Body Sensor Fixation with Alternating Pressure for Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing body parameter measurement devices, such as pulse oximeters, cause discomfort due to continuous pressure on body parts, leading to nerve stimulation and restricted blood flow, which can result in user compliance issues and potential tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A device with an actuator system that alternates pressure application between different areas of the body part using electroactive polymers or inflatable elements, controlled by a controller to switch states periodically, minimizing continuous pressure and promoting blood flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous pressure is applied to fix the sensor to the body part, then the sensor remains securely positioned for measurement, but the subject experiences discomfort due to nerve stimulation and restricted blood flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor fixation stabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort from nerve stimulation and blood flow restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by alternating between two fixation states: a first state where pressure is applied to a first area of the body part, and a second state where pressure is applied to a second area of the body part. The controller switches between these states at different times, ensuring that no single area experiences continuous pressure. This periodic redistribution of pressure maintains secure sensor fixation while preventing prolonged nerve stimulation and blood flow restriction at any one location, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixation reliability and subject comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the fixation function by dividing the body part into multiple pressure application areas (first area and second area). Instead of applying continuous pressure to a single location, the actuator system distributes pressure across segmented regions and alternates between them. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain securely fixed through cumulative pressure application while any individual area experiences pressure only intermittently, reducing discomfort and harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If higher pressure is applied to ensure accurate measurements by suppressing venous blood contribution, then measurement accuracy improves, but blood flow restriction increases causing discomfort and potential harm

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpO2 measurement accuracyVSAvoidblood flow restriction and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action to the pressure application mechanism, alternating between high-pressure states (for accurate measurement) and pressure relief states (for comfort and blood flow maintenance). By switching between the first state (pressure on first area) and second state (pressure on second area), the system achieves sufficient pressure for measurement accuracy while ensuring that no single area experiences continuous high pressure that would cause harmful blood flow restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor housing is made rigid to maintain stable positioning, then measurement stability improves, but comfort decreases due to increased pressure on the body part

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning stabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort from increased pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fixation system adaptable and changeable over time. The actuator system can dynamically switch between different fixation states (first state with pressure on first area, second state with pressure on second area), allowing the rigid housing to maintain positioning stability while the pressure application points change. This dynamic pressure redistribution ensures stable sensor positioning without continuous pressure on any single body part area, thereby maintaining both stability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 actuator system provides comfortable and secure fixation by cyclically changing pressure points, reducing discomfort and ensuring adequate blood flow while maintaining accurate measurement of body parameters.

Implementation Method 1

using electroactive polymers or inflatable elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

an actuator system within the housing element for applying a pressure to the body part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12622643B2Fixing of a sensor to a body part for measurement of a body parameter

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A device is for measuring a body parameter for a subject. The device comprises a sensor for measuring the body parameter, a housing element for positioning the sensor on a body part of the subject and an actuator system within the housing element for applying a pressure to the body part. The actuator system comprises two states, a first state based on the actuator system applying a first pressure to a first area of the body part and a second state based on the actuator system applying a second pressure to a second area of the body part. The device also comprises a controller configured to apply the first and second states at different times.