Segmented Sensor Reusing High-Value Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physiological sensors are costly due to high-value components that are often discarded after a single use, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A segmented sensor system is introduced, comprising a reusable first portion with high-value components and a disposable second portion, where the second portion includes an encoder element for wireless communication with the first portion, allowing for multiple uses while ensuring authenticity and preventing excessive reuse through encrypted data and mechanical coupling features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sensor includes high value components that are discarded after a single use, then the sensor can be disposed of after use, but the cost increases and resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two distinct portions: a reusable first portion containing high-value components (optical elements, circuitry, housing) and a disposable second portion containing low-value components (adhesive layer, information encoder). This segmentation allows the expensive components to be retained and reused while only the inexpensive portion is discarded, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of disposal and loss of valuable materials.
2Device complexity
If the sensor is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structure is simple, but the cost increases due to discarding high-value components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor structure is segmented into a first portion with high-value components and a second portion with low-value components. The portions are connected through a coupling mechanism that maintains structural integrity during use but allows for easy separation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by introducing minimal structural complexity that enables component retention and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-value components (optical elements, circuitry, housing) are extracted and isolated in the reusable first portion, separated from the disposable second portion. This extraction allows the valuable components to be protected and retained while the inexpensive portion can be discarded, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and component value preservation.
3Productivity
If the sensor allows multiple uses, then resource efficiency improves, but measures must be taken to prevent excessive reuse
Solution Approach 1:
An information encoder is embedded in the disposable second portion before use, containing authentication data and usage history. This preliminary encoding allows the system to verify sensor authenticity and track usage次数 before each use, preventing excessive reuse while enabling legitimate multiple uses, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The information encoder provides feedback about sensor authenticity and usage status to the system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to make informed decisions about whether to allow sensor use, preventing unauthorized or excessive reuse while permitting legitimate multiple uses, thereby resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and reliability.
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
This design reduces costs by allowing the disposable second portion to be used multiple times, while ensuring the high-value first portion remains reusable, thereby lowering overall sensor system expenses and enhancing resource efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The encoder element and the information element sensor can communicate using radio frequency communication. For example, the encoder element can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and the information element sensor can include an RFID reader.
Implementation Method 2
The encoder element and the information element sensor can communicate using magnetic coupling. For example, the encoder can include a magnetic element and the information element sensor can include a Hall Effect sensor.
Implementation Method 3
The encoder element and the information element sensor can communicate using inductive sensing, and include a magnet, a metal object, or a conductive element in the second portion, and include a coil in the first portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first portion, an information element, a second portion, and an encoder element. The first portion includes a planar substrate and at least one optical element coupled to the substrate. The optical element has an axis and the axis is substantially normal to the substrate. The information element sensor is coupled to the substrate. The information element sensor is configured to provide an information signal. The second portion includes a membrane configured to couple to the planar substrate. The membrane has a contact surface configured to couple with tissue. The encoder element is coupled to the membrane. The information signal corresponds to proximity of the encoder element.