Multi-state clip-on fixation method for pulse oximeter

• US 10,441,219 B2
• Filed: 02/23/2016
• Issued: 10/15/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Original Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Inventors: Peeters, Wouter Herman, Jacobs, Egbertus Reinier, Bezemer, Rick, Muehlsteff, Jens
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur, Eric F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Liu, Chu Chuan
• Application Number:
  US15/551,720
• Publication Number:
  US 20190117159A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,330 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02427 Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6816 Ear lobe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6819 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6843 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure

Abstract

A device (10, 10′, 10″) includes a light source (12) and a light detector (14) spaced from, and in communication with, the light source (12). An electronic processor (18) is programmed to compute pulse oximetry data from output of the light detector (14). A clamping member (26) is included, on or in which the light source (12) and the light detector (14) are disposed. The clamping member (26) is configured for attachment to a human body part with the body part disposed between the light source (12) and the light detector (14) such that light from the light source (12) passes through the body part to reach the light detector (14). The clamping member (26) is configured to attach to the body part by transitioning from a first stable state to a second stable state via a compression force applied to the clamping member (26).

Claims

1. A device including:

a light source;

a light detector spaced from, and in communication with, the light source;

an electronic processor programmed to compute pulse oximetry data from output of the light detector;

a clamping member on or in which the light source and the light detector are disposed, the clamping member configured for attachment to a human body part with the body part disposed between the light source and the light detector such that light from the light source passes through the body part to reach the light detector;

a bi-stable hinge configured to apply a compression force to the clamping member, thereby allowing the clamping member to transition from a first stable state to a second stable state,

wherein the bi-stable hinge includes a leaf spring configured to apply the compression force to the clamping member, the leaf spring being movable between an unlocked position in which the leaf spring is arced in a first direction and a locked position in which the leaf spring is arced in an opposite second direction,

wherein the clamping member is configured to attach to the body part by transitioning from the first stable state to the second stable state via the compression force applied to the clamping member.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first stable state of the clamping member includes an open configuration and the second stable state of the clamping member includes a closed configuration in which there is a minimum gap between the light source and the light detector.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, when the leaf spring is in the unlocked position, the clamping member is in the first stable state and, when the leaf spring is in the locked position, the clamping member is in the second stable state.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, when the leaf spring member is in the unlocked position, the light detector is at a first distance (L₁) from the light source and, when the leaf spring is in the locked position, the light detector is at a second distance (L₂) from the light source that is less than the first distance.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein L₂ is zero and L₁ is greater than zero.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a pulse oximeter.