Nasal Columella PPG Sensor for Signal Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors at peripheral sites like fingers and toes face challenges in obtaining strong and quality signals due to sympathetic innervation, which complicates the separation of physiological and noise components in the DC component of the PPG signal.
Innovation Solution
PPG sensors are designed to be secured to the nasal columella, utilizing a clip body with flexible and malleable materials to stabilize the sensor and include emitters and detectors to capture PPG signals effectively, potentially combined with additional respiratory parameter detectors, and may be configured for wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PPG sensors are placed at peripheral sites (fingers and toes), then the device is simple and easy to apply, but the signal quality is poor due to sympathetic innervation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific measurement location (nasal columella) that has different physiological characteristics from peripheral sites. The nasal columella region has been identified as having reduced sympathetic innervation compared to fingers and toes, thereby providing improved signal quality while maintaining the simplicity of the sensor design.
2Device complexity
If traditional peripheral PPG sites are used, then the device structure is simple, but the DC component signal is weak and difficult to separate from noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring at a different anatomical location (nasal columella instead of peripheral sites) which fundamentally changes the physiological parameters of the PPG signal. This location change results in a stronger DC component signal with reduced sympathetic innervation interference, improving the ability to separate physiological signals from noise.
3Measurement precision
If PPG sensors are secured to the nasal columella, then signal quality is enhanced, but the device requires more complex securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible clip body made of elastomeric material that can conform to the nasal columella anatomy. This flexible structure provides effective securing without requiring complex rigid mechanisms, allowing the sensor to adapt to individual patient anatomy while maintaining stable contact for high-quality signal acquisition.
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 nasal columella-based PPG sensors provide enhanced signal quality and the ability to monitor respiratory parameters simultaneously, improving the separation of physiological processes and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
Photoplethysmography, or 'PPG', is an optical technique for detecting blood volume changes in a tissue. In this technique, one or more emitters are used to direct light at a tissue and one or more detectors are used to detect the light that is transmitted through the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Provided according to embodiments of the invention are photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, systems and methods of using the same. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of obtaining a photoplethysmography (PPG) signals include securing a PPG sensor onto a nasal columella of an individual; and obtaining a PPG signal from the PPG sensor.