Shape Memory Clip Sensor for Pulse Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse oximetry sensors face challenges with motion artifacts due to their flexible nature and adhesive issues, and reusable clip-style sensors require complex cleaning and have manufacturing and packaging difficulties due to their complex structure.
Innovation Solution
A pulse oximetry sensor with a sensor body made from shape memory material that can revert to a curved configuration, providing spring force for attachment without complex mechanical components, and can be efficiently packaged and shipped in a planar configuration using removable restraining elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable bandage-type sensors are used, then ease of application is improved, but motion artifacts increase due to flexible nature and adhesive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor body is formed with a curved configuration that conforms to the contour of the patient's body part (finger, toe, earlobe, nose). This curved shape provides structural rigidity to reduce motion artifacts while maintaining ease of application through simple attachment mechanisms without complex mechanical components.
2Reliability
If reusable clip-style sensors are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates complex mechanical components (hinges, springs, clips) from the sensor structure. The sensor body is designed as a simple curved structure that achieves attachment through its shape and material properties alone, without requiring moving parts or complex mechanical assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes changes in material parameters (shape memory effect, flexibility) to achieve attachment and detachment functions without mechanical components. The curved sensor body can be deformed for application and returns to its original shape for secure attachment, replacing mechanical mechanisms with material property-based solutions.
3Ease of operation
If clip-style sensors with moving parts are used, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sensor body and attachment mechanism into a single integrated curved structure. The sensor body itself serves both as the measurement platform and the attachment device, eliminating the need for separate clips, hinges, or mechanical components. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled.
4Reliability
If complex structured sensors are used, then reliability is improved, but productivity worsens due to cleaning and packaging difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed as a segmented or modular curved structure with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices. This segmentation allows for easy cleaning by eliminating hard-to-reach areas where bio-debris would accumulate, while maintaining the structural integrity and measurement accuracy through the curved configuration that conforms to body contours.
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 shape memory sensor offers improved tissue contact strength, reduced motion artifacts, easier cleaning and packaging, and cost-effective manufacturing by eliminating complex moving parts, while maintaining efficient attachment and measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor body made from shape memory material that can revert to a curved configuration, providing spring force for attachment
Implementation Method 2
transmits light through a patient's tissue and that photoelectrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted light in such tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A clip-style sensor may be constructed from materials having shape memory. A clip-style sensor is provided that is able to be flattened in order to simplify transport and storing. The sensors may be held flat by shipping restraints. Such a sensor is able to recover from being flattened and resume a curved shape.