Hydrogel longevity assist device, ultrasonic probe, skin sensor, and delivery device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a hydrogel life-prolonging auxiliary device, an ultrasonic detector, a skin-attaching sensor and a delivery device. The hydrogel life prolonging auxiliary device comprises a shell, a cover body, a risk monitor and an alarm. The containing groove of the shell is filled with hydrogel, the cover body is arranged at the first opening of the shell to achieve water retention of the hydrogel when not in use, the hydrogel at the first opening can make contact with the skin by opening the cover body when in use, the shell and the cover body enable the hydrogel to be isolated from the external atmosphere in a large area to reduce heat convection, and temperature rise of the hydrogel caused by heat accumulation is reduced. The evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel is slowed down, and water loss is inhibited. The risk monitor is arranged on the shell to achieve real-time monitoring of hydrogel, and when the risk monitor detects that the hydrogel is in a risk state, the alarm gives out alarm information to prompt a user to carry out operations such as cooling to inhibit water evaporation and supplementing liquid for reuse. Therefore, the service life of the hydrogel can be prolonged, and continuous signal detection can be supported when the hydrogel is applied to signal detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the fields of hydrogel life extension and health technology, and in particular to hydrogel life extension auxiliary devices, ultrasound detectors, skin-attached sensors and delivery devices. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogel is a three-dimensional network formed by hydrophilic polymer chains through chemical or physical crosslinking. It can fully absorb water but is insoluble in water. It swells significantly and maintains its original three-dimensional structure. The water content can be as high as 99%. Hydrogel has the characteristics of softness and easy deformation, high biocompatibility, good skin affinity, acoustic properties close to human soft tissue, and good optical properties. It can be used in coupling media, biosensors, drug / probe delivery systems, flexible electronics and other fields. However, with the use or increase of ambient temperature, hydrogel is easy to lose water and fail to function. The short lifespan makes hydrogel only disposable, with high cost, unable to support continuous signal detection, and limited application. Summary of the invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, an ultrasonic detector, a skin-attached sensor and a delivery device, which solve the problem that the hydrogel in the prior art is prone to water loss and functional failure and has a short service life.

[0004] The embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, which includes a shell, a cover, a risk monitor and an alarm. The shell has a connected receiving groove and a first opening, and the receiving groove is used to fill the hydrogel. The cover is detachably mounted at the first opening. The risk monitor is provided on the shell to monitor whether the hydrogel in the receiving groove is in a risk state. The alarm is communicatively connected to the risk monitor, and when the risk monitor detects a risk state, the alarm can send an alarm message.

[0006] The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device provided in the embodiment of the present application is filled with hydrogel in the receiving groove of the shell. When not in use, the cover body is arranged at the first opening of the shell to realize water retention of the hydrogel. When in use, the cover body is opened to allow the hydrogel at the first opening to contact the skin. The shell and the cover body isolate the hydrogel from the external atmosphere over a large area to reduce heat convection, reduce the temperature rise of the hydrogel caused by heat accumulation, slow down the evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel, and inhibit water loss. A risk monitor is configured on the shell to realize real-time monitoring of the hydrogel. When the risk monitor detects that the hydrogel is in a risky state, the alarm device sends an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, and other operations. Thereby, the service life of the hydrogel can be extended, and continuous signal detection can be supported when applied to signal detection.

[0007] In an optional implementation, the shell can be configured in a columnar, rectangular, or other shape. The shell can be a flat structure, that is, the height dimension is smaller than the length dimension or the width dimension. The hydrogel is used as the protected subject and is filled in the housing groove of the shell, or an electrical sensor or delivery body is provided on the basis of the hydrogel.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the shell includes a heat insulation layer, which surrounds the receiving groove. The heat insulation layer can reduce heat transfer inside and outside the shell, reduce heat accumulation of the hydrogel inside the shell to reduce temperature rise, and slow down the evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the outer layer of the shell is a reflective layer. The reflection of light energy is achieved through the emission layer outside the shell, thereby reducing the transmission of external light energy to the inside of the shell.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the reflective layer can be a white layer, which can reflect all external light energy and reduce heat radiation. In addition, the reflective layer can also be other light-colored layer structures, which can better reflect part of the light energy to reduce heat radiation.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the inner layer of the shell is a heat absorption layer. The heat absorption layer on the inner side of the shell absorbs the light energy transmitted from the outside to the inside of the shell, thereby reducing the external light energy transmitted to the hydrogel in the shell.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the heat absorption layer can be a black layer, which can absorb all light energy and reduce heat radiation. In addition, the heat absorption layer can also be other dark layer structures, which can absorb part of the light energy to reduce heat radiation.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the shell includes a heat insulation layer, a reflective layer disposed outside the heat insulation layer, and a heat absorption layer disposed inside the heat insulation layer. The heat insulation layer of the shell reduces heat conduction, the reflective layer can reflect external light energy, and the heat absorption layer can absorb light energy transmitted from the outside to the inside of the shell.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the risk monitor includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the containing tank; when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a temperature setting value, the alarm can issue a first alarm message.

