Wearable monitoring device

Abstract

A wearable device configured to measure a physiological parameter of a subject is described. A wearable device may include a dock having a plurality of pins, a dock circuit layer having a plurality of electrically conductive strips positioned along the plurality of pins, and a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with the dock circuit layer. The wearable device may also include a hub configured to be removably secured to the dock, the hub having a housing with a plurality of openings, and a hub circuit layer disposed inside the housing. When the hub and the dock are secured to each other, the plurality of pins of the frame extend toward the plurality of openings of the housing of the hub and cause the plurality of conductive strips to contact portions of the hub circuit layer to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the hub circuit layer.

Description

[0001] Incorporation by reference into any priority application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 486,456, entitled “Electrocardiogram Device,” filed on February 22, 2023. The above-listed applications and any and all applications for which foreign and domestic priority claims are acknowledged in the Application Data Sheet filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to 37 CFR 1.57. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring physiological information of a subject. background

[0004] An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely accepted non-invasive procedure that detects the electrical impulses of a subject's heart. It is often used to detect problems and / or abnormal conditions that may be related to a subject's heart. Temperature is also a widely accepted indicator of a subject's health. Temperatures that are too low or too high may negatively affect a subject's metabolic rate, organ function, and / or may cause tissue damage. By collecting and monitoring a subject's ECG and temperature data, care providers can detect and / or prevent harmful conditions, such as infection, cardiac arrest, stroke, and other types of conditions. Overview

[0005] The present disclosure describes embodiments of wearable devices, methods, and / or systems for monitoring one or more physiological parameters and / or other parameters of a subject. Such physiological parameters and / or other parameters may include, among other things, cardiac activity and / or function, body temperature, orientation, motion, and / or position of the subject. Advantageously, the wearable devices described herein can monitor such physiological parameters of the subject wirelessly, freeing the subject from the constraints of cables. The wearable devices described herein can be configured to be secured to a subject (e.g., to the subject's body).

[0006] Disclosed herein is a wearable device comprising a dock and a hub. The dock may comprise: one or more substrates configured to be secured to the skin of a subject; a frame connected to the one or more substrates, the frame comprising a plurality of prongs; and a dock circuit layer comprising a plurality of conductive strips positioned along the plurality of prongs of the frame. The wearable device may further comprise: a plurality of electrodes for monitoring the cardiac activity of the subject; and a plurality of cables configured to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the dock circuit layer. The hub may be configured to be removably secured to the dock and may comprise: a housing comprising an interior and a plurality of openings; a hub circuit layer disposed within the interior of the housing; and one or more hardware processors connected to the hub circuit layer. In some embodiments, when the hub and the dock are secured to each other, the plurality of prongs of the frame extend toward the plurality of openings of the housing of the hub and cause the plurality of conductive strips to contact portions of the hub circuit layer to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the hub circuit layer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the hub and the docking member are secured to each other, and the plurality of prongs of the frame at least partially extend through the plurality of openings of the hub housing, such that the plurality of conductive strips contact the portion of the hub circuit layer. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of prongs includes a first end connected to a portion of the frame, a second end opposite the first end, and a bent portion closer to the second end than to the first end; and when the hub and the docking member are secured to each other, the bent portions of the plurality of prongs at least partially extend through the plurality of openings of the hub housing, such that the plurality of conductive strips contact the portion of the hub circuit layer.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of prongs includes a first end connected to a portion of a frame, a second end opposite the first end, a protruding portion, and a recessed portion; the protruding portion is closer to the first end than the recessed portion; the recessed portion is closer to the second end than the protruding portion; and when the hub and the docking member are secured to each other, the recessed portion of the plurality of prongs extends at least partially through the plurality of openings in the housing of the hub and causes the plurality of conductive strips to contact a portion of the hub circuit layer. In some embodiments, the recessed portion: comprises a smaller length of each of the plurality of prongs; is shorter than the protruding portion; and / or has a smaller radius of curvature than the protruding portion. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of prongs includes a protrusion on the recessed portion, the protrusion of the plurality of prongs being configured to facilitate contact between the plurality of conductive strips and a portion of the hub circuit layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hub is configured to be removably secured to a frame of the docking station, wherein the frame includes at least one mechanical connector configured to be secured to at least one mechanical connector of the hub. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pins includes a protrusion, wherein the protrusion on the plurality of pins is configured to facilitate contact between the plurality of conductive strips and a portion of the hub circuit layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes are external electrodes configured to be secured to the skin of the subject remote from the docking piece, and wherein the wearable device further comprises at least one internal electrode operably positioned by the frame of the docking piece. In some embodiments, the wearable device comprises two internal electrodes spaced apart from each other and operably positioned by the frame of the docking piece. In some embodiments, the one or more substrates comprise two substrates separated by a channel, wherein each of the two substrates is associated with a different one of the two internal electrodes, and wherein the channel provides electrical insulation between the two internal electrodes. In some embodiments, each of the two substrates is configured to be positioned between their respective internal electrodes and the skin of the subject.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more substrates are electrically and / or thermally conductive. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a plurality of inwardly tapering recesses, each of the plurality of inwardly tapering recesses surrounding a different one of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, the hub further comprises one or more electrical contacts connected to the hub circuit layer and configured to allow a battery of the hub to receive power from a charging device, and wherein the housing comprises one or more charger contact openings configured to provide access to the one or more electrical contacts. In some embodiments, the hub further comprises a temperature sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of openings in the housing of the hub are prong openings of the housing; the housing further comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, and a probe opening extending through the bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion is positioned closer to the subject's skin when the hub and the docking piece are secured to each other and the docking piece is secured to the subject's skin; the hub circuit layer is a circuit board, the circuit board comprising a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hole extending through the circuit board between the first and second surfaces. In some embodiments, the hub further comprises: a temperature sensor mounted to the first surface of the circuit board adjacent to the at least one hole; a thermal conductivity probe extending through the probe opening of the housing, the thermal conductivity probe comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being positioned adjacent to the second surface of the circuit board and the at least one hole. In some embodiments, when the hub and the docking piece are secured to each other, when the docking piece is secured to the subject's skin: the second end of the thermal conductivity probe contacts at least one of the one or more bases of the docking piece; and the thermal conductivity probe is configured to receive thermal energy emitted from the subject's skin through the one or more bases and transmit the thermal energy to the temperature sensor via the at least one hole of the circuit board.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hub further comprises a wall extending outwardly from a bottom portion of the housing and extending around at least a portion of the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the wall surrounds the entire cross-section of the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the wall surrounds the entire outer edge of the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the wall surrounds the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall. In some embodiments, less than about 30% of the length of the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall. In some embodiments, the amount by which the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall is less than about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the amount by which the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall is about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the wall is cylindrical and the thermal conductivity probe is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the gap between the thermal conductivity probe and the wall is about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0014] Disclosed herein is a wearable device comprising a docking piece and a hub. The docking piece may include one or more substrates configured to be secured to the skin of a subject. The hub may be configured to be removably secured to the docking piece and may include: a housing comprising an interior, a top portion, a bottom portion, and an opening extending through the bottom portion, the bottom portion being positioned closer to the subject's skin when the hub and docking piece are secured to each other and the docking piece is secured to the subject's skin; a circuit board disposed within the interior of the housing, the circuit board comprising a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hole extending through the circuit board between the first and second surfaces; one or more hardware processors connected to the circuit board and disposed within the interior of the housing; a temperature sensor mounted to the first surface of the circuit board adjacent to the at least one hole; a thermal conductivity probe extending through the opening of the housing, the thermal conductivity probe comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being positioned adjacent to the second surface of the circuit board and the at least one hole; and a wall extending outwardly from the bottom portion of the housing and surrounding at least a portion of the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, when the hub and the docking piece are secured to one another and the docking piece is secured to the subject's skin: the second end of the thermal conductivity probe contacts at least one of the one or more substrates of the docking piece; and the thermal conductivity probe is configured to receive thermal energy emitted from the subject's skin through the one or more substrates and transmit the thermal energy to the temperature sensor via the at least one hole of the circuit board.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hub further comprises a battery connected to the circuit board and disposed within the interior of the housing. In some embodiments, the wall surrounds the entire cross-section of the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the wall surrounds the entire outer edge of the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the wall surrounds the thermal conductivity probe. In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall. In some embodiments, less than about 30% of the length of the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall. In some embodiments, the amount by which the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall is less than about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the amount by which the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall is about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the wall is cylindrical and the thermal conductivity probe is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the gap between the thermal conductivity probe and the wall is about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is a first temperature sensor of the wearable device, and the wearable device further includes a second temperature sensor mounted to a first surface of the circuit board spaced apart from the first temperature sensor. In some embodiments, one or more processors are configured to receive one or more signals from the first temperature sensor and determine the subject's body temperature based on the received signals.

[0017] In some embodiments, the wearable device further comprises: a plurality of electrodes for monitoring cardiac activity of the subject; and a plurality of cables configured to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and a circuit board of the hub via an electrical connection between the docking piece and the hub when the hub and the docking piece are secured to one another. In some embodiments, the docking piece further comprises a circuit layer, and wherein the plurality of cables are configured to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the circuit layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes are external electrodes configured to be secured to the skin of the subject away from the docking piece, and wherein the wearable device further comprises at least one internal electrode operably positioned by the docking piece. In some embodiments, the wearable device comprises two internal electrodes spaced apart from one another and operably positioned by the docking piece.

[0018] Disclosed herein is a wearable device configured to measure physiological parameters of an object. The wearable device may include a docking piece having a plurality of pins, a docking piece circuit layer having a plurality of conductive strips positioned along the plurality of pins, and a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with the docking piece circuit layer. The wearable device may also include a hub configured to be removably fixed to the docking piece, the hub having a housing with a plurality of openings, and a hub circuit layer arranged within an interior of the housing. When the hub and the docking piece are fixed to each other, the plurality of pins of the frame may extend toward the plurality of openings of the housing of the hub and cause the plurality of conductive strips to contact portions of the hub circuit layer to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the hub circuit layer.

[0019] Disclosed herein are systems comprising any embodiment of a wearable device described above or elsewhere herein and a charging device. In some embodiments, the charging device comprises a plurality of charging cavities, each of the plurality of charging cavities being configured to receive at least a portion of a hub and charge a battery of the hub.

