Strain Sensor for Spectrophotometric Sensor Misapplication Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximetry sensors often produce inaccurate results due to improper placement, as they are not designed to be applied to areas other than their intended site, leading to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a strain sensor into the spectrophotometric sensor to provide a signal related to its curvature, which is used by a monitor to determine if the sensor is correctly applied, and if not, to notify healthcare practitioners, thereby reducing measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrophotometric sensor is applied to a patient's tissue, then physiological parameters can be measured, but inaccurate results occur when the sensor is improperly placed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a strain sensor that provides real-time feedback about the spectrophotometric sensor's placement and curvature to a monitor. The monitor compares the strain sensor signal against expected values for proper sensor placement and can alert users when the sensor is improperly positioned, thereby preventing inaccurate measurements without requiring post-measurement validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain sensor detects sensor curvature and placement correctness before physiological measurements are taken. By evaluating the sensor's physical state in advance and providing feedback, the system ensures proper sensor application is established prior to measurement, preventing inaccurate readings from being recorded.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor body is made flexible to accommodate different body areas, then the sensor can be applied to various locations, but it becomes difficult to detect when the sensor is misapplied
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensor provides continuous feedback about the spectrophotometric sensor's curvature and placement. When the sensor is applied correctly to a specific body area, the strain sensor generates a signal within an expected range. When misapplied, the curvature and strain signal deviate from expected values, making detection of improper placement straightforward despite the sensor's flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain sensor monitors changes in physical parameters (curvature, strain) of the sensor body. By establishing expected parameter ranges for correct sensor placement on specific body areas, the system can detect when the sensor is misapplied by identifying parameter deviations, even though the sensor remains flexible enough for various locations.
3Reliability
If a strain sensor is added to detect sensor curvature, then misapplication can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensor is integrated directly into the sensor body structure, merging the placement detection function with the existing sensor components. This integration minimizes additional complexity by using the sensor body itself as the sensing element rather than adding a separate, independent detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain sensor serves multiple functions: it detects sensor curvature, verifies proper placement, and provides feedback to the monitor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, as the same strain sensing mechanism supports both structural integrity monitoring and placement verification.
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 strain sensor effectively reduces measurement errors by ensuring proper placement of the spectrophotometric sensor, enhancing the accuracy of physiological parameter monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a strain sensor disposed on the sensor body, wherein the strain sensor is configured to provide a signal related to a curvature of the spectrophotometric sensor
Implementation Method 2
a non-invasive sensor that transmits light through a patient's tissue and that photoelectrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted light in such tissue
Implementation Method 3
the light passed through the tissue is typically selected to be of one or more wavelengths that may be absorbed or scattered by the blood in an amount correlative to the amount of the blood constituent present in the blood
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for determining whether a spectrophotometric sensor is misapplied. In one embodiment, a spectrophotometric sensor is provided with a strain sensor configures to provide a signal related to the curvature of the spectrophotometric sensor. In such an embodiment, the signal may be compared, such as by an associated monitor, with an expected signal value. Based upon this comparison, a determination may be made whether or not the spectrophotometric sensor is misapplied.