Sensor With Integrated Living Hinge and Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximetry sensors face challenges in achieving a tight, consistent fit across varying patient anatomies, leading to potential light scattering and reduced accuracy due to anatomical differences.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly featuring a living hinge and biasing mechanism that allows the sensor segments to pivot and adjust, ensuring a secure fit by generating a moment to bias the segments toward each other, facilitating good contact and reducing light scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized sensor sizes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the fit and contact quality varies across different patient anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor body is divided into multiple segments (first body portion, second body portion, third body portion) that can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis, allowing the sensor to adapt to different finger anatomies while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates a dynamic pivoting mechanism that allows the body portions to rotate relative to each other, enabling the sensor to adjust and conform to varying patient anatomies rather than relying on multiple standardized sizes
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is made tighter to improve contact, then light scattering is reduced, but the sensor becomes harder to apply and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism allows the sensor to dynamically adjust to the patient's anatomy, achieving tight contact for accurate light detection while maintaining ease of application through controlled movement about the pivot axis
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor body portions are designed with flexible characteristics that allow them to pivot and conform to the patient's finger shape, providing tight contact without requiring excessive force for application or removal
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 solution provides a secure, adjustable fit that enhances the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings by minimizing light scattering and maintaining contact with the patient's tissue, accommodating a range of anatomies.
Implementation Method 1
The living hinge has a pivot axis and mechanically couples the first segment and the second segment. Further, the living hinge facilitates the first segment and the second segment to pivoting relative to one another about the pivot axis.
Implementation Method 2
at least one member configured to generate a moment about the pivot axis of the living hinge and bias a first end of the first body portion and a first end of the second body portion toward one another
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a sensor assembly. In various embodiments the sensor assembly includes a body having a first segment, a second segment, and a living hinge. The living hinge has a pivot axis and mechanically couples the first segment and the second segment. Further, the living hinge facilitates the first segment and the second segment to pivoting relative to one another about the pivot axis. Embodiments may also relate to a method of manufacturing a sensor frame. The method may include forming an integral sensor body having a first frame segment, a second frame segment, and a living hinge. The first frame segment and the second frame segment are configured to pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis of the living hinge. The method may also include coupling one or more biasing mechanisms to the first frame segment and the second frame segment. The biasing mechanism is configured to generate a moment about the pivot axis of the living hinge. The moment biases the first segment and second segment into a closed position.