Tissue Anchoring Interlock for Sensor Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive physiological monitoring is prone to errors due to variations in sensor placement on tissue sites, requiring accurate and consistent alignment to ensure reliable measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising anchoring components with adhesive surfaces and interlocking mechanisms that secure the tissue site to a sensor, maintaining it within a specific range of distances and restricting movement to ensure consistent and ergonomic placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-invasive sensor is placed on a tissue site, then physiological measurements can be obtained, but positioning variations introduce error to measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a sensor head containing the optical sensors, a bridge component providing structural support and positioning, and a fastening component for securing to the tissue site. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge component is pre-configured with specific geometric features and dimensions that establish the correct spatial relationship between the sensor head and the tissue site before measurement begins. This preliminary positioning structure ensures that when the device is applied, the sensors are automatically aligned at the precise required distance from the tissue, eliminating positioning errors.
2Reliability
If the sensor is secured to the tissue site, then measurement consistency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the sensor head, maintains the precise positioning distance, and incorporates fastening features for securing to the tissue site. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the device achieves reliable measurement consistency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor head is nested within or attached to the bridge component, which itself is integrated with the fastening component. This nested arrangement allows the multiple functional elements to be compactly organized, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for consistent measurements.
3Measurement precision
If the tissue site is restricted from horizontal movement, then measurement error is reduced, but the anchoring mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening component incorporates asymmetric geometric features such as tapered surfaces and complementary mating shapes that naturally guide and constrain the tissue site in the horizontal direction. This asymmetric design provides effective horizontal positioning control through simple geometric interlocking rather than complex mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge component features a curved or contoured surface that conforms to the natural curvature of the tissue site (such as a finger). This curvature allows the device to adapt to the tissue shape while the geometric features provide horizontal constraint, achieving positioning accuracy without complex active control mechanisms.
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
This solution enhances the precision and consistency of physiological measurements by stabilizing the tissue site during monitoring, reducing errors associated with sensor placement and allowing for repeatable measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface can couple to the tissue site using an adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for enabling non-invasive, physiological sensors to obtain physiological measurements from a region of tissue of a patient are disclosed. Anchoring components can attach to patient tissue sites and sensor heads such that the tissue sites do not move during sensing. Interlocking mechanisms maintain tissue sites within a limited range of horizontal movement and vertical distance from the sensor head.