[0015] A temperature sensor is set on the shell to detect the temperature inside the shell in real time. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the temperature setting value, the alarm sends a first alarm message to remind the user that the hydrogel in the shell is at a high temperature and is at risk of water loss, and needs to be cooled to inhibit water evaporation and replenish liquid.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the temperature sensor and the alarm are both electrically connected to the controller. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor can be transmitted to the controller. The controller determines the relationship between the detected temperature value and the temperature setting value, and then controls whether the alarm issues a first alarm message.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the risk monitor includes a failure detector for detecting the water loss rate inside the containing tank; when the water loss rate detected by the failure detector is greater than or equal to the first water loss setting value, the alarm can issue a second alarm message.

[0018] A failure detector is provided on the shell to detect the water loss rate inside the shell. When the water loss rate detected by the failure detector reaches a first water loss setting value, the alarm sends a second alarm message to remind the user that the hydrogel in the shell is in a high water loss rate risk state and needs to be cooled to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid, and other operations.

[0019] In an optional implementation, when the water loss rate detected by the failure detector is greater than or equal to the second water loss setting value, and the second water loss setting value is greater than the first water loss setting value, the alarm can issue a third alarm message, prompting the user that the hydrogel in the shell is in a failure state with a very high water loss rate and needs to be replaced with a new hydrogel before it can be used again, so as to avoid the situation where the failed hydrogel is used again.

[0020] In an optional implementation, the failure detector and the alarm are both electrically connected to the controller, and the detection signal of the failure detector can be transmitted to the controller. The controller calculates and determines the relationship between the water loss rate and the first water loss setting value (or the second water loss setting value), and then controls whether the alarm sends the second alarm information (or the third alarm information).

[0021] In an optional implementation, the failure detector includes a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the hydrogel inside the receiving tank.

[0022] The weight change of the hydrogel inside the receiving tank can characterize the water loss rate of the hydrogel. As the water in the hydrogel in the shell evaporates to the outside, the weight of the hydrogel will become lighter. The weight sensor measures the weight value of the hydrogel, and after conversion and size judgment, the alarm sends out the corresponding alarm information, which plays the role of water loss risk warning or failure reminder.

[0023] In an optional implementation, the weight sensor and the alarm are both electrically connected to the controller, and the weight before and after the change detected by the weight sensor can be transmitted to the controller. The controller calculates and determines the relationship between the water loss rate and the first water loss setting value (or the second water loss setting value), and then controls whether the alarm sends the second alarm information (or the third alarm information).

[0024] In an optional implementation, a weight sensor can be arranged inside the shell to achieve weighing of the hydrogel. The weight sensor is arranged inside the shell. When the hydrogel needs to be weighed, one side of the weight sensor is arranged downward so that the hydrogel rests on the weight sensor. Only then can the weight sensor sense the gravity of the hydrogel to obtain accurate weighing.

[0025] In an optional implementation, the alarm includes at least one of a display light, a vibrator, and a buzzer. These alarms can all send out alarm information.

[0026] In an optional implementation, the alarm is a display light, which may be a light-emitting diode (LED) light, and the number of lit display lights indicates different alarm information.

[0027] In an optional implementation, the alarm is a micro vibrator, which may be a micro vibration motor, and different alarm information is represented by the length of vibration time of the vibrator.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the alarm is a buzzer, and the length of the sound emitted by the buzzer represents different alarm information.

[0029] In an optional implementation, the alarm may be disposed on the housing so that the alarm and the housing form an integrated structure for easy transportation and use.

[0030] In an optional implementation, the cover and the housing are connected by a buckle assembly. One of the cover and the housing has a buckle, and the other has a slot. The buckle is buckled on the slot to conveniently fix the cover to the first opening of the housing.

[0031] In an optional implementation, the cover and the housing are connected by threads. The cover has internal threads, and the housing has external threads matching the internal threads, and the internal threads and the external threads cooperate with each other to achieve a detachable connection between the cover and the housing.

[0032] In an optional implementation, the cover body and the housing are connected by a fastener. The cover body is arranged on the first opening of the housing, and the fastener is passed through the cover body and is threadedly connected to the housing, so that the cover body can be fixed on the housing.

[0033] The above methods can conveniently realize the detachable connection between the cover body and the shell, and the cover body can be reliably fixed on the shell to cover the first opening of the shell.

[0034] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic detector, which includes an acoustic sensor, a hydrogel and the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, the hydrogel is filled in the receiving groove, the shell has a second opening arranged opposite to the first opening, and the detection surface of the acoustic sensor is arranged at the second opening.

[0035] The ultrasonic detector provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, the hydrogel is filled in the receiving groove of the shell, the first opening and the second opening of the shell are arranged oppositely, and the acoustic sensor is arranged at the second opening. When in use, the cover is opened to expose the hydrogel at the first opening and make conformal contact with the skin of the organism. The acoustic sensor emits ultrasonic waves through the hydrogel to enter the skin of the organism. After reaching the part to be detected, the reflected echo returns to the acoustic sensor through the hydrogel to realize the detection of physiological information. When the risk monitor detects that the hydrogel is in a risky state, the alarm sends an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc. The service life of the hydrogel can be extended, and the ultrasonic signal can be continuously detected for a longer time to obtain more comprehensive information, reducing the high cost caused by frequent replacement of the hydrogel. If there is no shell and the hydrogel is directly exposed to the outside, the hydrogel will lose water quickly during use. After the water is lost, the volume of the hydrogel will shrink and become dry and hard, and the ability to exhaust will be lost, making it impossible to detect or treat.