[0020] To summarize the present disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are discussed herein. It should be understood that not all of these aspects, advantages, or features are necessarily present in any particular embodiment of the present disclosure, and that a wide variety of combinations of these aspects, advantages, or features will be recognized by those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Certain features of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate the embodiments, not to limit them. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments as part of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1A A perspective view of a wearable device secured to a subject is shown, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1B According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1A A top perspective view of the wearable device.

[0024] Figure 1C According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1A A top perspective view of a wearable device with the hub separated from the docking piece assembly.

[0025] Figure 1D According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1A A bottom perspective view of a wearable device with the hub separated from the docking piece assembly.

[0026] Figure 1E According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a wearable device.

[0027] Figures 2A-2B According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D A top perspective view of a countertop in a countertop assembly.

[0028] Figure 2C According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 2A-2B An exploded top perspective view of a docking piece.

[0029] Figure 2D According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 2A-2B An exploded bottom perspective view of a docking piece.

[0030] Figure 2E According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 2A-2B Bottom view of the docking frame and electrical components.

[0031] Figures 3A-3B According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figures 2A-2B Exploded top and bottom perspective views of the docking frame and electronic components.

[0032] Figure 3C According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3A An enlarged view of a portion of the frame is shown.

[0033] Figure 3D According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3A Side view of a part of the frame.

[0034] Figures 4A-4B According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D A top perspective view of the hub.

[0035] Figure 4C According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D Bottom perspective view of the hub.

[0036] Figures 4D-4I According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figures 1C-1D A top view, a bottom view, a first end view, a second end view, a first side view, and a second side view of a hub.

[0037] Figure 4J According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4F An enlarged view of a portion of the hub is shown.

[0038] Figure 4K According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D An exploded top perspective view of the hub.

[0039] Figure 4L According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D An exploded bottom perspective view of the hub.

[0040] Figure 5A According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D An exploded top perspective view of the hub's electronic assembly.

[0041] Figure 5B According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 1C-1D An exploded bottom perspective view of the hub's electronic assembly.

[0042] Figures 6A-6B According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figures 1C-1D Top and bottom views of the hub's circuit layers.

[0043] Figure 7A FIG. 1 shows an example of a device secured to an object under exemplary conditions of use according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the wearable device is shown.

[0044] Figure 7B According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1B A bottom perspective view of a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wearable device is shown.

[0045] Figures 8A-8C Shown is a top perspective view of a charger according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figures 8D-8F According to aspects of the present disclosure Figures 8A-8C Bottom perspective view of the charger.

[0047] Figures 8G-8L According to aspects of the present disclosure, Figures 8A-8C A top view, a bottom view, a front view, a rear view, a first side view, and a second side view of the charger.

[0048] Figure 8M shows an example of conditions of use according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figures 8A-8C A top perspective view of the charger, with the hub located within a portion of the charger.

[0049] Figure 8N Shown is a wall mounted device according to aspects of the present disclosure in another example condition of use. Figures 8A-8C A side view of a charger with multiple hubs positioned within a portion of the charger. Details

[0050] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or uses and their obvious modifications and equivalents. Therefore, it is intended that the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiment described below. The features of the illustrated embodiments may be modified, combined, removed and / or substituted, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

[0051] Disclosed herein are wearable devices that can be used to measure, monitor, process, determine, and / or transmit (e.g., wirelessly) one or more physiological parameters and / or other parameters of a subject (which may also be referred to herein as a "user," "patient," or "wearer"). The one or more physiological parameters and / or other parameters of the subject may include cardiac activity and / or function, body temperature (e.g., core body temperature), orientation, position, and / or motion. The orientation, position, and / or motion of the subject may include the subject's orientation relative to a surface (e.g., a bed), movement in its environment (e.g., a number of steps and / or type and / or amount of exercise taken), falls, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the wearable devices disclosed herein may be configured to measure, monitor, process, determine, and / or transmit other physiological parameters of the subject, such as lung activity and / or function, body sounds, and / or the like. The wearable devices disclosed herein may also include one or more user inputs (which may also be referred to herein as "user input devices") that allow the subject to interact with the wearable device. Various embodiments of the wearable devices disclosed herein may be configured to be removably attached to the subject, for example, via an adhesive substrate. Also disclosed herein is a charger configured to charge the wearable device described herein and / or its components.

[0052] Some embodiments of the disclosed wearable devices (or portions of such devices) can be disposable, which can reduce the risk of cross-contamination between multiple subjects. Some embodiments of the disclosed wearable devices (or portions of such devices) can be waterproof, thereby providing minimal disruption to the subject's ordinary activities (e.g., showering). Various embodiments of the disclosed wearable devices include two detachable components (which may also be referred to as "separate portions"). In such embodiments, a first component can be configured to be secured to a portion of a subject (e.g., the subject's skin), and a second component can be configured to be secured (e.g., removably secured) to the first component. In some embodiments, when secured to the first component during use, the second component is spaced apart from and / or does not contact the subject's skin. In some embodiments, the first and second components are configured such that their separation is inhibited or prevented when the first component is secured to the subject, but their separation is permitted when the first component is not secured to the subject. Such embodiments may be advantageous in situations where it is desired to inhibit or prevent an object from interfering with the operation of the wearable device. In some embodiments, the wearable device includes a button configured to switch the wearable device (or a portion thereof, such as the second component described above) between a non-operational mode and an operational mode. In some such embodiments, such a button is inaccessible (e.g., to the subject wearing the wearable device and / or to another person (e.g., a care provider)) unless the first and second components are separated from each other. Such embodiments can advantageously prevent a subject (e.g., a child) from intentionally or unintentionally turning off the wearable device while the wearable device is secured to the subject (which can ensure proper compliance in some cases). Such a "first component" can be any docking piece and / or docking piece assembly disclosed herein, and such a "second component" can be any hub disclosed herein.

[0053] Some embodiments of the wearable device disclosed herein are configured to monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG) activity of the subject. For example, some embodiments of the wearable device disclosed herein include multiple electrodes for monitoring the cardiac activity and / or function of the subject. Such electrodes can be configured to output one or more signals in response to the electrical activity of the subject (e.g., the electrical activity of the subject's heart). Such multiple electrodes can include one or more external electrodes and / or one or more internal electrodes. Such external electrodes can be configured to be fixed to the subject's body. In addition, such external electrodes can be electrically communicated with other parts of the wearable device described herein via a cable. The output from such electrodes can be received by one or more hardware processors of the wearable device for measuring the ECG of the subject. The wearable device described herein can incorporate any features described in any of the devices, assemblies, methods, and / or systems described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2022 / 0233128, entitled "ELECTROCARDIOGRAM DEVICE," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

[0054] Some embodiments of the disclosed wearable device include a temperature sensor. Some embodiments of the disclosed wearable device include multiple temperature sensors that, when in use, are operably positioned at different locations relative to each other and relative to the subject's skin. Such a configuration can allow the temperature to be measured at each of these different locations and compared to each other. In some embodiments, the thermal path between the temperature sensors (which may be referred to as a "thermal flow path" or "heat flow path") is defined by air, thermal insulation elements, and / or thermally conductive elements, which can provide additional information about known thermal properties (e.g., thermal conductivity values). The difference between measurements at the various temperature sensors can be used to provide a more accurate estimate of the subject's body temperature (e.g., core body temperature). Some embodiments include two or more temperature sensors, wherein one or more temperature sensors are at least partially thermally connected to the subject's skin / body (when the wearable device is in use) and one or more temperature sensors are at least partially thermally insulated and / or separated from the subject's skin / body. Some embodiments include an air gap and / or a portion of a circuit layer or circuit board (which may serve as a thermal insulator) between the one or more temperature sensors. The temperature values ​​measured based on each of the temperature sensors can be compared and used to simulate the core body temperature (which may also be referred to herein as "internal body temperature") value of the subject. In various embodiments, the thermal conductivity probe can be used to transfer energy from the base of the wearable device (which can be adhered to the skin of the subject) to and / or toward the substantially aligned temperature sensors. The wearable device described herein may incorporate any features described in any of the devices, assemblies, methods, and / or systems described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2023 / 0087671, filed on September 20, 2022, entitled "WEARABLE DEVICE FOR NONINVASIVE BODY TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

[0055] Some embodiments of the disclosed wearable devices are configured to monitor the orientation, position, and / or motion of a subject. For example, embodiments of the disclosed wearable devices may be configured to monitor the orientation of a subject relative to a surface (e.g., a bed), movement in its environment (e.g., a number of steps taken, the type and / or amount of exercise, and / or movement that may interfere with or affect the wearable device's physiological monitoring of the subject), falls, and / or the like. Some embodiments of the wearable devices disclosed herein include motion sensors, which may include an inertial motion unit and / or one or more accelerometers and / or one or more gyroscopes, and data from such motion sensors may be used to determine the orientation, position, and / or motion of a subject over time. The wearable device described herein may incorporate any features of any of the devices, assemblies, methods, and / or systems described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 11,406,286, filed on October 10, 2019, entitled “PATIENT MONITORING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED USER INTERFACE,” U.S. Patent Publication No. US2023 / 0045000, filed on October 6, 2022, entitled “PATIENT MONITORING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED USER INTERFACE,” and U.S. Patent Publication No. US2021 / 0330200, filed on July 5, 2021, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PATIENT FALL DETECTION,” which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0056] Figure 1A A perspective view of a wearable device 100 (which may also be referred to as a "physiological monitoring device") secured to a subject 1 is shown. The wearable device 100 may be configured to be secured (e.g., detachably secured) to the skin of the subject 1. For example, and as Figure 1AAs shown, wearable device 100 can be configured to be secured to a subject's torso and / or portion thereof, such as the chest and / or stomach of subject 1. In addition to or as an alternative to placement on the subject's torso, wearable device 100 can also be secured, affixed, or otherwise placed on various parts of the subject's body. Wearable device 100 can be secured to the subject's skin and non-invasively measure, monitor, process, determine, and / or transmit (e.g., wirelessly) one or more physiological parameters of the subject, as described herein. In some embodiments, placement of wearable device 100 and / or portions thereof relative to a portion of the subject's body facilitates one or more measurement, monitoring, processing, determination, and / or transmission functions of wearable device 100. Wearable device 100 can perform such measurement, monitoring, processing, determination, and / or transmission using one or more sensors and / or components as described herein. Wearable device 100 can wirelessly communicate with separate devices and / or systems (e.g., continuously or periodically wirelessly transmit physiological and / or other information of the subject to the separate devices and / or systems).

