Secondary-Emitter Sensor Position Indicator for Pulse Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximeters and blood parameter monitors face errors due to improper sensor positioning or dislodgment, leading to incorrect readings and potential missed critical events, as they may interpret ambient noise or movement-induced signals as pulsatile arterial blood signals.
Innovation Solution
A sensor position indicator system using primary and secondary emitters and detectors, where the secondary emitters are positioned to be attenuated by tissue in a proper alignment and exposed in improper alignments, allowing a processor to differentiate and indicate correct or incorrect sensor positioning, thereby preventing incorrect readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pulse oximeter continues to detect AC signals even when the sensor is out of position, then the monitor can maintain continuous operation, but incorrect readings may be obtained and critical events may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor position using secondary emitters and detectors before taking measurements. The secondary detector checks whether the sensor is properly positioned on the tissue site by detecting light from secondary emitters that should be blocked by tissue when properly positioned. This preliminary position verification prevents incorrect measurements from being taken when the sensor is misplaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secondary emitters and a secondary detector as intermediary components to verify sensor position. These secondary components act as mediators between the sensor and the measurement process, providing independent verification of proper sensor placement without interfering with the primary measurement function.
2Device complexity
If the detector directly receives LED emitted light without tissue propagation, then the AC detector signal may be induced by other than pulsatile arterial attenuation, but the sensor structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor position using secondary emitters and detectors before taking measurements. The secondary detector checks whether the sensor is properly positioned on the tissue site by detecting light from secondary emitters that should be blocked by tissue when properly positioned. This preliminary position verification prevents incorrect measurements from being taken when the sensor is misplaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secondary emitters and a secondary detector as intermediary components to verify sensor position. These secondary components act as mediators between the sensor and the measurement process, providing independent verification of proper sensor placement without interfering with the primary measurement function.
3Reliability
If ambient light or modulation due to AC power reaches the detector, then the monitor may mistake these signals as pulsatile arterial signals, but adding position detection increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor position using secondary emitters and detectors before taking measurements. The secondary detector checks whether the sensor is properly positioned on the tissue site by detecting light from secondary emitters that should be blocked by tissue when properly positioned. This preliminary position verification prevents incorrect measurements from being taken when the sensor is misplaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secondary emitters and a secondary detector as intermediary components to verify sensor position. These secondary components act as mediators between the sensor and the measurement process, providing independent verification of proper sensor placement without interfering with the primary measurement function.
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 effectively prevents incorrect readings by accurately determining sensor position, ensuring reliable measurements of blood-related parameters and reducing the risk of missed critical events.
Implementation Method 1
A secondary emitter generates light generally centered around a secondary wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The secondary emitter transmitted light is at least substantially attenuated by the tissue site
Implementation Method 3
A detector in the sensor responds to the intensity of the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile arterial blood flowing within the tissue site
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary-emitter sensor position indicator has primary emitters that transmit light having primary wavelengths and at least one secondary emitter that transmits light having at least one secondary wavelength. A detector outputs a sensor signal in response to received light. An attachment assembly, in a sensor-on condition, positions the emitters and detector relative to a tissue site so that the sensor signal is substantially responsive to the primary wavelength light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site and is negligibly responsive to the secondary wavelength light. The attachment assembly, in a sensor out-of-position condition, positions the secondary emitter relative to the tissue site so that the sensor signal is at least partially responsive to the secondary wavelength.