Temporal Pulse Oximeter Sensor for Exercise Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse oximeter sensors face challenges in accurately monitoring heart rate and blood oxygen saturation during exercise, particularly in aquatic environments, due to blood pooling in extremities and the cumbersome nature of traditional sensor placements.
Innovation Solution
A pulse oximeter sensor assembly designed for placement on the temporal region of the head, featuring a base layer that conforms to the skin, a mounting assembly to secure the sensor over the temporal artery, and a processor that generates alerts when vital signs reach predetermined thresholds, allowing for underwater and above-water monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pulse oximeter sensors are placed on extremities (fingers, wrists), then the sensors can be easily positioned and worn, but blood flow reduction during exercise leads to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor placement from extremities (hands/fingers) to the temporal region of the head, representing a spatial dimension change. This relocation allows monitoring during exercise since the temporal artery maintains consistent blood flow regardless of body position or activity level, resolving the accuracy issue while keeping the device wearable
2Reliability
If pulse oximeter sensors are placed on extremities, then the monitoring can be performed, but blood pooling during exercise causes unreliable measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the affected body region (extremities subject to blood pooling) and relocates it to the temporal region, which is not affected by gravitational blood pooling during exercise. This separation removes the harmful factor's influence on measurements
3Productivity
If traditional pulse oximeter sensors are used during vigorous exercise, then monitoring is attempted, but the sensors become detached through vigorous activities
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the sensor from extremities to the temporal region of the head, the patent exploits the head's anatomical stability during exercise. The temporal region remains stationary relative to the body during vigorous activities, providing stable sensor attachment and continuous monitoring capability
4Measurement precision
If pulse oximeter sensors are placed on extremities, then the sensors can monitor vital signs, but cooling of extremities during exercise reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the temperature-affected extremities and relocates it to the temporal region, which maintains more stable temperature during exercise. This removes the temperature variable's negative impact on measurement precision
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
Enables accurate and reliable monitoring of vital signs during strenuous activities, including aquatic exercises, by preventing blood pooling and providing external notifications when vital signs deteriorate, thus facilitating early medical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode collects the light reflected from the subject's body (reflectance pulse oximetry)
Implementation Method 2
Light in the red wavelength range is absorbed at a different rate than the infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse oximeter sensor assembly and a method for monitoring and assessing a physical state of a subject with the assembly are provided. The assembly includes a pulse oximeter sensor, an indicator device, a processor coupled to the pulse oximeter sensor and the indicator device, a base layer configured to conform to a temporal region of the subject's head, and a mounting assembly configured to enable securing of the pulse oximeter sensor assembly in the temporal region of the subject's head. By positioning the assembly in the temporal region of the subject's head, the assembly can utilized data taken from the temporal artery and provide an external indication as to the physical status of the subject.