Spring-Loaded Finger Sensor for Consistent Spectroscopy Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physiological monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters, face challenges with accurate and easy placement of sensors due to the use of alligator clip type sensors, which require both hands for placement and can be difficult to position correctly, leading to inconsistent measurements.
Innovation Solution
A physiological finger sensor system with an ergonomic interface and pivot release stand, featuring a spring-loaded mechanism that allows for easy finger insertion and automatic closure, ensuring precise placement and easy operation with one hand, while also incorporating multiple sensors for measuring various parameters using transmission and reflectance-based spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If alligator clip type sensors are used for physiological monitoring, then the sensor can be placed on the finger, but the placement requires both hands and is difficult to position correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor automatically closes around the finger using a spring-loaded mechanism, eliminating the need for manual positioning by the user. The sensor serves itself by automatically securing to the finger once inserted, improving ease of operation while reducing placement complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor transitions from an open state to a closed state dynamically through a spring mechanism. This dynamic closure ensures consistent positioning and contact pressure, making placement easier while the mechanical spring system manages the complexity of the closing action
2Reliability
If alligator clip type sensors are used, then the sensor can measure physiological parameters, but the placement is inconsistent leading to unreliable measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor automatically positions and secures itself to the finger using a spring-loaded closure mechanism, ensuring consistent contact and positioning without requiring manual adjustment. This self-positioning capability improves measurement reliability while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides tactile feedback and automatic adjustment to ensure proper sensor contact with the finger. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent placement and contact pressure, improving measurement reliability without increasing user effort
3Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded pivot release stand is used for automatic closure, then finger insertion is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pivot release stand utilizes dynamic mechanical motion to automatically close the sensor around the finger. The spring mechanism converts the insertion motion into automatic closure, simplifying the user action while the mechanical spring system manages the structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is segmented into distinct components (spring, pivot, release stand) that work together independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function, simplifying the overall insertion process while distributing the structural complexity across manageable parts
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 system provides consistent and precise measurements by simplifying the placement process, reducing user effort, and enhancing the accuracy of tissue site alignment, thereby improving the overall usability and reliability of physiological monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot release stand can be on a spring system that can be able to return to an original position when a user's finger is removed out of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The LED emitter can transmit at least a signal through a finger to the detector
Implementation Method 3
one or more light detectors detect the attenuated light after transmission through or reflection from the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An optical physiological finger sensor system including an ergonomic interface shaped into a natural curve of a user's hand and finger