[0036] In an optional implementation, the alarm may be arranged on the housing, and the alarm may also be arranged on the outer shell of the acoustic sensor. When the risk monitor detects that the hydrogel in the containing tank is in a risk state, the alarm will issue an alarm message.

[0037] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a skin-attached sensor, comprising an electrical sensor, a conductive hydrogel, and the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, wherein the electrical sensor is used to detect electrophysiological signals of a living body, the conductive hydrogel is filled in a receiving groove, and the electrical sensor is disposed inside the conductive hydrogel.

[0038] The skin-attached sensor provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, the conductive hydrogel is filled in the receiving groove of the shell, and the electrical sensor is arranged inside the conductive hydrogel. When in use, the cover is opened to expose the conductive hydrogel at the first opening and conformally contact and fit well with the skin of the organism to form a conductive path, reduce the contact impedance, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the detection result. The electrophysiological signal of the part to be tested is transmitted to the electrical sensor through the conductive hydrogel to achieve accurate and stable detection of the electrophysiological signal. When the risk monitor detects that the hydrogel is in a risky state, the alarm will send an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc. The service life of the hydrogel can be extended, and the continuous detection of electrophysiological signals for a longer time and the acquisition of high-quality signals can be supported, avoiding the problem of poor electrical coupling after the hydrogel fails quickly and hardens, resulting in large contact impedance, many artifacts, and large noise. The hydrogel has the characteristics of softness, easy deformation, high biocompatibility, and good skin affinity, which can improve the comfort in long-term testing and avoid the discomfort or even allergies caused by the long-term direct contact of the traditional rigid detection electrode with the skin.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a delivery device, including a delivery body, a hydrogel, and the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, wherein the hydrogel is filled in the receiving groove, the delivery body is a probe or a drug, and the delivery body is disposed inside the hydrogel.

[0040] When the delivery body is a probe, the probe can have the function of detecting physiological information of the organism. Different types of probes can measure corresponding physiological information. When the delivery body is a drug, the drug can enter the skin of the organism through the hydrogel, realize the slow release of the drug to the organism, and realize continuous long-term drug treatment.

[0041] The delivery device provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, the hydrogel is filled in the receiving groove of the shell, the delivery body is a probe or a drug, and the delivery body is arranged inside the hydrogel. When in use, the cover body is opened to expose the hydrogel at the first opening and contact the skin of the organism. The hydrogel and the skin are well fitted for a long time, so that the delivery body can smoothly pass through the interface between the two to enter the skin, improve the effective transmission rate of the delivery body, and support a long time of detection or treatment. When the risk monitor detects that the hydrogel is in a risky state, the alarm is issued by the alarm to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc., which can extend the service life of the hydrogel. If there is no shell and the hydrogel is directly exposed to the outside, the hydrogel will lose water quickly and fail, and the hydrogel will not fit the skin well, resulting in a low efficiency of the probe or drug entering the skin, which will have an adverse effect on the detection or treatment. It avoids the problem that the hydrogel quickly fails and hardens, cannot fit the skin, and cannot continue to achieve the delivery of the delivery body or the problem of a short sustained release time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device;

[0044] Figure 3 A top view of the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device when the hydrogel shrinks;

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic detector provided in an embodiment of the present application when the cover is removed;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasound probe when the hydrogel and skin are in conformal contact;

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasound probe when the hydrogel shrinks and separates from the skin;

[0049] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a skin-attached sensor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the skin-attached sensor when the cover is removed;

[0051] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the delivery device provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.11 for Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the structure of the delivery device when the cover is removed.

[0053] Description of reference numerals:

[0054] 1- Skin;

[0055] 100-hydrogel life extension auxiliary device; 110-housing; 111-accommodating groove; 112-first opening; 113-insulating layer; 114-reflecting layer; 115-heat absorbing layer; 116-slot; 117-second opening; 120-cover; 121-buckle; 130-risk monitor; 131-temperature sensor; 132-failure detector; 140-alarm;

[0056] 200-hydrogel; 300-acoustic sensor; 301-detection surface; 400-electrical sensor; 500-delivery body;

[0057] 1000 - Ultrasound detector; 2000 - Skin-attached sensor; 3000 - Delivery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present application clearer, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application. Although the description of the present application will be introduced in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to the implementation mode. On the contrary, the purpose of combining the implementation mode as an application introduction is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present application. In order to provide a deep understanding of the present application, many specific details will be included in the following description. The present application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0059] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0060] It should be understood that in the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0061] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0063] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear at different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0064] Hydrogel is a soft, semi-solid or quasi-solid material containing a large amount of water. Hydrogel is a liquid-solid mixture consisting of two phases: liquid water and a solid skeleton. The water molecules in the hydrogel interact with the molecules that make up the solid cross-linked network through physical forces (such as hydrogen bonds). This weak intermolecular bond is unstable and can be easily destroyed with use or changes in the environment (such as increased temperature). The hydrogel is prone to water loss and functional failure. The short lifespan makes the hydrogel only disposable, which is costly and cannot support continuous signal detection, limiting its application.

