Folding medical sensor and technique for using the same
View Patent ↗A sensor assembly is provided that includes a frame upon which electrical and optical components may be disposed and a covering, such as an overmold coating, provided about the frame. The frame may be moved between an open and a closed configuration, such as during the manufacture of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a retaining component configured to hold the sensor in the closed configuration when engaged. In one embodiment, the sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements.
1. A sensor assembly, comprising:
a frame configured to move between an open and a closed configuration;
a covering provided over at least part of the frame, wherein the covering comprises a thermoplastic elastomer;
at least one optical component disposed on the frame; and
a retaining component configured to hold the frame in the closed configuration when the retaining component is engaged.
2. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the covering comprises a sheet, a sleeve or a film material.
3. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the covering is bonded to the frame.
4. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the covering is mechanically fastened to the frame.
5. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomer comprises at least one of a thermoplastic polyolefin, a thermoplastic vulcanizate alloy, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, or a combination thereof.
6. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomer comprises an extruded or laminated film.
7. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retaining component is integral with the sensor assembly.
8. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retaining component is separable from the sensor assembly.
9. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retaining component comprises a mechanical fastener, a band, a snap fit, an interference fit, a portion of the frame, a portion of the covering, or a combination thereof.
10. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the open configuration comprises an included angle in the range of about 120 to about 280 degrees.
11. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the open configuration comprises an included angle of approximately 180 degrees.
12. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensor assembly comprises at least one of a pulse oximetry sensor, a sensor for measuring a water fraction, or a combination thereof.
13. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensor assembly is fluid tight.
14. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a single molded part.
15. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises two or more parts joined to form the frame.
16. A sensor assembly, comprising:
a sensor body configured to move between an open and a closed position;
a covering provided over at least part of the sensor body, wherein the covering comprises a thermoplastic elastomer;
an emitter disposed on the sensor body;
a detector disposed on the sensor body; and
a retaining component configured to hold the sensor body in the closed configuration when the retaining component is engaged.
17. A sensor body, comprising:
a frame configured to move between an open and a closed configuration;
a covering provided over at least part of the frame, wherein the covering comprises a thermoplastic elastomer; and
a retaining component configured to hold the frame in the closed configuration when the retaining component is engaged.
18. A sensor, comprising:
a skeletal frame having a thermoplastic elastomer overmolding, wherein the skeletal frame is configured to move between an open and a closed configuration; and
a retaining component configured to hold the skeletal frame in the closed configuration when the retaining component is engaged.
19. A method for manufacturing a frame of a sensor, comprising:
forming a frame configured to move between an open and a closed configuration, wherein the frame comprises a retaining component configured to hold the frame in the closed configuration when the retaining component is engaged; and
overmolding at least part of the frame with a thermoplastic elastomer.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein forming the frame comprises performing at least one of a molding operation, a diecasting operation, a sintering operation, a casting operation, or a stamping operation.