[0057] The wearable device 100 can be affixed to the subject's skin using any form of medically appropriate adhesive material. For example, one or more portions of the wearable device 100 can include an adhesive material (e.g., a medical-grade adhesive) that can allow the wearable device 100, or a portion thereof, to be secured (e.g., removably secured) to the subject's skin. As another example, the wearable device 100 can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive coated or applied to a bottom surface or one or more portions of the wearable device 100 for securing the wearable device 100, or a portion thereof, to the subject's skin. In another example, the wearable device can be secured to the subject's skin using an adhesive wrapped around the wearable device 100, or one or more portions thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other materials and techniques can be used to affix the wearable device 100, or a portion thereof, to the subject without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0058] Wearable device 100 may include a first component capable of securing (e.g., removably securing) wearable device 100 to a subject and a second component capable of securing wearable device 100 to the first component. In some embodiments, the first and second components of wearable device 100 may be detachable from one another. In some embodiments, the first component includes one or more substrates configured to adhere (e.g., removably adhere) to the skin. In some embodiments, the first component includes one or more electronic components and / or sensors of wearable device 100, and the second component includes one or more electronic components and / or sensors of wearable device 100. In such embodiments, the first and second components may be configured to electrically communicate with one another when secured together. In some embodiments, the expected service lives of the first and second components are different. For example, the expected service life of the first component may be less than the expected service life of the second component, such as where the first component includes one or more substrates secured to the subject's skin. In such embodiments, the first component may be disposed of and replaced, and the second component may be secured with a new first component. This may be advantageous in situations where the substrate loses integrity and / or degrades over time. An embodiment of such a first component is dock 201 and / or dock assembly 200, each of which is discussed further below. An embodiment of such a second component is hub 300, discussed further below.

[0059] Figures 1B-1D Shown Figure 1A 1 and 2. As shown, the wearable device 100 can include a docking piece 201 and a hub 300. In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes a docking piece assembly 200 that includes the docking piece 201 as well as a cable 203 and electrodes 204 (described further below). As discussed in more detail herein and as shown in Figures 1C-1D As shown, the hub 300 (which may also be referred to herein as a "sensor hub") can be removably secured to the docking piece 201 and the docking piece assembly 200 (which may also be referred to herein as a "sensor docking piece assembly"). The docking piece assembly 200 may include a plurality of electrodes 204 and a plurality of cables 203, the cables 203 being configured to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes 204 and the docking piece 201. To this end, the cables 203 may be mechanically and electrically connected to the docking piece 201 and extend from the docking piece 201, and may be mechanically and electrically connected to the electrodes 204. As shown, each electrode 204 may be connected to the docking piece 201 by a dedicated cable 203. In addition, each electrode 204 may be remotely connected to the docking piece 201 (e.g., via the cables 203). Figure 1A) and secured to the subject in a position for measuring cardiac activity and / or function. The docking assembly 200 may additionally include one or more electrodes operably positioned by the docking 201 (e.g., at least with reference to Figure 1E 202 discussed herein). The docking piece assembly 200 may also include one or more substrates (as described herein) configured to secure the wearable device 100 (or portions thereof) to the skin of the subject 1. The docking piece assembly 200 may be formed as a unitary component. In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes a docking piece 201, a cable 203, an electrode 204, one or more electrodes (e.g., electrode 202) positioned by the docking piece 201, one or more substrates, and a hub 300. The hub 300 may be configured to be removably secured to the docking piece 201. As described in more detail herein, the docking piece 201 and the docking piece assembly 200 may be secured to the skin of the subject 1 and operably position the sensors of the wearable device 100 relative to the subject 1.

[0060] Although the wearable device 100 Figures 1A-1D 2 and 3. The wearable device 100 is shown as having two electrodes 204 and two cables 203, but this is not intended to be limiting. The wearable device 100 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more cables 203 and / or a corresponding number of electrodes 204.

[0061] Figure 1EAn example schematic diagram of a wearable device 100 is shown. The wearable device 100 may include one or more processors 302 (e.g., hardware processors), a storage device 304, a communication module 306, a battery 308, an information element 310, one or more temperature sensors 312, a user input 314, one or more status indicators 316, a motion sensor 318, one or more other sensors 320, one or more electrodes 202, an information element 206, one or more other sensors 208, and / or one or more electrodes 204. In embodiments where the wearable device 100 includes a hub 300 and a docking assembly 200, the hub 300 may include one or more processors 302 (e.g., hardware processors), a storage device 304, a communication module 306, a battery 308, an information element 310, one or more temperature sensors 312, a user input 314, one or more status indicators 316, a motion sensor 318, and / or one or more other sensors 320. Additionally, for such embodiments, the docking piece assembly 200 can include one or more electrodes 202, an information element 206, one or more other sensors 208, and / or one or more electrodes 204. In some embodiments, the docking piece 201 of the wearable device 100 includes one or more electrodes 202, an information element 206, one or more other sensors 208, and / or one or more electrodes 204.

[0062] The processor 302 can be configured to process data, execute instructions to perform one or more functions, and / or control the operation of the wearable device 100 and / or its components, etc. For example, the processor 302 can process physiological data and / or other data obtained from the wearable device 100 (e.g., data related to cardiac activity and / or function, temperature, motion, position, orientation, and / or location), and can execute instructions to perform functions related to storing and / or transmitting such physiological data and / or other data. For example, the processor 302 can process received data.

[0063] The storage device 304 may include one or more memory devices that store data and / or computer-executable instructions, including but not limited to dynamic and / or static random access memory (RAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. For example, such stored data may be processed and / or unprocessed physiological data and / or other data obtained from the wearable device 100.

[0064] The communication module 306 can facilitate communication (via wired and / or wireless connections) between the wearable device 100 (and / or its components) and a separate device (e.g., an external monitoring and / or mobile device). For example, the communication module 306 can be configured to allow the wearable device 100 to communicate wirelessly with other devices, systems, and / or networks via any of a variety of communication protocols. The communication module 306 can be configured to use any of a variety of wireless communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi (802.11x), Bluetooth, ® 、ZigBee ® 、Z-wave ®, cellular telephone, infrared, near field communication (NFC), RFID, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations thereof, and the like. The communication module 306 can allow for the transmission and / or reception of data and / or instructions to and from the wearable device 100 and a separate computing device. The communication module 306 can be configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly) processed and / or unprocessed physiological or other information to a separate computing device, which can include a mobile device (e.g., an iOS or Android-enabled smartphone, tablet, laptop), a desktop computer, a server, or other computing or processing device for display and / or further processing, and the like. Such a separate computing device can be configured to store and / or further process the received physiological and / or other information, to display information indicative of or derived from the received information, and / or to transmit information, including displays, alarms, warnings, and notifications, to various other types of computing devices and / or systems that may be associated with a hospital, a care provider (e.g., a primary care facility), and / or designated personnel (e.g., an employer, school, friends, family) that have permission to access the subject's data. As another example, the communication module 306 of the wearable device 100 can be configured to wirelessly transmit processed and / or unprocessed acquired physiological and / or other information (e.g., data relating to cardiac activity and / or function, temperature, motion, position, orientation, and / or location) to a mobile phone, which can include one or more hardware processors configured to execute an application that generates a graphical user interface displaying information representing the processed or unprocessed physiological and / or other information acquired from the wearable device 100. In some embodiments, the communication module 306 can transmit data to and / or receive data from the subject's electronic medical record. In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 can be used for telemedicine. For example, the subject 1 can be sent home with the wearable device 100, which can transmit data to the cloud for review by a care provider. The communication module 306 can be embodied in one or more components that communicate with each other. The communication module 306 can include a wireless transceiver, an antenna, and / or a near-field communication (NFC) component, such as the antenna 362 and / or NFC transponder 361 discussed further below.

[0065] Battery 308 can provide power to the hardware components of wearable device 100 described herein. Battery 308 can be rechargeable. For example, battery 308 can be a lithium, lithium polymer, lithium ion, lithium ion polymer, lead acid, nickel cadmium, or nickel metal hydride battery. In some embodiments, battery 308 can be non-rechargeable. In such embodiments, the battery life can be one week or longer, two weeks or longer, four weeks or longer, two months or longer, or longer or shorter than these durations. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can include a removable battery isolator configured to electrically isolate battery 308 from other electronic components of wearable device 100 until the subject or care provider desires to use wearable device 100. Additionally or alternatively, wearable device 100 can be configured to receive power from a power source external to wearable device 100. For example, wearable device 100 can include a cable or can be configured to connect to a cable, which itself can be connected to an external power source to provide power to wearable device 100. In embodiments where the battery 308 is rechargeable, the wearable device 100 or a portion thereof (e.g., the hub 300 of the wearable device 100) can be configured to be charged by a charger. For example, the hub 300 having the battery 308 can be configured to be charged by the charger 400 described herein. In embodiments where the wearable device 100 is configured to be connected to a power cable, the wearable device 100 (e.g., the hub 300) can include a port for receiving such a power cable. Such a port can be located, for example, on a side, corner, or end of the wearable device 100 (e.g., the hub 300 of the wearable device 100 as described herein) and operably connect such an external power source to the battery 308 and / or associated electronic components of the wearable device 100. In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 is configured for inductive charging and / or wireless charging.

[0066] The information element 310 may be a memory storage element that stores information in non-volatile memory to help maintain quality standards associated with the wearable device 100. Illustratively, the information element 310 may store information about whether the wearable device 100 has been previously activated and whether the wearable device 100 has been previously operated for an extended period of time, such as, for example, four hours, one day, two days, five days, ten days, or twenty days. For example, the information stored in the information element 310 may be used to help detect improper reuse of the wearable device 100.

