Wrist-Finger Pulse Oximetry Cable Routing for Stable Sensor Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse oximetry systems often suffer from user discomfort, poor sensor-skin contact, and instability, leading to inaccurate physiological parameter determination, especially when used on fingers and wrists.
Innovation Solution
A wearable pulse oximetry system that secures to a subject's wrist and/or finger, featuring a sensor dock assembly with cable retainers that position emitters and detectors along the outer edge of the hand and pinky finger, allowing for increased mobility and comfort, and includes a sensor hub for processing physiological parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is routed along the top or bottom side of the hand/palm and finger, then electrical connection is maintained, but the subject experiences pulling and binding during movement and reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing transitions from a linear path (top or bottom side) to a three-dimensional path that utilizes the outer edge/side of the hand and finger. The cable extends from the wrist portion along the outer edge of the palm, around the outer edge of the finger, which creates a more complex spatial arrangement that accommodates both electrical connection and movement freedom.
2Measurement precision
If traditional pulse oximetry sensors are used on fingers or wrists, then physiological parameters can be measured, but user comfort is reduced and sensor-skin contact is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor components (emitters and detectors) are positioned specifically at the outer edge of the finger where skin contact is optimized for measurement accuracy. The wrist portion houses the processing electronics separately, allowing the finger portion to be minimal and comfortable while maintaining measurement precision at the critical measurement location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct segments: a finger portion containing only the necessary emitters and detectors for measurement, a wrist portion containing the processing electronics and battery, and a cable connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the finger portion for comfort and contact, the wrist portion for processing power.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor system is made adaptable to various finger and wrist sizes, then fit and comfort improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger portion is designed with flexible materials and a resilient band that can dynamically adapt to different finger circumferences. The wrist portion similarly uses an adjustable strap mechanism that can accommodate various wrist sizes. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow a single device design to fit multiple users without requiring multiple size-specific components.
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 system provides improved user comfort, better sensor engagement, and more accurate physiological parameter determination by enhancing stability and adaptability to various finger and wrist sizes, while being reusable and durable.
Implementation Method 1
Pulse oximetry sensors generally include one or more light sources transmitting optical radiation into or reflecting off through a portion of the body. After attenuation by tissue and fluids of the portion of the body, one or more photodetection devices detect the attenuated light
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse oximetry system includes a wrist portion configured for placement on a wrist of a subject, the wrist portion having a first component and a second component configured to removably secure to one another. The wrist portion can include emitter(s) and detector(s) operably positioned by the wrist portion. In some implementations, the pulse oximetry system further includes a ring member configured to secure around the subject's finger and operably position emitter(s) and detector(s) and a cable connected to the wrist portion in electrical communication with the emitter(s) and the detector(s) of the ring member and configured to transmit the signal(s) from the detector(s) to the wrist portion. The system includes a battery and hardware processor(s) configured to receive and process signal(s) outputted by the detector(s) to determine physiological parameter(s) of the subject.