Pulse Oximeter Holder Reinforcement for Secure Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soft material holders in pulse oximeters often fail to provide a secure fit, leading to the device falling off the user's finger due to weak clamping force.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcement with a higher Young's modulus than the holder material, which increases the flexural rigidity of the pulse oximeter, ensuring the holder remains attached to the finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a soft material is used as the holder material, then the comfort and feel of the holder is improved, but the clamping force and stability of the holder deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is constructed as a composite structure combining a soft material outer layer (silicone rubber or similar) for comfort with a rigid reinforcement core (metal or rigid plastic) for structural strength. This composite design allows the holder to simultaneously provide skin-friendly comfort while maintaining sufficient clamping force to prevent falling off the finger.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the holder are assigned different material properties: the outer surface contacting the skin uses soft material for comfort, while the internal structural portions use rigid materials for strength. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between comfort and clamping force.
2Ease of operation
If a soft material is used as the holder material, then the comfort and feel of the holder is improved, but the holder may fall off from the finger
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is constructed as a composite structure combining a soft material outer layer (silicone rubber or similar) for comfort with a rigid reinforcement core (metal or rigid plastic) for structural strength. This composite design allows the holder to simultaneously provide skin-friendly comfort while maintaining sufficient clamping force to prevent falling off the finger.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the holder are assigned different material properties: the outer surface contacting the skin uses soft material for comfort, while the internal structural portions use rigid materials for strength. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between comfort and clamping force.
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 reinforcement enhances the holder's ability to maintain a secure fit on the finger, improving the device's stability and measurement accuracy while using soft materials for comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a material of the reinforcement has a Young's modulus that is greater than a Young's modulus of a material of the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse oximeter includes a curved holder. A flexible substrate is coupled to a curved inner surface of an outer portion of the curved holder. A light emitter, a light receiver, and a reinforcement are coupled to a curved inner surface of the flexible substrate. The reinforcement is curved to extend in conformance with the curved form of the flexible substrate. The material of the reinforcement has a Young's modulus that is larger than the Young's modulus of the material of the outer portion and the Young's modulus of the material of an inner portion.