Modularized fetal movement sensor

Abstract

The utility model provides a modularized fetal movement sensor, and belongs to the technical field of life health. According to the utility model, the plurality of first connecting pieces are arranged on the outer side of the central processing part, each first connecting piece corresponds to the electrode part with the piezoelectric electrode, each electrode part is provided with the second connecting piece, and the connecting part is arranged between each first connecting piece and the corresponding second connecting piece; the connecting part is rotationally connected with the first connecting piece, and the connecting part is detachably connected with the second connecting piece, so that the modular arrangement of the structure is realized, the structural flexibility is better, a proper number of electrode parts can be selected to be connected with the central processing part according to fetal movement detection requirements of different pregnant women in different periods, in addition, the waste of resources is avoided, and the production cost is reduced. Meanwhile, the monitoring direction and angle of each electrode part can be adjusted through the rotation of the connecting part relative to the central processing part, so that the accuracy of the monitoring structure is improved, and the popularization and use of the product are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of life and health technology, specifically to a modular fetal movement sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Pregnant women often assess fetal health by monitoring fetal movements, requiring frequent attention. Currently available fetal movement monitoring methods generally fall into two categories: subjective judgment and objective monitoring. Subjective judgment relies on the pregnant woman's own perception of fetal movement. However, since different pregnant women have varying abilities to perceive fetal movement and are susceptible to influences such as emotions and fatigue, requiring the pregnant woman to be fully awake to detect movement, subjective judgment suffers from significant errors and limited monitoring time. Objective monitoring utilizes various large-scale monitoring instruments, such as fetal heart rate monitors and ultrasound monitors. While these methods offer high accuracy, these devices are typically located in hospitals or other specific maternity facilities and require professional operation, necessitating travel for pregnant women. This presents inconvenience and reduces accessibility. Furthermore, monitoring requires the pregnant woman to maintain a relatively stable position, such as lying flat, which can easily cause discomfort, making it unsuitable for daily monitoring needs.

[0003] Currently, while there are commercially available products such as the array-type fetal movement and uterine contraction signal monitoring abdominal binder disclosed in patent CN202078299U, which uses an array of piezoelectric sensors and related circuitry to monitor fetal movement and uterine contraction signals in real time, this structure allows for monitoring simply by wearing the binder, minimizing the impact on the pregnant woman and improving convenience and comfort. However, this structure does not meet the needs of convenient fetal movement monitoring. Individual differences among pregnant women, such as fetal position, mean that the fixed structure of the piezoelectric sensors lacks flexibility and cannot be adjusted adaptively. This results in some sensors being weak or failing to detect fetal movement signals, posing a risk of inaccurate monitoring results and wasting resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies, this invention aims to provide a modular fetal movement sensor. This sensor comprises a central processing unit and several electrode units, with each electrode unit connected to the central processing unit via a connecting part. The connecting parts enable electrical connection between the electrode units and the central processing unit. The electrode units and connecting parts are detachably connected, while the connecting parts and the central processing unit are rotatably connected. This modular design allows for the selection of an appropriate number of electrode units and adjustment of the monitoring position based on fetal position and other conditions. This caters to the fetal movement monitoring needs of different pregnant women at different stages, improving the accuracy of monitoring results, avoiding resource waste, enhancing product flexibility, and facilitating widespread adoption.

[0005] The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0006] A modular tire movement sensor, characterized by the following features:

[0007] The central processing unit includes a processing unit housing, a battery, and a circuit board. The processing unit housing has a first inner cavity. The battery and the circuit board are electrically connected and are both disposed in the first inner cavity. A plurality of first connectors are disposed on the outer periphery of the processing unit housing, and each first connector is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0008] Several electrode sections are provided, each first connector corresponds to an electrode section, and each electrode section includes an electrode housing and a piezoelectric electrode. The electrode housing is independently arranged outside the processing unit housing. A piezoelectric electrode is provided on one side of each electrode housing. A second connector is provided on each electrode housing and electrically connected to the corresponding piezoelectric electrode. Meanwhile, an adhesive patch is provided on the side of each piezoelectric electrode away from the electrode housing.

[0009] Several connecting parts are provided, and a connecting part is provided between each first connecting member and the corresponding second connecting member. The connecting part is electrically connected to the corresponding first connecting member and the second connecting member. One end of the connecting part is rotatably connected to the first connecting member, and the other end of the connecting part is detachably connected to the second connecting member.

[0010] In the aforementioned modular tire movement sensor, the piezoelectric electrode is made of flexible piezoelectric textile material.

[0011] In the aforementioned modular tire movement sensor, the connecting part is made of conductive fabric material.

[0012] The aforementioned modular tire movement sensor further includes a detachable connection between the connecting part and the first connecting member.

[0013] The aforementioned modular tire movement sensor further includes a rotatable connection between the connecting part and the second connecting member.

[0014] In the aforementioned modular tire movement sensor, a rotating buckle is provided between the connecting part and the first connecting member. The rotating buckle includes a magnetic buckle and a rotating conductive part. The magnetic buckle protrudes from the connecting part or the first connecting member, and a corresponding fitting is provided on the first connecting member or the connecting part. The rotating conductive part includes a first outer ring, a first inner ring, a second outer ring, and a second inner ring. The first outer ring and the first inner ring are coaxially spaced and both are mounted on the first connecting member. The second outer ring and the second inner ring are coaxially spaced and both are mounted on the connecting part. When the magnetic buckle and the fitting on the connecting part and the first connecting member are attracted, the first outer ring and the second outer ring are in contact with each other, and the first inner ring and the second inner ring are in contact with each other.

