexible optical components with gripping properties to ensure a smooth contact and accurate light transmission, such as in hat or headband designs, which include optical fibers and ultra-thin light emitters and photodetectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is fitted snugly against the patient's tissue to avoid ambient light interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the fit becomes difficult to achieve without adjustment or excessive attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shell principle by using a flexible backing material that allows the sensor to conform to the patient's tissue without requiring stiff structural components. This flexibility enables the sensor to achieve a snug fit that blocks ambient light while maintaining ease of application and removal without excessive adjustment or attention from medical personnel.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is fitted tightly to block ambient light, then measurement accuracy is improved, but local exsanguination of the tissue occurs which may shunt sensor light and affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible backing material enables the sensor to achieve adequate contact with the tissue to block ambient light without requiring excessive tightening force. This flexibility allows the sensor to conform to the tissue contours while distributing pressure evenly, preventing local exsanguination that would otherwise occur with rigid or overly tight fittings.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible backing material provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the sensor to adjust to the patient's tissue contours and physiological changes during monitoring. This dynamic conformity maintains optimal light blocking without causing tissue exsanguination, as the flexible material can accommodate tissue movement and pressure changes without compromising the seal.
3Strength
If stiff components are used in the sensor, then structural integrity is maintained, but the sensor cannot conform to patient tissue without adjustment or excessive attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stiff structural components with a flexible backing material that provides both structural support and conformability. This flexible backing maintains the sensor's structural integrity while enabling it to adapt to patient tissue contours without requiring adjustment or excessive attention from medical personnel during application.
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 flexible sensor assemblies provide a conforming fit, improving measurement accuracy by reducing light shunting and ambient interference, while maintaining comfort and ease of use across various patient physiologies.
Implementation Method 1
Pulse oximeters typically utilize a non-invasive sensor that transmits light through a patient's tissue and that photoelectrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted light in such tissue
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a hat-based or headband sensor assembly may include thin or flexible optical sensing components, such as optical fibers or ultra thin emitters or detectors. In embodiments, the sensor assembly may be a hat-based sensor that includes a gripping region, for example on the inside of the hat band, to help secure the hat to a patient's head.