[0067] One or more temperature sensors 312 can continuously or periodically obtain temperature data from the subject. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the processor 302 can compare temperature data from more than one temperature sensor 312 (e.g., temperature sensors 312a, 312b, and / or 312c as described herein) to more accurately determine the subject's body temperature (e.g., internal body temperature). Each of the temperature sensors 312 can generate one or more signals in response to detected thermal energy, and such one or more signals can be received by the processor 302 for determining the body temperature value of the subject 1. Additionally or alternatively, each of the temperature sensors 312 can determine a temperature value and transmit such temperature value to the processor 308 for determining the body temperature value. For example, the temperature sensor 312 can be a thermistor or an integrated circuit (IC) temperature sensor. The wearable device 100 can incorporate temperature sensors, associated structures, and / or associated methods for determining the subject's temperature similar or identical to those described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2023 / 0087671, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] User input 314 can allow a subject (or care provider) to interact with wearable device 100. For example, user input 314 can be used to switch wearable device 100 from a non-operational mode to an operational mode (or vice versa), or to perform other actions. Figure 4L , the wearable device 100 (e.g., the hub 300 of the wearable device 100 as described herein) can include a button 338 configured to actuate a switch 371, which can be an embodiment of the user input 314.

[0069] The status indicator 316 can be configured to indicate the status of the wearable device 100, such as the charge status or life of the battery 308 of the wearable device 100, the mode in which the wearable device 100 operates, the status of the wireless connection with the external device, and / or an error condition. The status indicator can be implemented as one or more emitters configured to emit light, such as at least Figure 5A shown.

[0070] The motion sensor 318 (which may also be referred to herein as an "inertial measurement unit" or "IMU") can be configured to measure and / or monitor the motion, orientation, position, and / or location of an object. The motion sensor 318 may include one or more accelerometers and / or one or more gyroscopes. The motion sensor 318 may generate one or more signals in response to the detected motion, orientation, position, and / or location of the object. The one or more processors 302 may be configured to receive the motion, orientation, position, and / or location data of the object from the motion sensor 318. Additionally, the one or more processors 302 may determine the motion, orientation, position, and / or location of the object based on the data received from the motion sensor 318. For example, the wearable device 100 may include a motion sensor 318 that can measure static and / or dynamic acceleration forces and / or angular velocity. By measuring the static and / or dynamic acceleration forces and / or angular velocity, the motion sensor 318 can be used to calculate the motion and / or relative position of the wearable device 100. Motion sensor 318 may include, for example, one or more of an AC-responsive accelerometer (e.g., a charge-mode piezoelectric accelerometer and / or a voltage-mode piezoelectric accelerometer), a DC-responsive accelerometer (e.g., a capacitive accelerometer, a piezoresistive accelerometer), a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope, a hemispherical resonator gyroscope (HRG), a vibrating structure gyroscope (VSG), a dynamically tuned gyroscope (DTG), a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG), a ring laser gyroscope (RLG), and / or a combination thereof. Motion sensor 318 may measure acceleration forces and / or angular velocity forces in one, two, or three dimensions. Using the calculated position and motion data, a subject wearing wearable device 100 and / or another person (e.g., a caregiver) can map the position or motion vector of wearable device 100. Any number of motion sensors 318 may be used to collect sufficient data to determine the position and / or motion of wearable device 100. Thus, in some embodiments, wearable device 100 includes more than one motion sensor 318. Wearable device 100 can be configured to determine and / or track the number of steps and / or distance traveled by the subject based on data from motion sensor 318.

[0071] Incorporating at least one motion sensor 318 (e.g., one or more of a combination of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope) into the wearable device 100 can provide a number of benefits. For example, the wearable device 100 can be configured such that when motion exceeding a threshold is detected (e.g., by the processor 302), the wearable device 100 stops measuring and / or transmitting physiological parameters. As another example, the wearable device 100 can be configured such that, for example, when motion above and / or below a threshold is detected, the electrodes 202, 204, and / or temperature sensor 312 are deactivated and / or physiological parameters based on the electrodes 202, 204, and / or temperature sensor 312 are not measured until the subject's motion decreases below such threshold. This can advantageously reduce or prevent noisy, inaccurate, and / or misrepresentative physiological data from being processed, transmitted, and / or used as evidence. Additionally, the wearable device 100 can be configured such that when motion exceeding a threshold is detected (e.g., by the processor 302), the wearable device 100 begins measuring and / or transmitting physiological parameters.

[0072] Some embodiments of the wearable device 100 can be used to determine whether a subject has fallen. For example, orientation and / or motion data can be obtained from the wearable device 100 to determine whether the subject has fallen. As another example, the wearable device 100 can communicate with an external device to indicate that the subject has fallen. The wearable device 100 can incorporate motion sensors, associated structures, and / or associated methods for determining the orientation, motion, position, and / or activity of a subject similar or identical to those described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 11,406,286 and / or U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0330200, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] In some embodiments, the wearable device 100 includes one or more other sensors 320 and / or 208. For example, the hub 300 can include one or more other sensors 320, and / or the docking assembly 200 (e.g., docking 201) can include one or more other sensors 208. The other sensors 320, 208 can include one or more acoustic sensors (e.g., microphones), and / or one or more optical sensors (e.g., pulse oximetry sensors), among others. Such other sensors 320, 208 can be operably connected to the processor 302 for measuring body sounds (e.g., cardiac function and / or lung function) of the subject (in the case of acoustic sensors) and / or for measuring one or more pulse oximetry values ​​of the subject (in the case of optical sensors).

[0074] Electrode 202 (which may also be referred to herein as an "ECG electrode," "internal electrode," or "internal ECG electrode") and electrode 204 (which may also be referred to herein as an "ECG electrode," "external electrode," or "external ECG electrode") may be configured to continuously or periodically measure and / or monitor cardiac activity (which may also be referred to herein as "cardiac electrical activity") of subject 1. Each electrode 202, 204 may generate one or more signals in response to detected cardiac activity, and such one or more signals may be received by processor 302 for use in determining such cardiac activity and / or cardiac function of the subject. For example, such one or more signals may be used for ST / QT segment analysis, heartbeat classification, and / or arrhythmia detection, etc.

[0075] Wearable device 100 (e.g., docking assembly 200) may include one or more electrodes 204. For example, wearable device 100 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more electrodes 204. Electrode 204 may include a substrate configured to removably secure electrode 204 to subject 1 (e.g., the skin of subject 1). If desired, the substrate may be configured to allow repositioning of electrode 204. The substrate may provide improved electrical conductivity between electrode 204 and subject 1. The substrate may be waterproof. For example, the substrate may be a silicone adhesive. In some embodiments, each of electrodes 204 may include a design (e.g., a unique design) that can be used to provide instructions to the subject or caregiver when placing and / or arranging electrode 204 on the subject's body.

[0076] Wearable device 100 (e.g., docking assembly 200, docking 201) can include one or more electrodes 202. For example, wearable device 100 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight or more electrodes 202. Electrodes 202 can be operably positioned by docking 201. Docking 201 can include one or more substrates, as described herein, that can secure docking 201 and electrodes 202 to subject 1. In some embodiments, one of electrodes 202 is configured as a ground electrode or a reference electrode.

[0077] In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured as a 3-lead ECG device. To this end, wearable device 100 can include two electrodes 202 and two electrodes 204. Two electrodes 202 can be secured to the upper left chest of subject 1 via docking piece 201. One of such electrodes 202 can be configured as an "RL," "right leg," "reference," or "ground" electrode, and another of such electrodes 202 can be configured as an "LA," or "left arm" electrode. One of such electrodes 204 can be configured as an "LL," or "left leg," electrode and can be secured to the lower left portion of subject 1's stomach, and another of such electrodes 204 can be configured as an "RR," or "right arm," electrode and can be secured to the upper right chest of subject 1. In some embodiments, wearable device 100 can be configured as a 6-lead ECG device or have different ECG lead configurations.

[0078] The wearable device 100 may incorporate electrodes, associated structures, and / or associated methods for measuring subject cardiac activity and / or cardiac function similar or identical to those described and / or illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2022 / 0233128, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Figures 2A-2E Various views of the docking piece 201 of the wearable device 100 are shown. Figures 2A-2B A top perspective view of the docking piece 201 is shown, Figures 2C-2D An exploded perspective view of the docking piece 201 is shown, and Figure 2E 2 shows a bottom view of a portion of a docking member 201. The docking member 201 may have a first end 211, a second end 212 opposite the first end 211, a first side 213, and a second side 214 opposite the first side 213. The docking member 201 (which may also be referred to herein as a "base") may include one or more substrates, such as Figures 2C-2DThe docking member 201 may further include a frame 205 connected to one or more substrates (e.g., connected to at least one of substrates 291, 292, 293, and / or 294). The docking member 201 may also include one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., mechanical connectors 231 and / or 232) configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) the hub 300 to the docking member 201 (e.g., to secure the hub 300 to the docking member assembly 200). Furthermore, as shown, the docking member 201 may include a circuit layer, such as a docking member circuit layer 270 (which may also be referred to herein as a "circuit substrate" or "flexible circuit layer"). Such a circuit layer may include a plurality of conductive strips, such as conductive strips 273 (which may be referred to herein as "electrode conductive strips") and / or conductive strips 274 (which may be referred to herein as "information element conductive strips"). The docking piece 201 can include a plurality of pins, such as pin 253 (which may also be referred to herein as “fingers”) and / or pin 254 (which may also be referred to herein as “fingers”). A plurality of conductive strips of the circuit layer can be positioned along the plurality of pins. In some embodiments, the docking piece 201 includes an electrode 202 as described herein and can operably position the electrode 202 as described herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the docking piece 201 includes an opening (e.g., opening 221 (which may be referred to herein as a “probe opening”)) configured to receive one or more portions and / or components of the hub 300 (e.g., the wall 345 of the hub 300 and / or the thermal conductivity probe 374 as described herein) at least partially therethrough. The docking piece 201 can also include one or more components configured to form a seal (e.g., a watertight seal or a substantially watertight seal) with the hub 300 when the hub 300 is secured thereto, such as a gasket 234.

