Offset Adhesive Layer for Neonatal Sensor Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-infrared sensors used in the medical industry to measure oxygen saturation in patients' blood or tissue are difficult to remove without creating negative pressure on the skin, which can cause injury, especially when used on neonates.
Innovation Solution
The sensor design features an adhesive layer offset relative to the sensor pad, allowing for removal without pulling on the cable, which reduces the risk of skin damage by providing a tab or edge to pull away from the adhesive layer, thus avoiding negative pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the adhesive layer extends beyond the perimeter of the sensor pad, then the holding ability of the sensor is increased, but the sensor becomes difficult to remove without creating negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is segmented into two distinct zones: a first adhesive zone that extends beyond the sensor pad perimeter for enhanced holding ability, and a second adhesive zone confined within the sensor pad perimeter for controlled removal. This segmentation allows the sensor to simultaneously achieve strong adhesion and easy removal by providing different adhesive characteristics in different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adhesive layer are given different properties: the first adhesive zone (extending beyond the perimeter) provides strong holding ability, while the second adhesive zone (within the perimeter) is designed to be removable without creating negative pressure. This local differentiation of adhesive properties resolves the contradiction between strong attachment and easy removal.
2Ease of operation
If the clinician pulls on the cable to remove the sensor, then the sensor can be detached, but negative pressure is created under the sensor causing skin and tissue injury
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is divided into a removable second adhesive zone within the sensor pad perimeter and a holding first adhesive zone extending beyond it. This segmentation enables the clinician to remove the sensor by pulling the sensor pad itself rather than the cable, avoiding negative pressure and tissue injury while maintaining easy removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second adhesive zone acts as an intermediary element that facilitates safe removal. By providing a designated removal zone within the sensor pad perimeter, it enables the clinician to detach the sensor through controlled peeling of the sensor pad, serving as a mediator between the strong holding requirement and the safe removal requirement.
3Ease of operation
If the adhesive layer is offset from the sensor pad, then the sensor can be removed safely, but the adhesive coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is segmented into two functional zones with different coverage areas: the first adhesive zone extends beyond the sensor pad perimeter to provide strong holding ability, while the second adhesive zone is confined within the perimeter to enable safe removal. This segmentation allows the offset configuration to provide safe removal capability while maintaining adequate adhesive coverage through the combined action of both zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adhesive layer are optimized for different functions: the offset first adhesive zone provides strong holding in specific areas, while the second adhesive zone within the perimeter provides controlled removal capability. This local quality differentiation allows the adhesive coverage to be optimized for both secure attachment and safe removal simultaneously.
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 safe removal of the sensor without causing skin or tissue damage, providing a secure attachment and easy detachment mechanism that minimizes risk to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes an adhesive so that the sensor will stay in place relative to the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary sensor includes a sensor pad defining a perimeter, a light source, a light detector, and an adhesive layer. The light source is configured to generate near-infrared light and transmit the near-infrared light through part of a patient's body. The light detector is configured to receive the near-infrared light generated by the light source after it has traveled through part of the patient's body. The light received by the light detector indicates an amount of oxygen in the part of the patient's body through which the near-infrared light traveled. The adhesive layer is offset relative to the sensor pad to, for example, allow a clinician to easily remove the sensor from the patient.