Intraoperative Tissue Oximeter Probe With Spring-Loaded Contact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oximeter tools face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure against tissue during measurements, leading to inaccurate readings due to user fatigue or excessive force, especially in surgical environments where adhesives may fail and manual holding is unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An oximeter probe with a sensor head, handle, and an elastic member connected by a spring mechanism that allows for controlled pressure application, featuring limit stops to prevent excessive force and ensure stable contact with the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually holds the sensor against the tissue, then the sensor can make measurements, but the user cannot maintain proper pressure consistently leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a spring mechanism that automatically applies and maintains proper pressure on the sensor against the tissue, eliminating the need for the user to manually control pressure. The spring self-regulates the contact force to ensure accurate measurements throughout the monitoring period.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pressure application by the user is replaced with an automated spring-based mechanical system. The spring mechanism provides consistent, controlled pressure without requiring human intervention or muscular effort, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy over time.
2Reliability
If the user presses the sensor against the tissue with excessive force, then the sensor maintains contact with the tissue, but this causes disruption of local perfusion leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that pre-regulates the force applied to the tissue. By designing the spring with appropriate stiffness and pre-compression, the system ensures sufficient sensor contact while preventing excessive force that could damage tissue or disrupt perfusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the pressure parameter through the spring mechanism, maintaining it within an optimal range. The spring's physical properties (stiffness, length, material) are designed to produce a specific force range that ensures reliable contact without exceeding safe limits for the tissue.
3Reliability
If adhesives are used to secure the sensor to the tissue, then the sensor remains stable, but adhesives may fail in surgical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bonding mechanism is replaced with a mechanical spring-based pressure application system. This mechanical system provides stable sensor contact through continuous physical pressure rather than chemical adhesion, making it more reliable in surgical environments where adhesives may fail due to blood, fluids, or tissue movement.
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 spring mechanism maintains consistent pressure, reducing variations and ensuring accurate oxygen saturation measurements by preventing excessive force on the tissue, thus stabilizing sensor contact and improving measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, connected between the base portion and the handle
Data Source
AI summary
An oximeter probe includes sensor head with a probe face having one or more sensor structures to make measurements, a handle, and an elastic member connected between the handle and the base. A user can hold the handle while measurements are made and the elastic member permits the handle to flex relative to the sensor head with one or more sensor structures.