[0065] The related technology can improve the water retention capacity of the hydrogel by modifying the material of the hydrogel itself. In addition, the related technology adds a shell to the hydrogel for the convenience of handheld operation, which does not have the function of avoiding the temperature rise of the hydrogel and inhibiting water evaporation. It is also limited to one-time use and cannot support continuous long-term signal detection.

[0066] See also Figures 1 to 3, an embodiment of the present application provides a hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, which includes a shell 110, a cover body 120, a risk monitor 130 and an alarm 140. The shell 110 has a connected receiving groove 111 and a first opening 112, and the receiving groove 111 is used to fill the hydrogel 200. The cover body 120 is detachably installed at the first opening 112. The risk monitor 130 is arranged on the shell 110, and is used to monitor whether the hydrogel 200 in the receiving groove 111 is in a risk state. The alarm 140 is communicatively connected to the risk monitor 130, and when the risk monitor 130 detects a risk state, the alarm 140 can issue an alarm message.

[0067] The hydrogel 200 is in a risk state, which may be that the temperature of the hydrogel 200 exceeds the temperature setting value, or the water loss rate inside the shell 110 reaches the water loss setting value. When the alarm 140 sends out an alarm message, the hydrogel 200 inside the shell 110 is intervened, such as cooling to inhibit water evaporation, replenishing liquid, etc., to prevent the hydrogel 200 from continuing to rise in temperature or continue to lose water, so as to extend the service life of the hydrogel 200. The replenished liquid can re-swell the hydrogel 200 in a (semi) dehydrated state, so that the hydrogel 200 can be reused multiple times.

[0068] The alarm 140 and the risk monitor 130 are connected in communication, which can be a wired communication connection or a wireless communication connection. When a wired communication connection is used, for example, the alarm 140 and the risk monitor 130 are both connected to a circuit board to achieve electrical signal transmission. When a wireless communication connection is used, the alarm 140 and the risk monitor 130 can be connected through wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), near field communication technology (NFC), infrared technology (IR), etc. to achieve electrical signal transmission.

[0069] Depending on the type of the alarm 140 , different alarms 140 may send out corresponding types of alarm information.

[0070] The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application has a hydrogel 200 filled in the receiving groove 111 of the shell 110. When not in use, the cover 120 is arranged at the first opening 112 of the shell 110 to realize water retention of the hydrogel 200. When in use, the cover 120 is opened to allow the hydrogel 200 at the first opening 112 to contact the skin. The shell 110 and the cover 120 isolate the hydrogel 200 from the external atmosphere over a large area to reduce heat convection, reduce the temperature rise of the hydrogel 200 caused by heat accumulation, slow down the evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel 200, and inhibit water loss. The risk monitor 130 is configured on the shell 110 to realize real-time monitoring of the hydrogel 200. When the risk monitor 130 detects that the hydrogel 200 is in a risk state, the alarm 140 sends an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc. Thereby, the service life of the hydrogel 200 can be extended, and continuous signal detection can be supported when applied to signal detection.

[0071] When the shell 110 is provided, the shell 110 can be roughly provided in a columnar, rectangular or other shape. The shell 110 can be a flat structure, that is, the height dimension is smaller than the length dimension or the width dimension. The hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111 of the shell 110 as the protected body, or an electrical sensor 400 or a delivery body 500 is provided on the basis of the filled hydrogel 200, so that the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100 can be applied to different detection scenarios.

[0072] To reduce heat conduction, in some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The shell 110 includes a heat insulating layer 113, and the heat insulating layer 113 is arranged around the receiving groove 111. The heat insulating layer 113 can reduce the heat transfer between the inside and outside of the shell 110, reduce the heat accumulation of the hydrogel 200 inside the shell 110 to reduce the temperature rise, and slow down the evaporation rate of the water in the hydrogel 200. Among them, the heat insulating layer 113 can be a structure made of a hydrophobic closed-cell material or the like, such as a structure formed by stacking a resin layer and a plurality of glass fiber layers.

[0073] To reduce heat radiation, in some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The outer layer of the housing 110 is a reflective layer 114. The reflective layer outside the housing 110 realizes the reflection of light energy, thereby reducing the transmission of external light energy into the housing 110.

[0074] When the outer layer of the housing 110 is the reflective layer 114, the reflective layer 114 can be a white layer, which can reflect all external light energy and reduce heat radiation. In addition, the reflective layer 114 can also be other light-colored layer structures, which can better reflect part of the light energy to reduce heat radiation.

[0075] To reduce heat radiation, in some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The inner layer of the shell 110 is a heat absorption layer 115. The heat absorption layer 115 inside the shell 110 absorbs the light energy transmitted from the outside to the inside of the shell 110, thereby reducing the external light energy transmitted to the hydrogel 200 inside the shell 110.

[0076] When the inner layer of the housing 110 is the heat absorbing layer 115, the heat absorbing layer 115 can be a black layer, which can absorb all light energy and reduce heat radiation. In addition, the heat absorbing layer 115 can also be other dark layer structures, which can absorb part of the light energy and reduce heat radiation.

