Stretchable Pressure Backing for Pulse Oximetry Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical sensors, particularly pulse oximetry sensors, face challenges in accurately monitoring oxygen saturation due to interference from venous pulsations, especially in supine or Trendelenburg positions, leading to inaccurate readings and patient discomfort from existing pressure application methods like headbands.

Innovation Solution

A pulse oximetry sensor patch with a stretchable pressure backing that secures the sensor against the skin, reducing venous pulsations by applying pressure without causing discomfort, and is designed to be reusable, simplifying monitoring and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure is applied to reduce venous pulsations, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen saturation measurement accuracyVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies elastic materials with specific modulus and stretch characteristics to achieve optimal pressure distribution. The pressure backing layer is designed with elastic properties that allow it to exert sufficient pressure to reduce venous pulsations while remaining comfortable for the patient during extended wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure backing layer utilizes elastic film structures that can conform to the patient's skin topology while maintaining consistent pressure application. The flexible nature of the elastic material allows it to adapt to body contours, distributing pressure evenly to minimize discomfort while effectively reducing venous pulsations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If a reusable sensor patch is designed, then productivity is improved through reduced costs, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reduction through reuseVSAvoidsensor patch fabrication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor patch is designed as a modular assembly with distinct functional layers (sensing elements, pressure backing layer, adhesive layer, protective layer) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling reuse

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure backing layer employs composite elastic material structures combining different elastic polymers or elastomers with varying properties. This composite approach allows tuning of mechanical properties to achieve both durability for reuse and comfort for patient wear, while maintaining consistent performance across multiple uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pressure backing is made stretchable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to skin topologyVSAvoidelastic material integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure backing layer is constructed from elastic film materials that inherently provide stretchability and conformability to various body surfaces. The thin film structure allows the backing to adapt to complex skin topology without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, achieving versatility through material selection rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively reduces venous pulsation interference, enhances accuracy of oxygen saturation measurements, improves patient comfort, and simplifies sensor application and maintenance, while allowing for repositioning and reuse of the sensor patch.

Implementation Method 1

the stretchable pressure backing is configured to press the pulse oximetry sensor patch against the patient's skin to apply pressure to reduce venous pulsations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a noninvasive pulse oximetry sensor is placed on a patient to measure the oxygen saturation level of the patient via photoplethysmography

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20240358291A1Medical sensor

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

In some examples, a kit includes a pulse oximetry sensor patch and a stretchable pressure backing configured to be applied to a region of a patient's skin. An assembly may include the stretchable pressure backing securing the pulse oximetry sensor patch against the patient's skin. The stretchable pressure backing is configured to stretch across the pulse oximetry sensor patch from an unstretched length to a stretched length. When in its stretched length, the stretchable pressure backing is configured to press the pulse oximetry sensor patch against the patient's skin to apply pressure to reduce venous pulsations in the region of the patient's skin. An example technique includes applying the pulse oximetry sensor patch to the patient's skin and stretching the stretchable pressure backing across the pulse oximetry sensor patch to its stretched length to apply pressure to the pulse oximetry sensor patch to reduce venous pulsations.