Optical sensor including disposable and reusable elements

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is advantageously properly positioned.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A disposable element of a noninvasive optical sensor, the disposable element configured to engage a plurality of tabs extending from a first casing of a reusable element, the disposable element comprising:
 a first clip comprising:
 a plurality of slots, wherein the slots are configured to receive the plurality of tabs upon assembly of the reusable and disposable elements, and 
 a plurality of holding elements, wherein the tabs slide away from the slots and under the holding elements upon application of the optical sensor around a measurement site due to tension on the first casing from a flexible circuit connected to the first casing, wherein the tabs sliding under the holding elements vertically fixes the first casing to the first clip; and 
   disposable electronic components, wherein assembly of the reusable and disposable components electrically connects the disposable electronic components to reusable electronic components in the reusable element.