Elastic sensor for measuring vital parameters in the auditory canal
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10478123-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-19
Expiration Date
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Abstract
A sensor for measuring a vital parameter in the auditory canal comprising a sensor element (1) and a positioning element (3), both connected to a sensor element attachment (2). The positioning element (3) has a shape that reproduces the inside of the ear and positions the sensor element (1) and sensor element attachment (2) at least partially in the auditory canal (8) in a stable manner. The position of the sensor element (1) in the auditory canal (8) is determined by the depth of penetration of the sensor element attachment (2) in the auditory canal (8). The sensor element (1), the sensor element attachment (2), and the positioning element (3) are arranged at least partially in a housing (4) adapted to the anatomy of the person's head.
Core Innovation
A sensor for measuring a vital parameter in the auditory canal of a person or an animal comprising a sensor element, a sensor element fixture and a positioning element, wherein at least one end of the positioning element may be connected to the sensor element fixture, the position of the sensor element in the auditory canal is determined by the insertion depth of the sensor element fixture, and the positioning element exhibits a suitable shape relating to the anatomy of the interior face of the auricle and is suitable for pushing the sensor element fixture into the interior of the auditory canal, such that the sensor is held firmly and a continuous measurement of the vital parameter is carried out, wherein the sensor element, the sensor element fixture and the positioning element are arranged at least partially in a housing and the housing is adaptable to the anatomy of at least part of the head of the person or the animal.
The invention addresses the need for stable positioning, comfortable wear and adaptability to different anatomical conditions by providing a housing that is at least partially elastic, rotatable and/or size adjustable and by arranging the sensor element, the sensor element fixture and the positioning element to achieve high quality signal at high modulation depth; the object of the invention is to provide a sensor capable of not limiting the user's mobility, which is comfortable to wear, which ensures an optimum fit and which is adaptable to suit different anatomical conditions and either ear of a person or an animal.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim 1 recites the main inventive features of the sensor; six inventive features are identified below.
Sensor element, sensor element fixture and positioning element arranged at least partially in a housing adaptable to the anatomy of at least part of the head
The sensor element, the sensor element fixture and the positioning element are arranged at least partially in a housing and the housing is adaptable to the anatomy of at least part of the head of the person or the animal.
Positioning element shaped to the interior face of the auricle and suitable for pushing the sensor element fixture into the auditory canal
The positioning element exhibits a suitable shape relating to the anatomy of the interior face of the auricle and is suitable for pushing the sensor element fixture into the interior of the auditory canal such that the sensor is held firmly and a continuous measurement occurs.
Position of the sensor element determined by insertion depth of the sensor element fixture
The position of the sensor element within the auditory canal is determined by the insertion depth of the sensor element fixture in the auditory canal.
Housing is at least partially elastic, rotatable and/or size adjustable
The housing is at least partially elastic and the housing is rotatable and/or size adjustable.
Housing comprises a piston and a guide with 0° pull-apart and deadlock at up to −120° or +120°
The housing comprises a piston and a guide wherein the piston is at least partially aligned in the guide, such that they may be pulled apart in the 0° position and such that a rotation of up to −120° or +120° results in a deadlock, the 0° position lying in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane of the head.
Piston and/or guide arranged with materials comprising plastic, rubber, silicone and/or elastomer
The piston and/or the guide are arranged with a material comprising a plastic, a rubber, a silicone and/or an elastomer.
The independent claim concentrates on a sensor assembly combining sensor element(s) and a sensor element fixture with a positioning element, all at least partially housed in an anatomically adaptable housing that is elastic, rotatable and size-adjustable, and includes a piston/guide mechanism and specified material selections.
Stated Advantages
Does not limit the user's mobility and is suitable for mobile or continuous sensor technology.
Comfortable to wear and ensures an optimum fit.
Adaptable to different anatomical conditions and adaptable to either ear of a person or an animal.
Provides a high quality signal at high modulation depth and a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Protective cap supports hygiene requirements and may be provided for single use.
Antenna length can be housed within the sensor without increasing the size of the sensor, keeping the assembly compact.
Documented Applications
Measuring vital parameters in the auditory canal such as body temperature, blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
Optical measuring methods including pulse oximetry and pulse rate measurement in the auditory canal.
Continuous or mobile sensor technology using the external auditory canal as a measuring site.
Measuring at least one physiological, biochemical and/or bioelectrical parameter, in particular body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, an electrical parameter of the heart, respiratory rate, concentration of substances dissolved in blood, concentration of substances present in tissue, physical activity and body position.
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