Neonatal Oxygen Control via Sensor Displacement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inaccurate measurements of arterial oxygen saturation in infants due to sensor displacement or movement, which can affect the effectiveness of respiratory therapy in maintaining controlled oxygen levels.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a pressure generator, physiological sensors, position sensors, and processors with executable modules to detect sensor displacement and adjust the oxygen supply in breathable gas, ensuring accurate oxygen saturation control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensor-based measurements are used to monitor arterial oxygen saturation, then respiratory therapy can be controlled to maintain SpO2 levels, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to sensor displacement or movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverespiratory therapy controlVSAvoidarterial oxygen saturation measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors sensor position using position sensors and provides feedback to detect when sensors have moved. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify measurement artifacts caused by displacement and adjust or alert operators accordingly, maintaining reliable respiratory therapy control despite potential sensor movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Position sensors serve as an intermediary between the physiological sensors and the control system. These position sensors detect sensor displacement and transmit this information to the artifact module, which then determines whether measurements are affected by movement, thereby protecting the accuracy of arterial oxygen saturation measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and position monitoring are added to detect displacement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearterial oxygen saturation measurementVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions into unified modules. The artifact module both detects sensor displacement and determines measurement validity, while the position sensors serve both to monitor sensor location and to trigger artifact detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the physiological monitoring functions with position monitoring functions in an integrated system. The artifact module merges displacement detection with measurement validation, and the control system integrates oxygen saturation control with sensor position monitoring, creating a unified approach that reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2950862B1Control of neonatal oxygen supply
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2950862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2950862B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2950862B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method to control oxygen supply uses determinations whether physiological sensors and/or a subject interface appliance have been displaced in relation to a subject and/or there has been movement of the subject itself. Artifacts that may reduce the accuracy of measurements of physiological parameters, in particular related to a level of arterial oxygen saturation, may be detected through determinations pertaining to sensor displacement, displacement of the subject interface appliance and/or movement of the subject.