Modular Optical Sensor Assemblies for Implantable Medical Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices (IMDs) with optical sensors face challenges in manufacturing and assembly efficiency, requiring cost-effective and time-efficient methods for implementing modular optical sensor assemblies that can adapt to changing physiological conditions and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular optical sensor assemblies within IMDs, where each assembly can function either as a light emitting or detecting device, allowing for optimal configuration selection based on performance tests and environmental conditions, enabling efficient manufacturing and adaptive sensing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional optical sensor assemblies are used in implantable medical devices, then sensing functionality is provided, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is divided into separate emitter and detector components that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The housing is segmented to receive these separate components, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly rather than requiring a single integrated complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly is designed to be interchangeable and adaptable for different sensing applications. The same basic assembly structure can be used for various physiological parameter measurements by changing the specific emitter and detector components, reducing the need for multiple specialized assemblies.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensor assemblies are used for adaptive sensing, then sensing accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical sensor assemblies are combined within a single IMD housing, with multiple emitters and detectors positioned to sense different physiological parameters simultaneously. This merging approach achieves improved measurement precision without requiring separate devices for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions emitters and detectors at different spatial locations and angles within the housing to create multiple sensing paths and configurations. This spatial arrangement in three dimensions allows for enhanced measurement accuracy through multiple measurement perspectives without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate emitter and detector assemblies are used, then manufacturing flexibility improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design incorporates universal mounting structures and interfaces that can accommodate different emitter and detector configurations. The same basic housing and mounting mechanism can support various sensor arrangements depending on the specific application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly allows for dynamic configuration where emitters and detectors can be positioned and oriented to optimize sensing for different physiological conditions. The system can adapt its configuration rather than being fixed, providing versatility without requiring completely different assembly structures.
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 approach allows for low-cost, time-efficient manufacturing and adaptive sensing configurations that optimize signal quality and energy efficiency, ensuring accurate monitoring of physiological conditions and effective therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors configured to detect changes in light modulation by a body fluid or tissue measurement volume due to a change in a physiological condition in the body fluid or tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An implantable medical device having an optical sensor selects the function of modular opto-electronic assemblies included in the optical sensor. Each assembly is provided with at least one light emitting device and at least one light detecting device. A device controller coupled to the optical sensor controls the function of each the assemblies. The controller executes a sensor performance test and selects at least one of the plurality of assemblies to operate as a light emitting assembly in response to a result of the performance test. The controller selects at least one other of the plurality of optical sensor assemblies to operate as a light detecting assembly in response to a result of the performance test.