SpO2 Sensor Strain Relief and Moisture Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable SpO2 sensors face issues with mechanical stress, insufficient strain relief, liquid penetration protection, skid resistance, pressure sore prevention, and inadequate dielectric strength, particularly when used on neonates, due to thin adhesive tapes and insufficient design.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flexible fixing strap using hook-and-loop material and a plastic foam-like lower part, featuring a moisture-tight encapsulation of optics and detector, a strain relief band for the connecting cable, and self-adherent surfaces for secure attachment, ensuring reliable operation and easy preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If thin adhesive tapes are used to fix optics and cable, then the sensor has low mass and is cost-effective, but mechanical stress may pull the cable and optics out of the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor massVSAvoidfixation strength of optics and cable

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into distinct functional modules: optics assembly, cable assembly, adhesive tape layers, and foam padding. Each component is optimized independently - thin adhesive tapes for low mass, while separate foam padding and structured layers provide mechanical strength and strain relief without adding excessive weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor combines multiple materials with different properties: thin adhesive tapes (low mass) combined with foam padding (mechanical strength and cushioning), plastic film (moisture barrier), and hook-and-loop fasteners (secure attachment). This composite structure achieves both low mass and high fixation strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If thin adhesive tapes are used for fixing, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but protection against liquid penetration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor assembly simplicityVSAvoidliquid penetration risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A plastic film is introduced as a flexible moisture barrier layer that conforms to the sensor structure. This thin film provides effective liquid protection without compromising the simplicity of assembly or adding significant complexity to the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If thin adhesive tapes are used to hold optics, then the sensor structure is simple, but skid resistance and resistance to movement are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structure complexityVSAvoidresistance to movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Foam padding is placed beforehand at the sensor-baby skin interface to provide cushioning and increase friction. This prevents the sensor from slipping during baby movements while maintaining a simple overall structure without complex mechanical fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If only thin film insulation is used, then the sensor construction is simple, but dielectric strength and protection against contact discharge are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation constructionVSAvoiddielectric strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple layers of different materials (adhesive tapes, foam padding, plastic film) are combined to create a composite insulation structure. This provides adequate dielectric strength and protection against contact discharge while avoiding the need for complex dedicated insulation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

5Reliability

If the sensor is applied tightly to prevent slipping, then fixation is secure, but pressure sores and burns may occur on the baby's skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidpressure sores and skin burns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Foam padding is positioned between the sensor and the baby's skin to distribute pressure and prevent localized high-stress areas that could cause pressure sores or skin burns, while still maintaining secure overall fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic film layer provides a smooth, flexible interface that conforms to the baby's skin contours, distributing pressure evenly and preventing the rigid sensor components from directly contacting and damaging the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8688185B2Device for measuring blood, tissue, and skin parameters

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 ENVITEC WISMAR

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring blood, tissue, or skin parameters, in particular the oxygen saturation in blood, by attaching one or more sensors to body parts such as fingers, earlobes, toes, hand, or foot. The invention relates further to a method for the preparation of said device.