Opaque Sensor Cover for Pulse Oximeter Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive physiological sensors, such as pulse oximeters, often generate false readings due to ambient light detection when not in use, leading to distractions for medical personnel and potential damage or contamination in clinical environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cover made from opaque materials that can be attached to the sensor to block light and prevent false readings, featuring various attachment mechanisms like adhesives, static cling, or Velcro, which can be easily removed and reused to protect the sensor during shipment, storage, and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the sensor is left attached to the monitor for quick monitoring, then setup time is reduced, but false readings occur due to ambient light detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is pre-attached to the sensor before use, and remains in place until the sensor is ready to be applied to a patient. This preliminary protective action prevents false readings from ambient light during storage and transport, while allowing quick deployment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover is designed as a separate removable component that can be easily detached from the sensor when needed. This allows the protective function to be extracted when no longer required, enabling quick sensor deployment without permanent modifications to the sensor assembly.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor cover is made opaque to block light, then false readings are prevented, but the cover material and attachment mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is designed to provide light blocking only where needed - specifically over the photodetector and light-emitting diode areas. The cover material is opaque in these critical regions while maintaining simplicity in overall structure, attaching via basic adhesive or static cling without complex mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the sensor cover uses adhesive attachment for secure fitting, then the cover remains in place during use, but removal may damage the sensor or leave residue
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is designed as a disposable component that is attached with adhesive for secure fitting during use, then discarded after a single use rather than attempted to be removed and reused. This eliminates the problem of adhesive residue and potential sensor damage from removal while maintaining reliable attachment during the monitoring period.
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 sensor cover effectively reduces false readings, prevents damage, and minimizes contamination by blocking light and foreign matter, ensuring accurate data collection and maintaining sensor integrity in clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor cover, according to embodiments of the disclosure, prevents or reduces false readings until the sensor is in use
Implementation Method 2
featuring various attachment mechanisms like adhesives, static cling, or Velcro
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cover according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive physiological sensor, such as a pulse oximetry sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cover reduce or eliminate false readings from the sensor when the sensor is not in use, for example, by blocking a light detecting component of a pulse oximeter sensor when the pulse oximeter sensor is active but not in use. Further, embodiments of the sensor cover can prevent damage to the sensor. Additionally, embodiments of the sensor cover prevent contamination of the sensor.