Reusable Medical Sensor Coupling for Fast Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical sensors with reusable and disposable portions lack convenience in terms of cost-effectiveness and usability, particularly due to the high cost of light emitting elements and the time-consuming positioning of light detecting portions.
Innovation Solution
A medical sensor design that separates a reusable portion with a light emitting element and a disposable portion with a light detecting element, allowing for efficient coupling and alignment, enabling reuse of the light emitting element and simplifying the positioning of the light detecting portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light emitting element is included in the disposable portion, then the positioning convenience is improved, but the running cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a disposable portion (support with light detecting portion) and a reusable portion (light emitting portion), allowing the expensive light emitting element to be reused while keeping the disposable portion simple and easy to position
2Manufacturing precision
If the light detecting portion is positioned manually, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light detecting portion is fixed to the support in advance during manufacturing, so that when the disposable portion is attached to the reusable portion, the positioning is automatically completed without requiring manual adjustment during setup
Solution Approach 2:
The light detecting portion and the support are combined as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate positioning operations and reducing setup time while maintaining positioning precision
3Device complexity
If the connector structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision between light emitting portion and translucent portion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with an asymmetric structure where the light emitting portion and translucent portion have complementary shapes that guide them into proper alignment during coupling, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms
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
Reduces running costs by reusing the light emitting element and enhances usability by minimizing setup time and protecting electrical components from liquids, thus improving overall convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting portion configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
a light detecting portion supported by the support and configured to output a signal corresponding to an amount of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable portion includes a first connector and a light emitter. A disposable portion includes a support, a second connector and a light detector. The support has a translucent portion and adapted to be attached on a body of a subject. The second connector is supported by the support and configured to couple with the first connector. The light detector is supported by the support and configured to output a signal corresponding to an amount of light incident on the light detector. Under a condition that the first connector and the second connector are coupled, the light emitter is disposed so as to face the translucent portion, so that the first connector is enabled to detect the signal via the second connector.