Nose Sensor with Curved Prongs for Secure Patient Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring devices often require cumbersome attachments to the body, such as finger clips, which can be uncomfortable and limit mobility, while also not effectively utilizing the nose as a site for non-invasive monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive physiological monitoring device configured to securely attach to a patient's nose, featuring an inner and outer prong design with curved posts to conform to the nose shape, along with a diffuser and lens for light transmission and detection, allowing for the measurement of physiological parameters like blood oxygen saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional patient monitoring devices use finger clips or cumbersome attachments, then reliable physiological parameter measurement can be achieved, but patient comfort and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is divided into separate functional components: a nose mount structure with light sources, a detector positioned on the nasal septum, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall bulk and improving comfort compared to traditional finger clip designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the monitoring device on the finger (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the nose as the monitoring site. This provides an alternative body location that offers both reliability for measurement and improved comfort/mobility for the patient.
2Ease of operation
If the nose is not utilized as a monitoring site, then traditional monitoring locations can be used, but patient mobility and comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nose serves multiple functions in this monitoring system: it provides a stable mounting location for light sources, a detection surface on the nasal septum, and an anatomical structure that maintains consistent positioning. This multi-functionality of the nose as a monitoring site enhances both patient mobility and the versatility of the monitoring system.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment method is used for nose-mounted monitoring, then reliable measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nose mount structure incorporates curved elements that conform to the natural curvature of the nose and nasal septum. This curvature-based design provides secure attachment and reliable measurement stability while avoiding complex mechanical fastening systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 nose-mounted monitoring device provides a comfortable and secure means of tracking physiological parameters, offering improved patient mobility and reduced discomfort compared to traditional monitoring methods, while effectively utilizing the nose as a monitoring site.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources transmitting optical radiation into or reflecting off through a portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
After attenuation of the radiation by tissue and fluids of the portion of the body, one or more photodetection devices detect the attenuated light
Implementation Method 3
a diffuser positioned proximate to the emitter and configured to diffuse light emitted by the emitter prior to entering tissue of the nose of the patient
Implementation Method 4
a lens proximate to the detector configured to focus light into the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A patient monitor can noninvasively measure a physiological parameter using sensor data from a nose sensor configured to be secured to a nose of the patient. The nose sensor can include an emitter and a detector. The detector is configured to generate a signal when detecting light attenuated by the nose tissue of the patient. An output measurement of the physiological parameter can be determined based on the signals generated by the detector. The nose sensor can include an inner prong and an outer prong to assist the nose sensor in securing to a patient's nose. The detector can be coupled to an inner post of the inner prong and can be configured to secure to an interior or exterior portion of the patient's nose.