Mucosal Sensor Clasp With 360° Seal for Stable CO2 Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring CO2 in tissues require manual holding of a sensor against mucosal tissue, which can lead to unreliable measurements due to air flow interference and caregiver distraction.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a 360° elastomeric seal and a resilient clasp holder that automatically presses a sensor against mucosal tissue, sealing the area around the sensor to prevent air flow and maintain contact without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed against mucosal tissue to measure CO2, then measurement capability is achieved, but air flow interference occurs which compromises measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the sensor and the external environment. This seal member creates a sealed chamber that isolates the measurement area from air flow interference while allowing the sensor to maintain contact with the mucosal tissue for accurate CO2 measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is constructed from elastomeric material that forms a flexible sealing structure. This flexible seal conforms to the contours of the mucosal tissue and surrounding areas, creating an effective barrier against air flow while maintaining comfort and adaptability to the patient's anatomy
2Reliability
If a caregiver manually holds the sensor in place, then measurement stability is maintained, but caregiver attention is continuously required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be self-retaining through a clasp mechanism that automatically secures the sensor assembly to the patient's face. The resilient biasing element provides continuous holding force without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to maintain itself and freeing the caregiver to perform other tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp incorporates a resilient biasing element that provides dynamic, adaptive holding force. This spring-loaded mechanism automatically adjusts to maintain optimal sensor contact pressure and seal engagement, ensuring reliable measurements while requiring no active management by the caregiver
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal is created around the sensor, then air flow interference is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the sealed chamber to prevent air flow interference, provides structural support for the sensor assembly, and acts as a mounting surface for the clasp mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member and sensor housing are integrated into a unified structure where the seal forms both the sealing barrier and part of the mechanical assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining effective sealing performance
4Reliability
If manual holding is used to maintain sensor contact, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to continuous manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanism is pre-configured with a resilient biasing element that is already under tension or compression to provide the necessary holding force. When the apparatus is applied to the patient, the self-retaining mechanism automatically engages and maintains sensor contact without requiring the caregiver to continuously adjust or hold the device in place
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 provides reliable and continuous CO2 and temperature measurements by ensuring consistent sensor contact and preventing air circulation, allowing caregivers to focus on other tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A holder that holds the sensor arrangement against the mucosal surface, continually applies a spring force to the sensor arrangement that presses the sensor arrangement against the mucosal surface with a controlled force. The holder is preferably a clasp with first and second end portions that are resiliently biased towards each other.
Implementation Method 2
The seal is preferably of elastomeric material... A seal that extends 360° around the sensor end... sealing the area around the sensor to prevent air flow
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for treating a patient by measuring a condition, such as the partial pressure of CO2, at a location on a mucosal membrane surface in the mouth region of the patient, includes a sensor (14, 16) with an end (44, 46) that lies against the mucosal surface, and a seal (20) that extends 360° around the sensor end and presses against the mucosal surface. The sensor end and the seal lie on the first end portion (24) of a holder (22) which has a second end portion (26) that presses against the outside of the patient at a location opposite the sensor and seal. The holder is a clasp which can be formed as a single piece of resilient material that extends in a loop, or which can be formed in the manner of a clothespin with a spring that pivots two bars to urge their end portions towards each other.