Disposable Pulse Oximetry Patch for Emergency Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters, are too heavy, bulky, and expensive for use in emergency situations, especially in remote or resource-limited environments, and require setup time and a power source, making them impractical for immediate patient monitoring in large-scale emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A small, lightweight, battery-operated, and disposable pulse oximetry system in the form of a flexible patch that can be worn by a patient, featuring integrated light emitters, detectors, and circuitry for sensing, processing, and displaying physiological data, with a simple display and wireless data transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pulse oximeters are used, then monitoring functionality is provided, but the device is too heavy and bulky for emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional pulse oximeter into separate functional modules: a wearable patch containing only the essential sensing components (LEDs and photodetectors) and a separate display unit. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be distributed across multiple lightweight components rather than concentrated in a single heavy device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the core pulse oximetry sensing functionality from the conventional device and places it in a lightweight patch format, separating it from the bulky display and processing components. This extraction enables the essential monitoring function to be implemented in a form factor suitable for emergency wearability.
2Reliability
If conventional pulse oximeters are used, then monitoring functionality is provided, but the device is too bulky for emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conventional pulse oximeter into a compact patch module containing only the necessary sensing elements and a separate display unit. This division reduces the volume of the wearable component while maintaining full monitoring functionality through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential pulse oximetry function from the bulky conventional device and implements it in a compact patch format, removing unnecessary bulk while preserving the core monitoring capability through minimalistic component selection.
3Reliability
If conventional pulse oximeters are used, then monitoring functionality is provided, but setup time is required which is not available in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates all necessary components for immediate operation into the patch design, including pre-configured circuitry and simple adhesive application. The device is designed to be activated instantly upon application to the patient's skin, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures that would consume valuable time during emergencies.
4Reliability
If conventional pulse oximeters are used, then monitoring functionality is provided, but expensive power sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive battery cells that can be easily replaced, designed to power the patch for its intended duration. The low-cost power source is integrated directly into the patch, eliminating the need for expensive external power supplies while maintaining sufficient operation time for emergency monitoring scenarios.
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
Enables immediate, convenient, and cost-effective monitoring of patients' physiological parameters, even in emergency settings, without the need for extensive setup or power sources, facilitating rapid medical intervention with multiple units being logistically feasible.
Implementation Method 1
driving LEDs to emit a light signal into a tissue to be tested
Implementation Method 2
receiving a modified light signal after it has been transmitted through or reflected from the tissue to be tested
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein may include systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose the use of a generally self-contained pulse oximeter that is small and lightweight, such that it may be comfortably affixed to a patient to provide physiological data pertaining to the patient. Embodiments also provide methods of using and manufacturing a pulse oximetry patch.