US 8,897,850 B2 · Sensor with integrated living hinge and spring

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a sensor assembly. In various embodiments the sensor assembly includes a body having a first segment, a second segment, and a living hinge. The living hinge has a pivot axis and mechanically couples the first segment and the second segment. Further, the living hinge facilitates the first segment and the second segment to pivoting relative to one another about the pivot axis. Embodiments may also relate to a method of manufacturing a sensor frame. The method may include forming an integral sensor body having a first frame segment, a second frame segment, and a living hinge. The first frame segment and the second frame segment are configured to pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis of the living hinge. The method may also include coupling one or more biasing mechanisms to the first frame segment and the second frame segment. The biasing mechanism is configured to generate a moment about the pivot axis of the living hinge. The moment biases the first segment and second segment into a closed position.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A medical sensor assembly, comprising:

a sensor body comprising:
a first segment having a first protrusion;
a second segment having a second protrusion;
at least one sensing element disposed internally within the first segment or the second segment;
a living hinge comprising a pivot axis, wherein the living hinge mechanically couples the first segment and the second segment, and is configured to enable the first segment and the second segment to pivot relative to one another generally about the pivot axis when a compression force is applied to the first protrusion and the second protrusion to move the first and second protrusions generally toward one another, and wherein the living hinge is configured to apply a first biasing force in the absence of the compression force to move ends of the first and second segments distal from the first and second protrusions generally toward one another;
and
a biasing member configured to generate a moment about the pivot axis of the living hinge, wherein the biasing member generates a second biasing force that moves the ends of the first and second segments generally toward one another.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sensor with integrated living hinge and spring

Life of this patent

Sensor with integrated living hinge and spring

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29