[0077] For example, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The shell 110 includes a heat insulating layer 113, a reflective layer 114 disposed outside the heat insulating layer 113, and a heat absorbing layer 115 disposed inside the heat insulating layer 113. The heat insulating layer 113 of the shell 110 reduces heat conduction, the reflective layer 114 can reflect external light energy, and the heat absorbing layer 115 can absorb light energy transmitted from the outside to the inside of the shell 110. The reflective layer 114 is a white layer, and the heat absorbing layer 115 is a black layer, that is, the shell 110 adopts a two-color design inside and outside, which reduces heat radiation and reduces the heat rise of the hydrogel 200 in the shell 110.

[0078] There are multiple optional implementations when setting up the risk monitor 130:

[0079] The first implementation of the risk monitor 130 is: Figure 1 , Figure 2 The risk monitor 130 includes a temperature sensor 131 for detecting the temperature inside the containing tank 111; when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 is greater than or equal to the temperature setting value, the alarm 140 can issue a first alarm message.

[0080] A temperature sensor 131 is provided on the housing 110 to detect the internal temperature of the housing 110 in real time. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 reaches the temperature setting value, the alarm 140 issues a first alarm message, prompting the user that the hydrogel 200 in the housing 110 is at a high temperature and has a risk of water loss, and needs to be cooled to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid, etc. The temperature setting value can be 28°C to 32°C, set as needed, such as 30°C.

[0081] Exemplarily, the temperature sensor 131 and the alarm 140 are both electrically connected to a controller (not shown). The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 can be transmitted to the controller. The controller determines the relationship between the detected temperature value and the temperature setting value, and then controls whether the alarm 140 issues a first alarm message.

[0082] The second implementation of the risk monitor 130 is: Figure 1 , Figure 2 The risk monitor 130 includes a failure detector 132 for detecting the water loss rate inside the containing tank 111; when the water loss rate detected by the failure detector 132 is greater than or equal to the first water loss setting value, the alarm 140 can issue a second alarm message.

[0083] A failure detector 132 is provided on the housing 110 to detect the water loss rate inside the housing 110. When the water loss rate detected by the failure detector 132 reaches a first water loss setting value, the alarm 140 issues a second alarm message to remind the user that the hydrogel 200 in the housing 110 is in a high water loss risk state and needs to be cooled to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid, etc. The first water loss setting value can be 8% to 15%, which can be set as needed, such as 10%.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the water loss rate detected by the failure detector 132 is greater than or equal to the second water loss setting value, and the second water loss setting value is greater than the first water loss setting value, the alarm 140 can issue a third alarm message.

[0085] When the water loss rate detected by the failure detector 132 reaches the second water loss setting value, the alarm 140 issues a third alarm message, prompting the user that the hydrogel 200 in the housing 110 is in a failure state with a very high water loss rate and needs to be replaced with a new hydrogel 200 before it can be used again, so as to avoid the situation where the failed hydrogel 200 is used again. The second water loss setting value can be 20% to 25%, which can be set as needed, such as 20%.

[0086] Exemplarily, the failure detector 132 and the alarm 140 are both electrically connected to the controller, and the detection signal of the failure detector 132 can be transmitted to the controller. The controller calculates and determines the relationship between the water loss rate and the first water loss setting value (or the second water loss setting value), and then controls whether the alarm 140 issues the second alarm information (or the third alarm information).

[0087] It is understandable that the housing 110 may be provided with one of the risk monitors 130 , namely, the temperature sensor 131 and the failure detector 132 , or both risk monitors 130 may be provided.

[0088] When the failure detector 132 is provided, the failure detector 132 includes a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the hydrogel 200 inside the receiving groove 111 .

[0089] The weight change of the hydrogel 200 inside the receiving groove 111 can represent the water loss rate of the hydrogel 200. As the water in the hydrogel 200 in the housing 110 evaporates to the outside, the weight of the hydrogel 200 becomes lighter. The weight sensor measures the weight value of the hydrogel 200, and after conversion and size judgment, the alarm 140 issues a corresponding alarm message, which serves as a warning of water loss risk or failure reminder.

[0090] The water loss rate is used to measure the degree of water loss in the hydrogel 200. The water loss rate is calculated as follows: water loss rate = (weight before change - weight after change) / weight before change * 100%. The weight before change refers to the initial weight of the hydrogel 200. The weight after change refers to the weight of the hydrogel 200 after the water evaporates. When measuring the weight before change and the weight after change, the temperature of the hydrogel 200 needs to be equalized as much as possible to reduce the impact of environmental changes on the measurement.

[0091] Exemplarily, the weight sensor and the alarm 140 are both electrically connected to the controller. The weight before and after the change detected by the weight sensor can be transmitted to the controller. The controller calculates and determines the relationship between the water loss rate and the first water loss setting value (or the second water loss setting value), and then controls whether the alarm 140 issues the second alarm information (or the third alarm information).