[0080] The mechanical connectors 231, 232 can be configured to engage corresponding mechanical connectors of the hub 300 (e.g., the mechanical connectors 341, 342 of the hub 300 described herein) to hold the hub 300 in an appropriate position relative to the docking member 201. The mechanical connector 231 can be near the first end 211 of the docking member 201, and the mechanical connector 232 can be near the second end 212 of the docking member 201. The frame 205 can include such mechanical connectors 231, 232. The mechanical connector 231 can be, for example, a clip extending outward from the first surface 215 of the frame 205, and can be configured to bend and / or flex (e.g., when securing the hub 300 to the docking member 201 and / or removing the hub 300 from the docking member 201). Such a first surface 215 can face the hub 300 when the hub 300 is secured to the frame 205 (e.g., when the hub 300 is secured to the dock 201). The mechanical connector 231 can include a protrusion that can extend in a direction toward the second end 212 (e.g., toward the mechanical connector 232), the protrusion configured to facilitate securing the hub 300 to the dock 201. The mechanical connector 232 can be, for example, a catch that extends outward from the first surface 215 of the frame 205. Additionally, the mechanical connector 232 can include a recess that extends inward in a direction toward the second end 212, the recess configured to facilitate securing the hub 300 to the dock 201. The interaction of mechanical connectors 231, 232 and corresponding mechanical connectors of hub 300 (e.g., mechanical connectors 341, 342 of hub 300) can advantageously allow and maintain electrical communication between dock 201 and hub 300. In some variations, dock 201 includes fewer than two mechanical connectors or more than two mechanical connectors. For example, in some variations, dock 201 includes only one of mechanical connectors 231, 232.

[0081] The frame 205 can include a wall 217 extending from the first surface 215 and along and / or around (e.g., at least partially along and / or around) an exterior and / or outer edge of the frame 205. The wall 217 can be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive an outer edge of the hub 300. The frame 205 can include (e.g., near and / or through the wall 217) an opening 225 configured to receive a cable 203 connected to the electrode 204. For example, the frame 205 can include an opening 225 for each cable 203 connected to the dock 201. As shown, such an opening 225 can be near the second end 212 of the dock 201, however this is not intended to be limiting.

[0082] The frame 205 may include pins 253 and / or pins 254. The pins 253, 254 may extend outward from the first surface 215 of the frame 205, thereby positioning the associated conductive strips 273, 274 of the docking component circuit layer 270 outward from the first surface 215 of the frame 205. In some embodiments, the conductive strips 273, 274 are operatively positioned by and / or operatively connected to the pins 253, 254, respectively (e.g., positioned along the pins 253, 254). Each of the conductive strips 273, 274 may be connected to, positioned along, and / or operatively positioned by a different one of the pins 253, 254. Figures 3A-3D , further describing the pins 253 , 254 , the conductive strips 273 , 274 , the docking piece circuit layer 270 and the frame 205 .

[0083] The opening 221 of the docking piece 201 can be proximate the first end 211 of the docking piece 201. The frame 205 can include the opening 221. The opening 221 can extend from a first surface 215 of the frame 205 (which may also be referred to herein as the "top") to a second surface 216 of the frame 205 opposite the first surface 215 (which may also be referred to herein as the "bottom") (e.g., the opening 221 can extend through a portion of the frame 205). As described above, the opening 221 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the thermal conductivity probe 374 of the hub 300 at least partially therethrough. The opening 221 can also be configured to receive at least a portion of the wall 345 of the hub 300 at least partially therethrough.

[0084] refer to Figures 2C-2D , docking piece 201 can include one or more of bases 291, 292, 293, and / or 294. Base 291 can include foam and can be configured to surround frame 205 when docking piece 201 is assembled. Base 291 can include an opening sized and / or shaped to match the size and / or shape of an outer edge of frame 205.

[0085] Substrate 292 may include an adhesive material configured to secure substrate 291 and / or second surface 216 of frame 205 to substrate 230 and / or substrate 231. Substrate 292 may be, for example, a double-sided adhesive layer. Substrate 292 may include one or more openings 292a, 292b, and 292c. Opening 229a may be sized and / or shaped to allow electrode 202 to contact a portion of substrate 294. The number of openings 229a may correspond to the number of electrodes 202. Opening 229a may be sized to receive electrode 202. Opening 229b may be positioned proximate to opening 221 of frame 205 and may be configured to allow thermal conductivity probe 374 and / or wall 345 of hub 300 to contact a portion of substrate 293 when hub 300 is secured by docking member 201. In some embodiments, opening 229a may be sized and / or shaped to be substantially similar to opening 221. Opening 292c may be located proximate to pins 253, 254 and may be sized and / or shaped substantially similar to that for pins 253, 254. Figures 3A-3C An opening 257 in a portion of the frame 205 in question.

[0086] Base 293 can be secured (e.g., adhered) to base 292 as described above. Base 293 can include openings 293a sized and / or shaped to allow electrodes 202 to contact portions of base 294. The number of openings 293a can correspond to the number of electrodes 202. Openings 230a can be sized to receive electrodes 202. As described above, openings 292b of base 292 can be sized and / or shaped to allow thermal conductivity probe 374 and / or wall 345 of hub 300 to contact portions of base 293 when hub 300 is secured to dock 201. Advantageously, base 293 can include a thermally conductive material configured to provide thermal communication between the subject's skin and thermal conductivity probe 374. Base 293 can include an electrically insulating material, which can advantageously minimize or eliminate electrical interference between the subject's skin and portions of dock 201 in areas other than openings 293a. Base 293 can be, for example, a polyethylene (PE) film.

[0087] Base 294 can be secured (e.g., adhered) to base 293 and can be the bottommost layer of docking member 201. Base 294 can be configured to contact the skin of subject 1 when docking member 201 is secured to subject 1. Base 294 can be configured to secure to the skin of subject 1, thereby securing docking member 201 to subject 1. To this end, base 294 can include an adhesive material. In some embodiments, base 294 is the only portion of docking member 201 that contacts subject 1 (e.g., base 294 can be positioned between electrodes 202 and / or thermal conductivity probe 374 (if included) and the subject's skin). In some embodiments, base 294 includes bases 294a and 294b separated from each other by channel 294c. This separation between bases 294a and 294b can provide electrical insulation between the two electrodes 202 (where both electrodes are included in docking member 201), allowing the two bases 294a and 294b (and the corresponding electrodes 202 connected thereto) to form independent electrical contact with the subject's skin. In some embodiments, channel 294c is substantially straight. In some embodiments, channel 294c includes a straight portion and a portion that is at least partially curved (e.g., including a serpentine shape). Substrate 294 may include an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, substrate 294 may include a thermally conductive material. For example, substrate 294 may include a hydrogel.

[0088] In some embodiments (not shown), docking piece 201 can include a release liner configured to be secured to one or more of the aforementioned substrates and further configured to be removed prior to securing docking piece 201 to object 1. Such a release liner can cover, for example, substrate 294 and / or have the same or similar shape or outer edge as substrate 294. Furthermore, such a release liner can include a tab configured to facilitate removal of the release liner from one or more of the aforementioned substrates.

[0089] Figure 2EA bottom view of docking piece 201 is shown without bases 291, 292, 293, and 294. In this bottom view, second surface 216 of frame 205 (which faces toward object 1 when docking piece 201 is secured to object 1) and various electronic components of docking piece 201 are visible. As shown, frame 205 can include opening 260 extending at least partially therethrough and configured to receive information element 280 of docking piece 201 and docking piece assembly 200. Information element 280 can be connected to docking piece circuit layer 270 and can be used to authenticate docking piece 201 and docking piece assembly 200 as authorized products, as described herein. Also shown, frame 205 can include opening 259 extending at least partially therethrough and positioned proximate the connection between cables 203 and docking piece circuit layer 270. Each of cables 203 can include a first wire 203a electrically connected to a different one of conductive pads 279a. Furthermore, each of the cables 203 may include a second conductor 203b electrically connected to a different one of the ground pads 279b.

[0090] Figures 3A-3B An exploded perspective view of the frame 205 and electronic components of the docking piece 201 is shown. As shown, the frame 205 can include a body 205a (which may also be referred to herein as a "first portion") and a plate 205b (which may also be referred to herein as a "second portion"). The body 205a and the plate 205b can be configured to connect to each other to form the frame 205. Additionally, as shown, the docking piece circuit layer 270 can be positioned between the body 205a and the plate 205b. To this end, the body 205a and the plate 205b can include features configured to secure the docking piece circuit layer 270 in place relative to the frame 205.

[0091] The body 205a can include a first surface 215 of the frame 205, a second surface 216, a wall 217, mechanical connectors 231 and 232, an opening 221, and an opening 225a forming a first portion of the opening 225. The body 205a can also include a plurality of openings 223 extending through the body 205a. The openings 223 can be configured to receive conductive strips 273 positioned therethrough along the pins 253. The body 205a can also include an opening 224 extending through the body 205a. The openings 224 can be configured to receive conductive strips 274 positioned therethrough along the pins 254. The gasket 234 described herein can be positioned adjacent to and / or around the openings 223 and 224 on the first surface 215.

[0092] Plate 205b may include a first surface 245 and a second surface 246 opposite first surface 245. First surface 245 of plate 205b may face body 205a when connected to body 205a. Plate 205b may include opening 260 of frame 205, opening 259, opening 225b forming a second portion of opening 225, pins 253, and pins 254. Plate 205b may also include opening 258 configured to operably position electrode 202. Additionally, as shown, plate 205b may include opening 257 that at least partially surrounds pins 253 and 254.

[0093] The docking member circuit layer 270 may include conductive strips 273 and 274 as described herein. The conductive strips 273 and 274 may be configured to be flexible so as to be positioned along the pins 253 and 254, respectively. Figure 2E , describes that the docking member circuit layer 270 can include an arm 275, wherein the arm 275 includes a conductive pad 279a and a ground pad 279b. As shown, the information element 280 can be electrically connected to the docking member circuit layer 270. The docking member circuit layer 270 can include an opening 276 surrounded by a conductive ring 277. The opening 276 can be configured to receive and / or position at least a portion of the electrode 202. The conductive ring 277 can be configured to electrically connect the electrode 202 to the docking member circuit layer 270. The docking member circuit layer 270 can be configured to electrically insulate each of the electrodes 202 and / or each of the electrodes 204 (when included). In addition, the docking member circuit layer 270 can be configured so that each of the electrodes 202 and / or each of the electrodes 204 (when included) can be electrically connected to a different one of the conductive strips 273. The docking member circuit layer 270 can be configured to electrically insulate the information element 280 from other electrical components connected thereto. Furthermore, the docking piece circuit layer may be configured such that the information element 280 is electrically connected to at least one of the conductive strips 274 .

