Electro-Optical PPG Connector With Spring-Loaded Optical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoplethysmographic devices using LEDs for blood analyte measurement are limited by broad spectral content, which affects accuracy and the number of analytes that can be measured, and the use of lasers requires efficient communication of optical and electrical signals between the monitor and sensor without significant optical loss.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electro-optical connector with physical contact optical connections and a latching mechanism ensures precise alignment and low optical loss for transmitting laser signals and electrical data between the monitor and sensor, using a movable optical portion and a backing spring for pressure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lasers are used as light sources for photoplethysmographic measurement, then measurement precision and spectral bandwidth are improved, but optical loss in signal transmission becomes a critical issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fiber optic coupling mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the connector housings create magnetic fields that couple inductively between mating connectors, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and physical contact. This substitution reduces optical loss while maintaining signal transmission efficiency for laser-based photoplethysmographic measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between the monitor and sensor connectors. Instead of direct optical or electrical contact, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that transfers signals across the interface, reducing optical loss and improving measurement precision without requiring precise mechanical alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separable connector design is used for patient cable and sensor, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but optical alignment precision and signal transmission reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment and contact systems with magnetic coupling. The magnetic fields automatically align and couple the monitor and sensor connectors when brought together, ensuring reliable signal transmission without requiring precise manual alignment. This maintains sensor interchangeability while improving transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system is self-aligning and self-coupling. When the monitor and sensor connectors are brought into proximity, the magnetic fields automatically guide them into proper alignment and establish the coupling, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures and ensuring consistent reliable connections.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional fiber optic bundles are used for light transmission, then light delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fiber optic coupling systems with a magnetic coupling system. This eliminates the need for large diameter fiber optic bundles and complex alignment mechanisms, reducing device complexity and bulkiness while maintaining light transmission efficiency through the magnetic field intermediary.
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 solution enables accurate measurement of multiple blood analytes with reduced optical loss and flexibility in sensor use, allowing for various sensor types on different patients or locations, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
The optical connections of the optical portions of the monitor connector and the patient cable connector are physical contact connections
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the optical portions of either the monitor connector or the patient cable connector includes a backing spring
Implementation Method 3
The photodetectors converted the received optical photoplethysmographic signals to electronic photoplethysmographic signals for processing into measurements of oxygen saturation
Implementation Method 4
to replace the LED light sources (or at least some of the LED light sources) for photoplethysmographic measurement with lasers and in particular semiconductor, or diode lasers
Data Source
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AI summary
A photoplethysmographic device has a monitor with a monitor connector and a patient cable. The patient cable has a patient cable connector, a cable, and a sensor. The monitor connector and the patient cable connector each have an electrical portion with two or more electrical connections and an optical portion with two or more optical connections. The monitor connector and the patient cable connector are removably couplable to each other. The optical connections of the optical portions of the monitor connector and the patient cable connector are physical contact connections. At least one of the optical portions of either the monitor connector or the patient cable connector is movably positioned within the associated monitor connector or patient cable connector.