[0092] When a weight sensor is provided, the weight sensor may be provided inside the housing 110 to achieve weighing of the hydrogel 200 . Figure 2 In the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , a weight sensor is disposed inside the housing 110. When the hydrogel 200 needs to be weighed, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, one side of the weight sensor is placed downward, and the hydrogel 200 is placed against the weight sensor. Only then can the weight sensor sense the gravity of the hydrogel 200 to obtain accurate weighing.

[0093] When setting up alarm 140, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The alarm 140 includes at least one of a display light, a vibrator, and a buzzer. These alarms 140 can all send out alarm information. One of the alarms 140 can be selected, or two or more alarms 140 can be selected.

[0094] When the alarm 140 is a display light, the display light may be an LED light, and different alarm information is represented by the number of lighted display lights. Exemplarily, the housing 110 is provided with three LED lights arranged in sequence, namely, a first LED light, a second LED light, and a third LED light. When the first LED light is on, it represents the first alarm information, when the first LED light and the second LED light are on, it represents the second alarm information, and when all three LED lights are on, it represents the third alarm information, thereby distinguishing different alarm information.

[0095] When the alarm 140 is a micro vibrator, the vibrator may be a micro vibration motor, and different alarm information may be represented by the length of the vibration time of the vibrator. For example, a short intermittent vibration emitted by the vibrator represents the first alarm information and the second alarm information, and a long intermittent vibration emitted by the vibrator represents the third alarm information, thereby distinguishing different alarm information.

[0096] When the alarm 140 is a buzzer, the length of the sound emitted by the buzzer indicates different alarm information. For example, the intermittent beeping sound emitted by the buzzer indicates the first alarm information and the second alarm information, and the continuous beeping sound emitted by the buzzer indicates the third alarm information, thereby distinguishing different alarm information.

[0097] When setting up alarm 140, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The alarm 140 can be arranged on the housing 110, so that the alarm 140 and the housing 110 form an integrated structure, which is convenient for transportation and use.

[0098] There are a variety of optional implementations when the cover 120 and the housing 110 are connected.

[0099] The first implementation method of connecting the cover 120 and the housing 110: Figure 1 , Figure 2 The cover 120 and the housing 110 are connected by a buckle assembly. The buckle assembly includes a buckle 121 and a slot 116 that are buckled together. One of the structural members of the cover 120 and the housing 110 is provided with the buckle 121, and the other structural member is provided with the slot 116. By buckling the buckle 121 with the slot 116, the cover 120 can be conveniently fixed at the first opening 112 of the housing 110.

[0100] The second implementation method of connecting the cover 120 and the housing 110 is that the cover 120 and the housing 110 are connected by threads. The cover 120 has an internal thread, and the housing 110 has an external thread that matches the internal thread. The internal thread and the external thread cooperate with each other to achieve a detachable connection between the cover 120 and the housing 110.

[0101] A third implementation method of connecting the cover 120 and the housing 110: the cover 120 and the housing 110 are connected by a fastener. The fastener may be a screw. During assembly, the cover 120 is covered at the first opening 112 of the housing 110, and the fastener is passed through the cover 120 and is threadedly connected to the housing 110, so that the cover 120 can be fixed to the housing 110.

[0102] The above methods can conveniently realize the detachable connection between the cover 120 and the shell 110 , and the cover 120 can be reliably fixed on the shell 110 to cover the first opening 112 of the shell 110 .

[0103] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 An embodiment of the present application provides an ultrasonic detector 1000, which includes an acoustic sensor 300, a hydrogel 200 and the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, the hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111, the shell 110 has a second opening 117 arranged opposite to the first opening 112, and the detection surface 301 of the acoustic sensor 300 is arranged at the second opening 117.

[0104] The ultrasonic detector 1000 is a contact ultrasonic detector with an acoustic coupling function. The detection surface 301 of the acoustic sensor 300 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the detection part of the biological body (such as the human body) and receive echo signals. The shell 110 is used to fill the hydrogel 200 as an acoustic coupling medium to reduce the thermal convection between the hydrogel 200 and the external atmosphere. The hydrogel 200 provides a channel for the smooth propagation of ultrasonic waves without distortion.

[0105] The skin 1 of the organism has an uneven and non-smooth morphology (e.g. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the hydrogel 200 has good skin affinity and is soft and easily deformable. The hydrogel 200 can be dynamically adaptively deformed to adapt to the surface morphology of the skin 1 to form a conformal contact (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the air between the hydrogel 200 and the skin 1 is excluded to achieve good acoustic coupling for ultrasonic detection or treatment. After the acoustic sensor 300 obtains the echo signal, it can obtain physiological information of the part to be detected, such as vascular blood flow information, heart and lung sounds, organ imaging, fat detection, etc. through conventional signal processing and computational analysis. Conformality refers to the highly consistent geometric shapes of the surfaces of two objects, contact refers to the interaction between the surfaces of two objects, and conformal contact refers to the close contact state of one surface adapting to the morphology of another surface.

[0106] If the hydrogel 200 is not provided, there is air between the acoustic sensor 300 and the skin 1. Since the acoustic impedance of the air is seriously mismatched with that of the skin 1, the air will strongly reflect the ultrasonic waves emitted by the acoustic sensor 300, and the reflectivity may be greater than 99.9%, so that the ultrasonic waves cannot enter the skin 1 and reach the part to be tested, and the detection or treatment cannot be performed. Sound wave conduction can be understood as the propagation of small disturbances of the medium that deviate from the equilibrium state. Acoustic impedance is the resistance that needs to be overcome to allow the medium to move. Different materials have different acoustic impedances, which will affect the propagation path of the sound waves in the medium and the detection effect.