[0094] Figure 3C Shown as Figure 3A An enlarged view of a portion of plate 205b of frame 205 is identified, and Figure 3DA side view of a portion of plate 205b of frame 205 is shown. As described herein, pins 253, 254 may extend outward from frame 205. As shown, pins 253, 254 may extend outward from first surface 245 of plate 205b. Each of pins 253, 254 may have a first end connected to a portion of frame 205 (e.g., to a portion of plate 205b) and a second end opposite the first end. As shown, the second end of each of pins 253, 254 may be cantilevered, for example, overhanging opening 257. This configuration may allow pins 253, 254 to act as springs when a downward force is applied thereto (e.g., when a downward force is applied to or near their second ends). Pins 253, 254 may be configured to be flexible and / or resilient. Each of pins 253, 254 may include a curved portion that is closer to their respective second ends than to their respective first ends. When hub 300 and docking member 201 are secured to one another, such a bent portion of each of prongs 253, 254 can at least partially extend through a corresponding opening of hub 300 (e.g., opening 333 and opening 334 of hub 300) and cause the corresponding conductive strip 273, 274 to contact a portion of the hub circuit layer (e.g., Figure 4L Electrical contacts 376, 377 of hub circuit board 351 are shown. Such contact between conductive strips 273, 274 and portions of the hub circuit layer can electrically connect hub 300 with docking station 201.

[0095] Each of the pins 253 and 254 may have a protruding portion 253a and 254a, respectively, and a recessed portion 253b and 254b, respectively. The protruding portion 253a and 254a may be closer to the first end of each of the pins 253 and 254. The recessed portion 253b and 254b may be closer to the second end of each of the pins 253 and 254. The recessed portion 253b and 254b may include a smaller length of each of the pins 253 and 254, be shorter than the protruding portion 253a and 254a, and / or have a smaller radius of curvature than the protruding portion 253a and 254a. When hub 300 and docking member 201 are secured to one another, such recessed portions 253b, 254b of each of prongs 253, 254 may at least partially extend through corresponding openings of hub 300 (e.g., openings 333 and 334 of hub 300) and allow corresponding conductive strips 273, 274 to contact portions of the hub circuit layer (e.g., openings 333 and 334 of hub 300). Figure 4LElectrical contacts 376, 377 of hub circuit board 351 are shown. As mentioned above, such contact between conductive strips 273, 274 and portions of the hub circuit layer can electrically connect hub 300 with docking station 201.

[0096] Each of the pins 253, 254 can include a bump 255, 256, respectively, configured to facilitate contact between the conductive strips 273, 274 and portions of the hub circuit layer (e.g., Figure 4L The contacts 376, 377 of the hub circuit board 351 are shown. The recessed portions 253b, 254b of the pins 253, 254 can include such bumps 255, 256, as shown. In some embodiments, the bumps 255, 256 include round protrusions.

[0097] Figures 4A-4J Various views of the hub 300 of the wearable device 100 are shown. Figures 4A-4B shows a top perspective view of the hub 300, Figure 4C A bottom perspective view of the hub 300 is shown, and Figures 4D-4I A top view, a bottom view, a first end view, a second end view, a first side view, and a second side view of the hub 300 are shown, respectively. The hub 300 can have a first end 321, a second end 322 opposite the first end 321, a first side 323, a second side 324 opposite the first side 323, a first surface 325 (which can also be referred to as a "top surface"), and a second surface 326 opposite the first surface 325 (which can also be referred to as a "bottom surface"). The hub 300 can be configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the dock 201. The hub 300 can include one or more mechanical connectors, such as mechanical connectors 341 and / or 342, which are configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) the hub 300 to the dock 201 and the dock assembly 200. The hub 300 can include a circuit layer, such as Figure 4K-6BCircuit board 351 is shown (which may also be referred to herein as the "hub circuit layer" or "circuit substrate"). Hub 300 may include a plurality of openings, such as opening 333 and / or opening 334, each of which may also be referred to herein as a "pin opening." Such a plurality of openings may allow conductive strips 273, 274 of docking member 201 to electrically connect with a portion of the circuit layer of hub 300. Also shown, hub 300 may include a ridge 329 configured to facilitate maneuvering hub 300 and / or facilitate mating hub 300 with charging cavity 420 of charger 400, as described herein, for charging battery 308 of hub 300. Hub 300 may include a window 317 configured to allow light emitted from status indicator 316 to pass therethrough. In addition, the hub 300 can include one or more electrical contacts and corresponding openings, such as electrical contact 378 (which may also be referred to herein as a "charger contact") and associated opening 337, configured to allow the battery 308 of the hub 300 to receive power from a charging device (e.g., the charger 400 described herein). The hub 300 can include a button 338 for activating a switch 371 as part of the user input 314 described herein. The hub 300 can also include one or more components for thermally connecting the temperature sensor 312a to the subject's body, such as a thermal conductivity probe 374 extending through the opening 331. Furthermore, the hub 300 can include features for protecting such a thermal conductivity probe 374, such as a wall 345 described further herein. The hub 300 can include a housing 301 that can incorporate and / or operatively locate the features described above with respect to the hub 300 and can be configured to be secured to the dock 201.

[0098] Mechanical connectors 341, 342 can be configured to engage corresponding mechanical connectors 231, 232 of docking station 201. Mechanical connector 341 can be proximate first end 321, and mechanical connector 342 can be proximate second end 322. Mechanical connector 341 can include protrusions and recesses configured to releasably connect with protrusions of a clip of mechanical connector 231 of docking station 201. Mechanical connector 342 can include protrusions and recesses configured to releasably connect with a snap of mechanical connector 232 of docking station 201.

[0099] The openings 333, 334 can extend through a portion of the hub 300 (e.g., a portion of the housing 301) and be configured to receive at least a portion of the conductive strips 273, 274 of the docking member 201 therethrough, respectively. In some embodiments, the openings 333, 334 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the prongs 253, 254 of the docking member 201 therethrough, respectively. The openings 333, 334 can be surrounded by inwardly tapering recesses 335, 336, respectively, at least as Figure 4C As shown, the recesses 335, 336 can help position the portion of the conductive strips 273, 274 carried by the pins 253, 254 through the openings 333, 334. For example, the inwardly tapering recesses 335, 336 can guide the pins 253, 254 carrying the conductive strips 273, 274 to reach and / or pass through the openings 333, 334.

[0100] As mentioned above and Figures 4C-4I As shown, in Figure 4J 、 Figure 4L 、 Figure 5B and Figures 7A-7B In the enlarged view of a portion of hub 300 shown, hub 300 may include a thermal conductivity probe 374 extending through housing 301. Thermal conductivity probe 374 may have a first end 374a and a second end 374b opposite the first end. Furthermore, thermal conductivity probe 374 may have a length L374 from first end 374a to second end 374b. First end 374a may be connected to circuit board 351, and second end 374b may extend outside housing 301. Hub 300 may include a wall 345 extending outward from housing 301 (e.g., from second surface 326 of housing 301) and surrounding at least a portion of thermal conductivity probe 374. Wall 345 may surround the entire cross-section and / or outer edge of thermal conductivity probe 374. In some embodiments, wall 345 surrounds thermal conductivity probe 374. In some embodiments, wall 345 is cylindrical, and thermal conductivity probe 374 is cylindrical. The wall 345 can be configured to protect the thermal conductivity probe 374, for example, from physical impact. In some embodiments, the wall 345 thermally insulates at least a portion of the thermal conductivity probe 374 (e.g., to prevent or minimize thermal energy dissipated from the thermal conductivity probe 374 when the thermal conductivity probe 374 transfers heat from the object 1 to the temperature sensor 312a discussed herein). The wall 345 can be at least partially surrounded by a recess 346 in the housing 301. As an example, the recess 346 can include a circular recess surrounding the wall 345.

[0101] The wall 345 may extend beyond the second surface 326 of the housing 301 by an amount L 345 (It may also be referred to herein as "length L 345”). The wall 345 can have a diameter (eg, outer diameter) D 345 The thermal conductivity probe 374 may extend beyond the wall 345 by an amount L 375 (It may also be referred to herein as "length L 375 ”). For example, the second end 374b of the thermal conductivity probe 374 may extend beyond the wall 345 so that the second end 374b is exposed. The thermal conductivity probe 374 may have a diameter D 374 A gap 375 may exist between the thermal conductivity probe 374 and the wall 345 .

[0102] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity probe 374 extends beyond the wall 345 by an amount (e.g., L 375 ) is less than about 5 mm, less than about 4.5 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 3.5 mm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 2.5 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the amount by which the thermal conductivity probe 374 extends beyond the wall 345 (e.g., L 375 ) is about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, about 2 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 4.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 3.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 2.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm. In some embodiments, less than about 50% of the length of the thermal conductivity probe 374 extends beyond the wall 345. For example, in some embodiments, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, or less than about 10% of the length of the thermal conductivity probe 374 extends beyond the wall 345.

[0103] In some embodiments, the diameter D of the wall 345 is 345 The diameter D of the thermal conductivity probe 374 374 The ratio between the diameter D of the wall 345 can be about 5.0 to about 1.1, about 4.0 to about 1.2, about 3.0 to about 1.3, or about 2.0 to about 1.4. In some embodiments, the diameter D of the wall 345 345 The diameter D of the thermal conductivity probe 374 374 The ratio between can be less than about 5.0, less than about 4.0, less than about 3.0, or less than about 2.0.

[0104] In some embodiments, the gap between the thermal conductivity probe 374 and the wall 345 (e.g., gap 375) is less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1.2 mm, less than about 1.0 mm, less than about 0.8 mm, less than about 0.6 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or less than about 0.4 mm. In some embodiments, the gap between the thermal conductivity probe 374 and the wall 345 (e.g., gap 375) is about 1.5 mm to about 0.2 mm, about 1.2 mm to about 0.3 mm, about 1.0 mm to about 0.3 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 0.4 mm, about 0.7 mm to about 0.4 mm, or about 0.6 mm to about 0.4 mm.

[0105] Although the wall 345 and the thermal conductivity probe 374 have been described in some embodiments as having respective diameters D 345 、D 375 The cylindrical shape of the wall 345 is shown in FIG. 3 , but in some variations, the wall 345 and / or the heat transfer probe 374 have a different shape, such as a square or rectangular shape. In such variations, the wall 345 and / or the heat transfer probe 374 may have a diameter equivalent to that described above with respect to the diameter D. 345 、D 375 The length and / or width of any value or range described.

