Nonplanar Detector Array for Optical Perfusion Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical perfusion sensors face challenges in effectively detecting light reflected by blood due to the limited surface area and uniformity of detector elements, leading to reduced signal quality and accuracy in monitoring hemodynamic parameters like blood oxygen saturation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a detector array with multiple detector elements arranged in a nonplanar configuration, either in a three-dimensional array or surrounding the light source, increases the diversity of light incidence angles and locations, enhancing the probability and quantity of light reflected by blood that is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single detector element or planar detector array is used, then the device complexity is low, but the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision deteriorate due to limited light detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar (2D) detector array to a three-dimensional (3D) nonplanar detector array, adding spatial depth as a new dimension. This allows detector elements to be positioned at different distances and angles relative to the light source, increasing the volume of tissue sampled and the probability of detecting reflected light from blood, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio without simply scaling up the planar area.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is segmented into multiple detector elements arranged in a nonplanar configuration rather than using a single large detector. Each detector element captures light from different spatial positions and angles, and their signals are combined to achieve superior measurement precision. This segmentation allows the system to sample a larger volume of tissue while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If detector elements are arranged in a uniform planar configuration, then the manufacturing precision is easy to achieve, but the quantity of reflected light detected is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging detector elements in a three-dimensional nonplanar configuration rather than a uniform planar arrangement, the system increases the quantity of reflected light detected. The detector elements are positioned at varying distances and angles from the light source, allowing them to capture light reflected from different depths and locations within the tissue, thereby sampling a larger volume and increasing the total light detected.
3Reliability
If the detector array is positioned on a common side with the light source, then the device structure is simplified, but the probability of detecting reflected light is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the detector array on the same side as the light source (reflectance configuration) but arranges the detector elements in a three-dimensional nonplanar configuration. This allows the detectors to be distributed at different distances and angles from the light source, increasing the solid angle subtended by the detector array and thereby increasing the probability of intercepting reflected light from blood, even while maintaining the simplified single-sided structure.
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 configuration improves the signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy of hemodynamic parameter monitoring by capturing a larger volume of reflected light, providing a more precise indication of blood oxygen saturation levels.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the detector elements of the detector array may include a photodiode that converts light into either an electrical current or voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A reflectance optical perfusion sensor may include at least one light source and a plurality of detector elements arranged in a planar or nonplanar configuration, such as a three-dimensional array. The detector elements may sense light emitted by the at least one light source and reflected by a blood mass of a patient, such as blood within a blood vessel. In some examples, the detector elements may be arranged such that photodetection surfaces of at least two of the detector elements are nonparallel. In addition to or instead of the nonplanar arrangement of detector elements, an optical perfusion sensor may include a detector array including a plurality of detector elements at least partially surrounding a light source. Varying the location and orientations of detector elements may help increase a quantity of light emitted by the at least one light source and reflected toward the optical perfusion sensor by blood.