[0107] The ultrasonic detector 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, the hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111 of the shell 110, and the cover 120 is arranged at the first opening 112 of the shell 110 when not in use to realize the water retention of the hydrogel 200. The shell 110 and the cover 120 isolate the hydrogel 200 from the external atmosphere over a large area to reduce heat convection, reduce the temperature rise of the hydrogel 200 caused by heat accumulation, slow down the evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel 200, and inhibit water loss. The first opening 112 and the second opening 117 of the shell 110 are arranged oppositely, and the acoustic sensor 300 is arranged at the second opening 117. When in use, the cover 120 is opened to expose the hydrogel 200 at the first opening 112 and conform to the skin 1 of the organism. The acoustic sensor 300 emits ultrasonic waves through the hydrogel 200 to enter the skin 1 of the organism. After reaching the part to be detected, the reflected echo returns to the acoustic sensor 300 through the hydrogel 200 to realize the detection of physiological information. Combination Figure 7 When the risk monitor 130 detects that the hydrogel 200 is in a risky state, the alarm 140 sends an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc. The service life of the hydrogel 200 can be extended, and the ultrasonic signal can be continuously detected for a longer time to obtain more comprehensive information, reducing the high cost caused by frequent replacement of the hydrogel 200. If there is no shell 110 and the hydrogel 200 is directly exposed to the outside, the hydrogel 200 will lose water quickly during use. After the water is lost, the volume of the hydrogel 200 will shrink and become dry and hard, and it will lose the ability to exhaust and cannot be detected or treated.

[0108] When the alarm 140 is provided, the alarm 140 may be provided on the housing 110, or may be provided on the outer shell of the acoustic sensor 300. When the risk monitor 130 detects that the hydrogel 200 in the receiving tank 111 is in a risk state, the alarm 140 will issue an alarm message.

[0109] See also Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The embodiment of the present application provides a skin-attached sensor 2000, including an electrical sensor 400, a conductive hydrogel 200 and the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, the electrical sensor 400 is used to detect the electrophysiological signals of a biological body, the conductive hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111, and the electrical sensor 400 is arranged inside the conductive hydrogel 200.

[0110] Among them, electrophysiological signals are electrical signals generated by the nerve cells of an organism, such as electromyography, electroencephalography, electrocardiography, etc. Electromyography is a tiny change in electric potential generated during the muscle movement of an organism, which can be used for gesture recognition, motion state detection, and fall prevention warning for the elderly. Electroencephalography is a spontaneous biopotential of the brain, which can be used to detect changes in brain function. Electrocardiography can be used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health detection, etc. The electrophysiological signal graph that can be obtained by the electrical sensor 400, the electrical sensor 400 can be an electrode sheet. The electrical sensor 400 and an external acquisition device (such as a computer) can be connected by wires to achieve the transmission of electrical signals.

[0111] In the related art, a rigid detection electrode is used to contact the skin 1 to collect electrophysiological signals. The intensity of these electrophysiological signals is relatively weak, and factors such as the contact area and contact impedance between the detection electrode and the skin 1 will have a great impact on the measurement results. When the detection electrode is in direct contact with the skin 1, the electrical coupling between the detection electrode and the skin 1 is poor, the contact impedance is large, there are artifacts (such as motion artifacts) and high noise, the feature information extraction is troublesome, the result accuracy will also be affected, and it is difficult to perform accurate and stable signal detection.

[0112] The skin-attached sensor 2000 provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, and the conductive hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111 of the shell 110. When not in use, the cover 120 is arranged at the first opening 112 of the shell 110 to realize the water retention of the hydrogel 200. The shell 110 and the cover 120 isolate the hydrogel 200 from the external atmosphere over a large area to reduce heat convection, reduce the temperature rise of the hydrogel 200 caused by heat accumulation, slow down the evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel 200, and inhibit water loss. The electrical sensor 400 is arranged inside the conductive hydrogel 200. When in use, the cover 120 is opened to expose the conductive hydrogel 200 at the first opening 112 and conformally contact and fit well with the skin 1 of the organism to form a conductive path, reduce the contact impedance, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the detection result. The electrophysiological signal of the part to be measured is transmitted to the electrical sensor 400 through the conductive hydrogel 200, so as to realize accurate and stable detection of the electrophysiological signal. When the risk monitor 130 detects that the hydrogel 200 is in a risky state, the alarm 140 sends an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc. The service life of the hydrogel 200 can be extended, and continuous detection of electrophysiological signals for a longer period of time and acquisition of high-quality signals can be supported, avoiding the problem of poor electrical coupling after the hydrogel 200 quickly fails and hardens, resulting in large contact impedance, many artifacts, and high noise. The hydrogel 200 is soft and deformable, highly biocompatible, and skin-friendly, which can improve the comfort level during long-term testing and avoid discomfort or even allergies caused by long-term direct contact of traditional rigid detection electrodes with the skin 1.

