SpO2 Sensor Partitioned Electronics and Wrap Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SpO2 sensors face challenges with durability, adhesion, and ambient light attenuation, particularly in wireless and single-use configurations, leading to decreased accuracy and comfort due to inadequate fixation and breathability.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with a carrier board and wrap configuration that includes a tip wing and multiple side wings for adjustable fixation, using adhesives and hook-and-loop fasteners for secure attachment, and breathable materials to maintain light transmission and pressure on the finger, while also being lightweight and recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor uses adhesive materials for fixation, then the sensor maintains stable contact with the finger, but the adhesive materials block ambient light and reduce breathability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple functional segments: a wrap portion for fixation, a sensor portion for measurement, and a canopy for component housing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the wrap can provide fixation without light blocking, while the sensor portion remains exposed for accurate light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sensor have different optical properties. The wrap and canopy use light-blocking materials for fixation and component protection, while the sensor portion uses light-transmissive materials to allow ambient light to pass through without interference, achieving local optimization of light interaction.
2Reliability
If the sensor uses a wrap configuration for secure attachment, then the sensor remains stable during movement, but the wrap structure increases device complexity and reduces breathability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a wrap portion with fastening features and a separate sensor portion. The wrap portion contains the battery, canopy, and optical components, while the sensor portion contains only the light source and detector, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms (hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives) that allow dynamic adjustment of the wrap tightness to fit different finger sizes and comfort preferences, making the fixation system adaptable rather than fixed.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor transmits light through the finger for SpO2 measurement, then the sensor provides accurate oxygen saturation data, but the transmitted light is blocked by skin, bone, muscle, fat, and fingernail
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor uses pulsatile light transmission synchronized with the cardiac cycle. By measuring light absorption during the pulsatile phase when blood volume changes, the sensor isolates the oxygen saturation signal from the static absorption of skin, bone, muscle, and fat, achieving accurate SpO2 measurement despite tissue interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor extracts the pulsatile blood flow signal from the total light absorption by separating the time-varying component (blood) from the time-invariant component (tissues). This allows the measurement to focus solely on oxygen saturation in the blood stream, eliminating interference from other body materials.
4Ease of operation
If the sensor is designed for single-use and wireless operation, then the sensor provides convenience and portability, but the sensor lacks durability and adhesion for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a disposable single-use portion (wrap with battery and canopy) and a reusable portion (sensor electronics). This allows the critical measurement components to be protected and potentially reused, while the protective wrap is discarded after single use, balancing durability with convenience.
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 stable, adjustable, and breathable SpO2 monitoring that maintains accuracy and comfort over extended periods, even with frequent attachment and detachment, and reduces the impact of ambient light interference.
Implementation Method 1
the pulse oximeter transmits light (typically of two wavelengths) through a body part, such as a finger or toe, whereby the light is then detected via a photodetector
Implementation Method 2
Different materials absorb light at differing rates at the differing wavelengths. Therefore, it is possible to determine peripheral oxygen saturation using the detected light since oxygen in the bloodstream absorbs light differently than other materials
Implementation Method 3
reflectance pulse oximeters detect the light reflecting back from the body part, or in other words where the photodetector is not be on an opposing side of the body part from the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device for acquiring data from a finger. The device includes a carrier board having a stacked portion with a finger side and a canopy side. A tip wing extends from the stacked portion and wraps around the finger. Electrical components are coupled to the carrier board, including a first circuit board on the canopy side of the stacked portion, and one or more optical components electrically on the tip wing. The optical components are configured to transmit light towards the finger and to detect the light from the finger. The carrier board electrically couples the electrical components to acquire the data from the finger. A power system is positioned between the canopy side and the finger side of the carrier board, where the power system provides power to the electrical components via the carrier board. A cover secures the carrier board to the finger.