Nasal Optical Sensor Structure for Stable Skin Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring devices face challenges in achieving accurate physiological parameter determination due to inadequate sensor-skin contact and stability, particularly when used on the nose, leading to suboptimal measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A physiological sensor designed for securement to the nose, featuring prongs and a winged portion that conforms to the nasal structure, with emitters and detectors positioned to enhance light transmission and detection, and a biasing member for stability, allowing for improved skin-sensor interface and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional sensor design is used on the nose, then the device structure is simple, but the sensor-skin contact is inadequate and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional segments including a first prong with emitter, a second prong with detector, and a winged portion for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving accurate nasal measurements without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The winged portion is designed with a curved configuration that conforms to the natural contours of the nasal structure. This curvature enables better contact between the sensor surface and the curved nasal tissue, improving measurement accuracy while adapting to the anatomical shape rather than forcing a rigid flat contact
2Reliability
If the sensor is secured tightly to the nose, then measurement stability improves, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The winged portion is designed as a flexible, thin structure that can conform to the nasal contours and provide gentle stabilization pressure. This flexibility allows the sensor to adapt to the user's anatomy without requiring excessive clamping force, thereby maintaining stability while preserving comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The curved configuration of the winged portion distributes contact pressure more evenly across the nasal surface rather than concentrating force at single points. This curvature-based design achieves reliable sensor positioning and stability while reducing pressure points that would cause discomfort
3Measurement precision
If the sensor components are positioned optimally for light transmission, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components are segmented into distinct functional units: the emitter is integrated into the first prong while the detector is integrated into the second prong. This segmentation simplifies the positioning and alignment of optical components, as each is固定在 its own structural element rather than requiring complex mounting arrangements on a single platform
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter and detector are positioned at different spatial locations along the nasal structure (one on the outer prong, one on the inner prong), creating an optimized light path through the nasal tissue. This spatial separation in multiple dimensions achieves accurate optical measurements without requiring complex lens systems or precise alignment mechanisms
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 sensor provides increased user comfort, better stability, and enhanced accuracy in measuring physiological parameters by ensuring robust skin-sensor contact and reducing movement, thereby improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
one or more detectors positioned proximate to the free end of the second prong and configured to detect at least a portion of the light emitted from the one or more emitters after attenuation through at least a portion of the tissue of the user's nose
Data Source
AI summary
An optical physiological sensor configured to be secured to a user's nose includes a first prong configured to be positioned proximate an outside portion of the nose, a second prong configured to be positioned proximate an inside portion of the user's nose, a winged portion coupled to the first prong and configured to contact tissue of the user, one or more emitters configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths into the tissue, and one or more detectors configured to detect at least a portion of the light emitted from the one or more emitters after attenuation through at least a portion of the tissue. In some configurations, the winged portion comprises a width that is greater than a width of the second prong. In some configurations, at least a portion of the winged portion is curved toward the second prong.