[0113] See also Fig.10 and Fig.11 An embodiment of the present application provides a delivery device 3000, including a delivery body 500, a hydrogel 200 and the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, the hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111, the delivery body 500 is a probe or a drug, and the delivery body 500 is arranged inside the hydrogel 200.

[0114] When the delivery body 500 is a probe, the probe can have the function of detecting physiological information of an organism. Different types of probes can measure corresponding physiological information. For example, a blood glucose probe is disposed in the hydrogel 200, so that the blood glucose probe enters the skin 1 of the organism to achieve continuous and long-term blood glucose detection.

[0115] When the delivery body 500 is a drug, the drug can enter the skin 1 of the organism through the hydrogel 200, thereby achieving a slow release of the drug into the organism and achieving continuous long-term (such as 24 hours, 7 days, etc.) drug treatment.

[0116] The delivery device 3000 provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts the above-mentioned hydrogel life extension auxiliary device 100, the hydrogel 200 is filled in the receiving groove 111 of the shell 110, and the cover 120 is arranged at the first opening 112 of the shell 110 when not in use to realize the water retention of the hydrogel 200. The shell 110 and the cover 120 isolate the hydrogel 200 from the external atmosphere in a large area to reduce heat convection, reduce the temperature rise of the hydrogel 200 caused by heat accumulation, slow down the evaporation rate of water in the hydrogel 200, and inhibit water loss. The delivery body 500 is a probe or a drug, and the delivery body 500 is arranged inside the hydrogel 200. When in use, the cover 120 is opened to expose the hydrogel 200 at the first opening 112 and contact the skin 1 of the organism. The hydrogel 200 and the skin 1 are well attached for a long time, so that the delivery body 500 can smoothly pass through the interface between the two and enter the skin 1, improve the effective transmission rate of the delivery body 500, and support a longer period of detection or treatment. When the risk monitor 130 detects that the hydrogel 200 is in a risky state, the alarm 140 sends an alarm message to prompt the user to cool down to inhibit water evaporation, replenish liquid for reuse, etc., which can extend the service life of the hydrogel 200. If the shell 110 is not present and the hydrogel 200 is directly exposed to the outside, the hydrogel 200 will lose water quickly and become ineffective, and the hydrogel 200 will not fit well with the skin 1, resulting in low efficiency of the probe or drug entering the skin 1, which will have an adverse effect on the detection or treatment. This avoids the problem that the hydrogel 200 quickly fails and hardens, cannot fit with the skin 1, and cannot continue to achieve the delivery of the delivery body 500, or has a short sustained release time.

[0117] Finally, it should be noted that the above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogel life extension auxiliary device, characterized in that: include: Housing, cover, risk monitor and alarm; The housing has a communicating receiving groove and a first opening, and the receiving groove is used to fill the hydrogel; The cover is detachably mounted on the first opening; The risk monitor is disposed on the housing and is used to monitor whether the hydrogel in the containing tank is in a risk state; The alarm is communicatively connected to the risk monitor, and when the risk monitor detects the risk state, the alarm can send out an alarm message.

2. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell includes a heat insulation layer, and the heat insulation layer is arranged around the receiving groove; And / or, the outer layer of the shell is a reflective layer; And / or, the inner layer of the shell is a heat absorption layer.

3. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the outer layer of the shell is a reflective layer, the reflective layer is a white layer; When the inner layer of the shell is a heat absorbing layer, the heat absorbing layer is a black layer.

4. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The risk monitor includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the containing tank; when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a temperature setting value, the alarm can issue a first alarm message.

5. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The risk monitor includes a failure detector for detecting the water loss rate inside the containing tank; when the water loss rate detected by the failure detector is greater than or equal to the first water loss setting value, the alarm can issue a second alarm message.

6. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the water loss rate detected by the failure detector is greater than or equal to a second water loss setting value, and the second water loss setting value is greater than the first water loss setting value, the alarm device can issue a third alarm message.

7. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The failure detector includes a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the hydrogel inside the containing tank.

8. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The alarm includes at least one of a display light, a vibrator, and a buzzer; And / or, the alarm is arranged on the shell.

9. The hydrogel life extension auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The cover body and the shell are connected via a buckle assembly; Or, the cover and the shell are connected by threads; Alternatively, the cover and the shell are connected via fasteners.

10. An ultrasonic detector, characterized in that: It comprises an acoustic sensor, a hydrogel and a hydrogel life extension auxiliary device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hydrogel is filled in the containing groove, the shell has a second opening arranged opposite to the first opening, and the detection surface of the acoustic sensor is arranged at the second opening.

11. A skin-attached sensor, characterized in that: It comprises an electrical sensor, a conductive hydrogel and a hydrogel life extension auxiliary device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrical sensor is used to detect electrophysiological signals of a living body, the conductive hydrogel is filled in the containing groove, and the electrical sensor is arranged inside the conductive hydrogel.

12. A delivery device, characterized in that: It comprises a delivery body, a hydrogel and the hydrogel life extension auxiliary device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hydrogel is filled in the containing groove, the delivery body is a probe or a drug, and the delivery body is arranged inside the hydrogel.

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