Flexible Pulse Oximeter Probe for Varying Finger Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pulse oximeter probes face challenges in accommodating varying finger sizes, causing discomfort and measurement inaccuracies due to reliance on springs or adhesives, which are inconvenient for long-term use and require specialized attachment.

Innovation Solution

A flexible probe design with a V-shaped configuration, featuring a light emitting and receiving element, a cushion member for shock absorption, and light shielding covers, allowing for adjustable attachment without adhesives and enabling accurate oxygen saturation measurement across different finger sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spring mechanism is used to open and close the housings, then the probe can be easily attached and detached, but the probe causes pain during continuous attachment and cannot accommodate varying finger sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidadaptability to finger size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The probe replaces the rigid spring mechanism with a flexible material structure that dynamically adapts to different finger sizes through elastic deformation, allowing the same probe to conform to various dimensions without causing pain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the probe material from rigid to flexible, enabling it to change shape and accommodate different finger circumferences while maintaining comfortable attachment pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If adhesive members are provided to fix the probe, then the probe can be securely attached to all finger sizes, but measurement accuracy is adversely affected when dust adheres to the adhesive and sanitary administration becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the adhesive member from the probe structure, replacing it with a flexible material that achieves secure attachment through elastic deformation and friction, thereby eliminating dust contamination and measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe is designed as a disposable flexible structure that can be used once and discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning adhesive surfaces and preventing cross-contamination between uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the probe structure is made flexible to accommodate varying finger sizes, then comfort is improved, but the positioning of light emitting and receiving elements becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to finger sizeVSAvoidpositioning precision of light elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the flexible housing structure with the light element positioning system into a single integrated component, where the flexible material itself provides both adaptation to finger size and precise positioning of light elements through molded features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 probe design ensures reliable and comfortable attachment, reducing discomfort and measurement errors, facilitating long-term use and easy self-attachment, while maintaining high accuracy and reducing operator burden.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting element and a light receiving element, which pair up with each other, are disposed opposite each other with a piece of tissue of a living body interposed therebetween, and oxygen saturation of arterial blood is determined by measuring the intensity of the light having passed through the tissue of the living body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through tissue: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a flexible first housing, adapted to be brought into contact with at least a nail of a finger or a toe of a subject; a flexible second housing, adapted to be brought into contact with at least a top of the finger of the toe; a flexible connecting part, connecting the first housing and the second housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

The flexible probe design with a V-shaped configuration, featuring a light emitting and receiving element, a cushion member for shock absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7742794B2Probe adapted to be used with pulse oximeter

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 NIHON KOHDEN CORP

AI summary

A probe adapted to be used with a pulse oximeter is disclosed. A flexible first housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a nail of a finger or a toe of a subject. A flexible second housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a top of the finger or the toe. A flexible connecting part connects the first housing and the second housing, and is adapted to cover a tip end of the nail. A light emitting element is provided on one of the first housing and the second housing. A light receiving element is provided on the other one of the first housing and the second housing.