UMass MedTech · Team project
PulsePal pediatric pulse oximeter
Comparing two pediatric pulse-oximeter attachment concepts for retention, comfort, and ease of application.
- My work
- Team-based CAD and attachment prototyping
- Result
- Two concepts compared in an adult usability study
- Status
- Electronics integration and accuracy testing remained open
The project
A pediatric pulse-oximeter design project focused on reducing application time and improving attachment retention while maintaining comfort. The team developed two prototype concepts—the BOA cable-dial splint and the spring-loaded optode holder—and compared their mechanical attachment designs and evaluated comfort, perceived weight, mobility, and application time.
Two ways to improve the fit
The team developed a spring-loaded, cushioned optode holder and a two-piece splint with an adjustable BOA cable-dial mechanism. Both went through repeated CAD and 3D-printing iterations.
Learning from failed parts
Printed springs proved too rigid and difficult to fabricate at the required scale. The holder evolved to use replaceable mechanical springs, with six iterations addressing clearances, spring placement, and retention features.
What the user study found
In the May 2023 team report, college-student participants compared the two prototypes with a commercial pulse oximeter. About 65% preferred the splint and 35% preferred the spring-loaded holder; none selected the control as their overall preference.
These were human-factors findings from adult participants. The report describes the mechanical and electronic systems as separate at that stage, with integration and measurement-accuracy testing still to be completed.
Development priorities
The report identifies reducing the cost of the cable-dial mechanism, integrating the electronics, and evaluating measurement accuracy as the next steps.
Engineering takeaways
Separate the spring from the printed structure
Printed springs were too rigid and difficult to fabricate at the required scale. The holder evolved to use replaceable mechanical springs, with six iterations addressing clearance, spring placement, and retention.
Compare usability alongside mechanical retention
The team compared comfort, mobility, perceived weight, and application time. About 65% of adult participants preferred the BOA splint and 35% preferred the spring-loaded holder; that feedback helped identify development priorities.
Keep attachment testing separate from sensing validation
The study evaluated attachment concepts with adult participants. Pediatric fit, electronics integration, and measurement accuracy remained to be evaluated.