NFC Sheath Authentication for Reusable Medical Oximeters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oximeters face challenges in reuse due to contamination issues, require accurate remote communication, and have limitations in measurement accuracy, size, weight, and power consumption, necessitating improved tissue oximetry devices and methods for shielding during use.
Innovation Solution
Compact, handheld oximeters housed in sheaths that shield from contaminants, using near-field communication for authentication and verification, allowing for reuse while maintaining measurement accuracy and reducing size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If oximeters are reused to reduce cost, then productivity is improved, but contamination occurs affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a reusable oximeter device and a disposable sheath. The sheath acts as a barrier that prevents contamination of the oximeter during use, allowing the oximeter to be reused across multiple patients while maintaining reliability and preventing cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath serves as an intermediary barrier between the oximeter and the patient/tissue. It allows the oximeter to function while being protected from contaminants, enabling reuse without compromising reliability. The sheath is consumed in the process, protecting the expensive oximeter.
2Reliability
If sheath authentication is implemented to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/physical verification process is replaced with electromagnetic field-based NFC communication. Instead of complex mechanical authentication mechanisms, the system uses near-field communication to verify sheath authenticity, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is automated through NFC communication between the oximeter and sheath. The system self-verifies the sheath's authenticity without requiring manual intervention or complex external verification systems, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliability.
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
Enables the reuse of oximeters while preventing contamination, improving measurement accuracy, reducing size and weight, and lowering power consumption, making them more efficient and cost-effective for various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board can also include a near field communication device to communicate with a sheath in which the device is located for use. The near field communication device can retrieve information from a near field communication device of the sheath to verify that the sheath is authentic.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a bottom housing that includes a printed circuit board, a processor formed on the printed circuit board, a probe tip coupled to the processor, and a first wall. The first wall includes a front side surface, a backside surface, and an opening extending from the front side surface to the backside surface. The printed circuit board is coupled to the front side surface of the first wall. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of electrical contacts located on the back surface and coupled to the processor. The electrical contacts on the backside surface of the printed circuit board are visible through the opening formed in the first wall of the bottom housing. The electrical contacts are sealed from fluid penetration and can connect to the electrical contacts of a battery connected to the device.