[0106] Figures 4K-4L Exploded top and bottom perspective views of the hub 300 are shown, respectively. As shown, the housing 301 of the hub 300 can include a top portion 301a (which may also be referred to herein as a "top shell") and a bottom portion 301b (which may also be referred to herein as a "bottom shell"), which are configured to be connected to each other. In some embodiments, when the hub 300 is assembled, the shells 301a, 301b are permanently fixed to each other. The housing 301 can include an interior 352, which is formed, for example, by the top portion 301a and the bottom portion 301b. The top portion 301a can include a first surface 325 of the housing 300 and a bottom surface 327 opposite the first surface 325. The bottom portion 301b can include a second surface 326 of the housing 300 and a top surface 328 opposite the second surface 326. In addition, as shown, the hub 300 can include an electronic assembly 350. Electronic assembly 350 may be disposed within interior 352 , such as by one or more features of housing 300 .

[0107] Top portion 301a can include first portion 341a of mechanical connector 341 and / or first portion 342a of mechanical connector 342 as described herein. Bottom portion 301b can include second portion 341b of mechanical connector 341 and / or second portion 342b of mechanical connector 342 as described herein. Thus, when top portion 301a and bottom portion 301b are connected to each other, mechanical connectors 341 and / or 342 can be formed.

[0108] The top portion 301a may include a cavity 349 configured to position an NFC transponder 361 as described herein. The bottom portion 301b may include an opening 331, a wall 345, and / or a recess 346 (when included), as described herein. The bottom portion 301b may include a button 338 as described herein. The bottom portion may include an opening 337 as described herein. The bottom portion 301b may include openings 333, 334 and corresponding inwardly tapering recesses 335, 336 as described herein. Figure 4L As shown, the inwardly tapering recesses 335 , 336 may taper inwardly from the second surface 326 toward the top surface 328 .

[0109] The bottom surface 327 of the top portion 301a and / or the top surface 328 of the bottom portion 301b can be configured to position the electronic assembly 350 within the interior 352 of the housing 301. The bottom portion 301b can also include one or more posts 347 configured to position the electronic assembly 350 within the interior 352 of the housing 301. Portions of the electronic assembly 350 (e.g., the circuit board 351 and / or the frame 391) can each include one or more openings 381, 391 configured to receive the posts 347 for such positioning. The frame 391 can be configured to facilitate positioning the electronic assembly 350 within the interior 352. The electronic assembly 350 can also include a base 395 configured to secure (e.g., adhesively secure) the electronic assembly 350 to the hub 300 (e.g., to the top surface 328 of the bottom portion 301b). To this end, substrate 395 may include a double-sided adhesive.

[0110] Electronic assembly 350 may include Figure 1E Components of hub 300 are shown and described. For example, electronic assembly 350 may include processor 302, storage device 304, communication module 306, battery 308, information element 310, temperature sensor 312, at least a portion of user input 314, status indicator 316, motion sensor 318, and / or other sensors 320. Electronic assembly 350 may also include Figures 5A-6BShown are circuit board 351, frame 391, and components operably connected thereto. Figures 5A-5B Exploded top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an electronic assembly 350 are shown. As shown and as described herein, the electronic assembly 350 can include a circuit board 351 and associated components, a frame 391, and a base 395. The use of the phrase "electronic assembly" and the number "350" in this disclosure is not intended to be limiting, but is merely intended as a convenient method to refer to one or more components of the hub 300 that may be enclosed by the housings 301a, 301b. The use of such phrases and such numbers is not intended to convey that the inclusion of any element or feature described with reference to the electronic assembly 350 necessarily requires the inclusion of any or all other elements or features described with reference to the electronic assembly 350.

[0111] If respectively Figures 5A-5B as well as Figures 6A-6B As shown in the top and bottom views of the circuit board 351, the circuit board 351 may have a first surface 353 and a second surface 354 opposite the first surface 353. The first surface 353 may face the top portion 301a of the housing 301, while the second surface 354 may face the bottom portion 301b of the housing 301. With this arrangement, when the hub 300 is secured to the docking member 201, the first surface 353 may face the docking member 201.

[0112] Circuit board 351 may be operably connected to temperature sensor 312 (e.g., when included, temperature sensors 312a, 312b, and / or 312c), motion sensor 318, processor 302, NFC transponder 361, antenna 362, status indicator 316, one or more resistors 367, battery 308, charger contacts 378, switch 371, information element 310, and / or thermal conductivity probe 374. Temperature sensor 312 (e.g., when included, temperature sensors 312a, 312b, and / or 312c), motion sensor 318, processor 302, NFC transponder 361, antenna 362, status indicator 316, one or more resistors 367, and / or battery 308 may be operably connected to first surface 353, as shown, although such an arrangement is not intended to be limiting. Charger contacts 378, switch 371, information element 310, and / or thermal conductivity probe 374 can be operably connected to second surface 354, as shown, although such an arrangement is not intended to be limiting. Electrical contacts 376, 377 discussed herein can be positioned adjacent to second surface 354. Hub 300 can include all components of electronic assembly 350.

[0113] Frame 391 can be connected to first surface 353 of circuit board 351. In addition to facilitating positioning of electronics assembly 350 within interior 352 of housing 301, frame 391 can also include features for positioning battery 308 within interior 352 of housing 301. As shown, battery 308 can be operably connected to circuit board 351 via circuitry 365 and battery electrical connectors 366. In some embodiments, electronics assembly 350 can include a base 364 configured to secure (e.g., adhesively secure) a portion of battery 308 to frame 391. Electronics assembly 350 can include a cover 363 configured to cover battery 308.

[0114] The hub 300 and the electronics assembly 350 may include a plurality of resistors 367 corresponding to the plurality of electrodes 202, 204 included in the wearable device 100. The resistors 367 may be in the electrical path between each of the electrodes 202, 204 and the circuit board 351. The resistors 367 may prevent or reduce damage to the circuit board 351 (or other components of the hub 300) due to short circuits or arcing that may be caused when high voltage is accidentally and / or suddenly introduced through the electrodes 202, 204. For example, the resistors 367 may be high capacity, low resistance resistors that allow electrical signals associated with the subject's cardiac activity to pass therethrough, but prevent high voltage from passing to the circuit board 351 and / or other components of the hub 300. As Figure 4K As shown, the resistor can be enclosed by packaging 368. In some embodiments, a magnetic plate 372 can be connected to the second side 354 of the circuit board 351. Such a magnetic plate 372 can be configured to facilitate connecting the electrical contacts 378 to a charger (e.g., charger 400).

[0115] The circuit board 351 may include one or more holes 385 extending through the circuit board 351 between its first and second surfaces 353, 354. The thermal conductivity probe 374 (e.g., its first end 374a) may be positioned adjacent to the second surface 354 and the hole 385. In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity probe 374 may cover the hole 385. The temperature sensor 312a may be positioned adjacent to the first surface 353 and the hole 385. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 312a may cover the hole 385. The hole 385 may be configured to transfer thermal energy from the thermal conductivity probe 374 to the temperature sensor 312a. To this end, the hole 385 may include a thermally conductive material, such as copper, therein.

[0116] Figure 7A The device shown is fixed to the subject 1 (eg, fixed to the subject's skin). Figure 1BA cross-sectional view of a portion of wearable device 100 (e.g., hub 300 and docking piece 201) is shown. Figure 7B Shown as Figure 1B A bottom perspective view of a cross-sectional view of a portion of wearable device 100 (e.g., hub 300 and docking piece 201) is shown. Figure 7A A heat conduction path is shown from the subject's skin to temperature sensor 312a via base 294 (e.g., a curved portion of base 294b, which can be positioned between the subject's skin and thermal conductivity probe 374), thermal conductivity probe 374, and aperture 385. As discussed herein, hub 300 can include temperature sensors 312b and / or 312c, which can be spaced apart from temperature sensor 312a and at least partially thermally insulated from temperature sensor 312a and / or the subject's skin. Figures 7A-7B Also shown is how the pins 253, 254 (in this case a single pin 274 is shown) can connect the conductive strips 273, 274 (in this case a single conductive strip 274 is shown) to the electrical contacts 373, 374 (in this case a single conductive strip 274 is shown) when the hub 300 is secured to the docking member 201. Figure 7B A single electrical contact 377) is shown in the figure for electrical connection.

[0117] Figures 8A-8N Various views of charger 400 are shown. Figures 8A-8C A top perspective view of the charger 400 is shown. Figures 8D-8F A bottom perspective view of the charger 400 is shown. Figures 8G-8L A top view, a bottom view, a front view, a rear view, a first side view, and a second side view of the charger 400 are respectively shown. Figure 8M A top perspective view of charger 400 is shown in an example condition of use, with hub 300 positioned within a portion of charger 400 . Figure 8N A side view of a charger 400 mounted to a wall is shown in another example condition of use, with multiple hubs 300 positioned within a portion of the charger 400 .

[0118] The charger 400 may include a body 401 and may have a top 402, a bottom 404 opposite the top 402, a front 406, a rear 408 opposite the front 406, a first side 410, and a second side 412 opposite the first side 410. The front 406, the rear 408, the first side 410, and the second side 412 may extend from the bottom 404. As shown, the front 406, the rear 408, the first side 410, and the second side 412 may extend from the bottom 404 at substantially right angles relative to the bottom 404, however, such a configuration is not intended to be limiting. The top 402 may be angled relative to a plane substantially coplanar with the bottom 404. Angle, such as Figure 8N As shown. Such an angle It may be from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 5 degrees to about 50 degrees, or from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0119] The charger 400 may include a plurality of charging cavities 420 (which may also be referred to herein as "charging ports"). The charging cavities 420 may extend inwardly from the top 402 of the body 401. Each charging cavity 420 may be configured to receive at least a portion of a hub 300 as described herein. Furthermore, each charging cavity 420 may be configured to charge the battery 308 of the hub 300 when the hub 300 is inserted therein. The charging cavity 420 may be angled relative to a plane substantially coplanar with the bottom 404. The top portion 402 may advantageously position the hub 300 received by the charging cavity 420 so that they may be more easily inserted into and / or removed from the charger 400 .

[0120] In some embodiments, the charging cavity 420 can include features configured to facilitate at least partially securing the hub 300 therein and / or facilitate establishing electrical contact therebetween. For example, the charging cavity 420 can include one or more features that can receive the ridges 329 of the hub 300 to operably position the hub 300 within the charging cavity 420. In some embodiments, the charging cavity 420 can include magnets that can interact with the magnetic plate 372 of the hub 300 (when included) to facilitate establishing electrical contact between the hub 300 and the charging cavity 420.

