Modular Pulse Oximeter Platform with Interchangeable Sensor Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical monitoring systems lack flexibility and adaptability to varying patient conditions and health contexts, requiring multiple devices or complex configurations to address diverse patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular pulse oximeter platform with interchangeable modules that can be serially connected based on health context, utilizing mechanical, electronic, and electrical connection means for customizable monitoring, enabling the integration of various sensors and data association for comprehensive patient monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate monitoring devices are used to address diverse patient needs, then comprehensive patient monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and system integration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (pulse oximetry, temperature monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, GPS tracking) into a single integrated device. The device integrates a pulse oximeter with multiple interchangeable modules that can be attached to the same finger, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing system integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse oximeter is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple monitoring functions through interchangeable modules. The base device provides core functionality while modules add specialized capabilities, allowing one device to serve multiple patient monitoring needs across different health contexts.
2Device complexity
If a single device performs multiple functions, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality and adaptability to varying patient conditions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into a base pulse oximeter unit and separate interchangeable modules. Each module is designed to perform a specific function (temperature, blood pressure, GPS), allowing the system to be customized for different patient conditions by attaching only the necessary modules rather than including all functions in a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device configuration is made dynamic through interchangeable modules that can be attached or removed based on patient needs. This allows the system to adapt its functionality dynamically - adding modules for comprehensive monitoring when needed and removing them when not required, optimizing the device for each specific health context.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a modular pulse oximeter platform with interchangeable modules. The method comprises selecting a plurality of modules based on a health context and connecting in a serial manner the plurality of modules and a pulse oximeter platform via a plurality of connection means. The pulse oximeter interprets identification numbers from the plurality of modules and operates the connected plurality of modules accordingly. Data received from the plurality of modules are associated with each other or with pulse oximeter data.