Probe Attachment Detection Using Passive Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Noninvasive biological sensors face detachment issues due to subject movement or adhesive loss, leading to inaccurate data and difficulty in detection, especially with prolonged monitoring, age, or temperament-related factors, and there is a need to ensure optimal skin contact for accurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a probe and electronic probe controller incorporating a proximity sensor with a passive energy storing circuit element, which excites a circuit network to determine attachment state and generate a proximity indication, ensuring accurate attachment detection and preventing light emission when detached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If noninvasive biological sensors are used for prolonged monitoring, then continuous biological data can be collected, but the sensor may detach from the skin due to movement or adhesive loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary attachment detection by exciting the circuit network and measuring its characteristic before and during monitoring. This allows the system to proactively identify detachment events before they compromise data quality, enabling timely alerts or reattachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the circuit network characteristic and provides feedback about attachment status. When detachment is detected through characteristic changes, the system can trigger alerts, adjust monitoring parameters, or notify users to reattach the sensor, thereby maintaining reliability throughout prolonged monitoring.
2Loss of information
If sensor detachment is detected through data review, then inaccurate data can be identified, but the process is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reviewing data after collection, the system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring the circuit network characteristic during the monitoring process. This real-time detection eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing data review while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual data review with automated electronic detection by measuring changes in circuit network characteristics. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic sensing and automated analysis dramatically reduces detection time while improving accuracy.
3Duration of action of moving object
If light emission continues when sensor is detached, then the biological sensor can function continuously, but light may be emitted in unintended directions causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of detachment through circuit network characteristic measurement before light emission can occur in unintended directions. This allows the system to preemptively stop light emission when detachment is detected, preventing safety hazards while maintaining continuous operation when properly attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from circuit network characteristic monitoring to control light emission. When detachment is detected, the feedback signal triggers immediate cessation of light emission, thereby preventing unintended light exposure while allowing continuous safe operation during proper attachment.
4Measurement precision
If a proximity sensor with passive energy storing circuit element is used, then attachment state can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive energy storing circuit element serves multiple functions: it is part of the excitation circuit, acts as a sensor for detecting attachment through characteristic changes, and provides the basis for determining proximity state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 effectively detects and indicates probe attachment state, preventing data inaccuracies and ensuring safe light emission, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of noninvasive biological monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor having a passive energy storing circuit element
Implementation Method 2
The proximity sensor may include a capacitor or an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly and sensing method is provided for proximity detection for assessing an attachment state of a sensing probe with respect to a subject. A probe is coupled to an electronic probe controller. The probe includes a proximity sensor having a passive energy storing circuit element, and a biological sensor receptacle configured to receive a biological sensor for sensing a biological characteristic of an object. The electronic probe controller excites a circuit network incorporating the proximity sensor with an excitation signal and determines a characteristic of the circuit network that is excited by the excitation signal. The electronic probe controller further generates a proximity indication indicating whether the probe is attached to the object based on the characteristic of the circuit network.