[0121] As shown, the charger 400 can include an array of charging cavities 420. For example, the charger 400 can include 16 charging cavities 420 in a 4×4 array along the top 402, however, in some embodiments, the charger 400 can be configured with fewer than or more than 16 charging cavities 420 and / or with a different array configuration.

[0122] The charger 400 can include an electrical connector 442 configured to provide power to the charger 400. The electrical connector 442 can be located along the back 408. The charger 400 can include hardware that converts electrical energy received by a power source connected to the electrical connector 442 into electrical energy suitable for charging the battery 308 of the hub 300 received by the charging cavity 420.

[0123] The charger 400 may include vents 432 configured to control the temperature within the body 401. Such vents 432 may be located along the bottom 404. The charger 400 may also include a pad 436 and / or a mounting portion 434 located along the bottom 404. Figure 8N As shown, such a mounting portion 434 may be configured to allow the charger 400 to be mounted to a wall.

[0124] The charger 400 may include one or more status indicators 422 configured to indicate the status of the charger 400. For example, the status indicators 422 may indicate the power status of the charger 400, the charging status of one or more hubs 300 received by the charger 400, and / or the connection status of the charger 400 (e.g., a wireless connection of the charger 400). Such status indicators 422 may be located along the top 402.

[0125] In some embodiments, charger 400 can function as a hub that can wirelessly transmit data between charger 400 and one or more external devices and / or systems. For example, charger 400 can function as a hub that can transmit data (e.g., a subject's physiological data) from hub 300 connected to charger 400 via charging cavity 420. For example, such data can be displayed on a display and / or imported into the subject's medical records.

[0126] Although various embodiments of the wearable device 100 have been disclosed as including electrodes 204 and a cable 203 (e.g., as part of a docking assembly 200), in some variations, the wearable device 100 does not include such electrodes 204 and cables 203, but still includes, for example, a hub 300 and a docking piece 201 having any of the features described herein with respect to these components.

[0127] Additional Considerations and Terminology

[0128] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that certain advantages, features, and aspects of the systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in various other embodiments. In addition, it is contemplated that the various aspects and features described herein can be implemented individually, in combination, or in place of one another, and that various combinations and subcombinations of features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the systems and devices described above need not include all of the modules and functions described in the preferred embodiments.

[0129] Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in the context of use, conditional language used herein (e.g., "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g., "for example," etc.) is generally intended to convey that certain features, elements, and / or steps are optional. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included or always performed, with or without other input or prompting. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively in an open-ended manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, actions, operations, and the like. Furthermore, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than in its exclusive sense) such that when used, for example, to link a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Furthermore, the term "each," as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, may also mean any subset of a group of elements to which the term "each" is applied.

[0130] Unless specifically stated otherwise, linking language (such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z") is understood in the context of ordinary usage to convey that an item, term, etc. can be X, Y, or Z. Thus, such linking language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0131] As used herein, the language of degree (e.g., the terms "approximately," "about," "roughly," and "substantially") refers to a value, amount, or characteristic that is close to the value, amount, or characteristic that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," "roughly," and "substantially" can refer to an amount that is less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the amount. As another example, in some embodiments, the terms "approximately parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that deviates from exact parallelism by less than or equal to 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, or 1 degree. As another example, in some embodiments, the terms "approximately perpendicular" and "substantially perpendicular" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that deviates from exact perpendicular by less than or equal to 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, or 1 degree.

[0132] Although certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many aspects of the systems and devices shown and described in this disclosure may be combined and / or modified in various ways to form additional embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. Various designs and methods are possible. The features, structures, or steps disclosed herein are not required or indispensable.

[0133] Any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described.The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, they may also include any third-party instructions for those actions, whether explicit or implicit.

[0134] The methods and tasks described herein can be performed and fully automated by a computer system. In some cases, a computer system may include multiple different computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, cloud computing resources, etc.), which communicate and interact over a network to perform the functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processor (or multiple processors) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device (e.g., a solid-state storage device, a disk drive, etc.). The various functions disclosed herein can be implemented with such program instructions, and / or can be implemented in a dedicated circuit (e.g., an ASIC or FPGA) of a computer system. In the case where a computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices can be, but not necessarily, in the same place. The results of the disclosed methods and tasks can be stored persistently by converting a physical storage device (e.g., a solid-state memory chip and / or a disk) into different states. The computer system can be a cloud-based computing system, and the processing resources of the cloud-based computing system are shared by multiple different business entities or other entities.

[0135] Depending on the implementation, certain actions, events, or functions of any process or algorithm described herein may be performed in a different order, may be added, combined, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all described operations or events are required for implementation of the algorithm). Furthermore, in some implementations, operations or events may be performed concurrently (e.g., through multithreading, interrupt handling, or multiple processors or processor cores), or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

[0136] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, routines and algorithmic steps described in conjunction with the disclosure herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASIC or FPGA devices), computer software running on general-purpose computer hardware, or a combination thereof. Various illustrative components, blocks and steps can be generally described herein from the perspective of their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as dedicated hardware, or as software running on general-purpose hardware depends on specific applications and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. Described functions can be implemented in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing deviations from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0137] In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules that may be described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed by a machine (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein). A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative embodiments, the processor may be a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine, a combination thereof, or the like. A processor may include circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. A processor may include an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although primarily described herein with respect to digital techniques, a processor may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the rendering techniques described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or in a mixed analog and digital circuitry. The computing environment may include any type of computer system, including but not limited to a microprocessor-based computer system, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computing engine within an appliance, etc.

[0138] The elements of any method, process, routine or algorithm described in conjunction with the disclosure herein can be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by a processor, or implemented as a combination of the two. The software module can be present in a RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, register, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM or any other form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be present in an ASIC. The ASIC can be present in an object terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can be present in an object terminal as discrete components.

[0139] Although the detailed description above has shown, described and pointed out novel features, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes can be made in the form and details of the devices or algorithms shown without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. As can be appreciated, some of the parts described herein can be implemented in a form that does not provide all the features and benefits set forth herein, because some features can be used or practiced separately from other features. The scope of certain embodiments disclosed herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are included within their scope.

Claims

1. A wearable device comprising: A docking piece, comprising: one or more substrates configured to be secured to the skin of a subject; a frame connected to the one or more substrates, the frame comprising a plurality of pins; a docking member circuit layer comprising a plurality of conductive strips positioned along the plurality of pins of the frame; a plurality of electrodes for monitoring cardiac activity of the subject; and a plurality of electrical cables configured to facilitate electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the docking member circuit layer; and a hub configured to be removably secured to the docking member, the hub comprising: a housing comprising an interior and a plurality of openings; a hub circuit layer disposed inside the housing; and one or more hardware processors connected to the hub circuit layer; Wherein, when the hub and the docking piece are fixed to each other, the multiple pins of the frame extend toward the multiple openings of the hub shell and enable the multiple conductive strips to contact portions of the hub circuit layer to facilitate electrical communication between the multiple electrodes and the hub circuit layer.

2. The wearable device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pins of the frame extend at least partially through the plurality of openings of the hub housing when the hub and the docking piece are secured to each other, and the plurality of conductive strips contact the portion of the hub circuit layer.

3. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of pins includes a first end connected to a portion of the frame, a second end opposite the first end, and a bent portion closer to the second end than to the first end; as well as When the hub and the docking member are secured to one another, the bent portions of the plurality of prongs extend at least partially through the plurality of openings of the hub housing and cause the plurality of conductive strips to contact portions of the hub circuit layer.

4. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of pins includes a first end connected to a portion of the frame, a second end opposite the first end, a protruding portion, and a recessed portion; The convex portion is closer to the first end than the concave portion; The concave portion is closer to the second end than the convex portion; as well as When the hub and the dock are secured to one another, the recessed portions of the plurality of prongs extend at least partially through the plurality of openings of the hub housing and cause the plurality of conductive strips to contact portions of the hub circuit layer.

5. The wearable device according to claim 4, wherein the recessed portion: comprising a smaller length of each of the plurality of pins; shorter than the protruding portion; and / or The protruding portion has a smaller radius of curvature than that of the protruding portion.

6. A wearable device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes a protrusion on the recessed portion, and the protrusions in the plurality of pins are configured to facilitate contact between the plurality of conductive strips and a portion of the hub circuit layer.

7. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises a protrusion, the protrusions in the plurality of pins being configured to facilitate contact between the plurality of conductive strips and a portion of the hub circuit layer.

8. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the plurality of electrodes are external electrodes configured to be secured to the subject's skin away from the docking piece, and wherein the wearable device further comprises at least one internal electrode operably positioned by a frame of the docking piece.

9. The wearable device of claim 8, wherein the wearable device comprises two internal electrodes spaced apart from each other and operably positioned by a frame of the docking piece.

10. The wearable device of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the one or more substrates are electrically conductive and / or thermally conductive.

11. A wearable device comprising: an interface comprising one or more substrates configured to be secured to the skin of a subject; and a hub configured to be removably secured to the docking member, the hub comprising: a housing comprising an interior, a top portion, a bottom portion, and an opening extending through the bottom portion, the bottom portion being positioned closer to the subject's skin when the hub and the docking piece are secured to one another and the docking piece is secured to the subject's skin; a circuit board disposed inside the housing, the circuit board comprising a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hole extending through the circuit board between the first surface and the second surface; one or more hardware processors connected to the circuit board and disposed within the housing; a temperature sensor mounted to the first surface of the circuit board adjacent the at least one hole; a thermal conductivity probe extending through the opening of the housing, the thermal conductivity probe including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being positioned adjacent the second surface of the circuit board and the at least one hole; and a wall extending outwardly from a bottom portion of the housing and surrounding at least a portion of the thermal conductivity probe; wherein, when the hub and the docking piece are secured to each other and the docking piece is secured to the subject's skin: The second end of the thermal conductivity probe contacts at least one of the one or more bases of the docking member; and The thermal conductivity probe is configured to receive thermal energy emitted from the subject's skin through the one or more substrates and transmit the thermal energy to the temperature sensor via the at least one hole of the circuit board.

12. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the wall surrounds the entire outer edge of the thermal conductivity probe.

13. The wearable device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the wall surrounds the thermal conductivity probe.

14. The wearable device of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall.

15. The wearable device of claim 14, wherein the thermal conductivity probe extends beyond the wall by an amount of about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm.

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