[0015] In the aforementioned modular tire movement sensor, a magnetic buckle is provided between the connecting part and the second connecting member. The magnetic buckle includes a magnet and an attracting element. The magnet and the attracting element are respectively disposed on the connecting part and the second connecting member and attract each other. A contact electrode is provided between the connecting part and the second connecting member. When the magnet and the attracting element attract each other, the contact electrodes on the connecting part and the second connecting member are in contact with each other.

[0016] The aforementioned modular tire movement sensor includes a wireless transmission circuit on its circuit board.

[0017] In the aforementioned modular tire movement sensor, a power indicator light is provided on the circuit board, and the power indicator light is prominently arranged on the processing unit housing.

[0018] In the aforementioned modular tire movement sensor, the patch is a PDMS patch (Polydimethylsiloxane).

[0019] The positive effects of the above technical solution are:

[0020] The aforementioned modular fetal movement sensor, by setting up a central processing unit and several electrode units, with a connecting part between each electrode unit and the central processing unit, and the connecting part being rotatably connected to the central processing unit and detachably connected to the electrode unit, allows for modular assembly and disassembly of the central processing unit, electrode units, and connecting parts. This enables different pregnant women to choose a single-electrode mode for fetal movement monitoring during daily activities in the early stages of pregnancy, while a multi-electrode mode can be used for nighttime fetal movement monitoring in the late stages of pregnancy, avoiding waste of resources. In addition, the monitoring direction and angle of each electrode can be rotated and adjusted according to conditions such as fetal position, improving the accuracy of monitoring results. The product is more flexible and conducive to its widespread use. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a modular tire movement sensor according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 An exploded view of an embodiment of the modular tire movement sensor of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the connection part of a modular tire movement sensor according to this utility model.

[0024] In the attached diagram: 1. Central processing unit; 11. Processing unit housing; 12. First connector; 13. Power indicator light; 2. Electrode unit; 21. Electrode housing; 22. Piezoelectric electrode; 23. Second connector; 24. Adhesive patch; 3. Connecting part; 31. Rotary buckle; 32. Magnetic buckle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the following embodiments are provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 The technical solution provided by this utility model is described in detail, but the following content is not intended to limit this utility model.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a modular tire movement sensor according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of a modular tire movement sensor according to this utility model. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the modular tire movement sensor provided in this embodiment includes: a central processing unit, several electrode units 2, and several connecting units 3.

[0027] Specifically, the central processing unit 1 includes a processing unit housing 11, a battery, and a circuit board. The processing unit housing 11 has a first inner cavity, providing installation space for the subsequent installation of the battery and circuit board, achieving external protection. Preferably, the circuit board is a flexible circuit board, capable of adaptive deformation, improving wearing comfort. Furthermore, the battery and circuit board are electrically connected, allowing the battery to power the circuit board and the circuit board to charge the battery in reverse, meeting the need for battery recharging. Both the battery and circuit board are housed within the first inner cavity, and the processing unit housing 11 provides external protection. Additionally, several first connectors 12 are provided on the outer periphery of the processing unit housing 11, and each first connector 12 is electrically connected to the circuit board. These first connectors 12 serve as an external extension structure of the central processing unit 1, facilitating subsequent electrical connection with the electrode unit 2. It is worth noting that since the technology of using piezoelectric materials to monitor tire movement is existing technology, such as the related technology disclosed in patent CN202078299U, which uses piezoelectric technology to achieve tire movement monitoring, the specific circuitry on the circuit board will not be described in detail here.

[0028] More specifically, each first connector 12 of the central processing unit 1 corresponds to an electrode part 2. It is worth noting that whether or not an electrode part 2 is installed on the connecting electrode is determined according to actual usage requirements, providing conditions for subsequent implementation of single-electrode or multi-electrode modes. Each electrode part 2 includes an electrode housing 21 and a piezoelectric electrode 22. The electrode housing 21 is independently arranged outside the processing unit housing 11, making the electrode part 2 and the central processing unit 1 independent structures, meeting the requirements of modular design. Simultaneously, a piezoelectric electrode 22 is provided on one side of each electrode housing 21. The side of the electrode housing 21 with the piezoelectric motor is the side that adheres to the pregnant woman's abdomen. The piezoelectric electrode 22 senses fetal movement, thereby generating a potential difference to produce a fetal movement signal, and also providing conditions for realizing piezoelectric power generation. Furthermore, a second connector 23 is provided on each electrode housing 21 and electrically connected to the corresponding piezoelectric electrode 22, making the second connector 23 a conductive connection structure for connecting the corresponding piezoelectric electrode 22 to the outside, facilitating the connection between the electrode part 2 and the central processing unit 1. Meanwhile, each piezoelectric electrode 22 is provided with an adhesive patch 24 on the side opposite to the electrode housing 21. When in use, the adhesive patch 24 can be directly applied to the abdomen of the pregnant woman, thereby achieving the application on the abdomen without the aid of other wearing components, and meeting the needs of fetal movement monitoring.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the connection part 3 of a modular tire movement sensor according to this utility model. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a connecting part 3 is provided between each first connector 12 and its corresponding second connector 23, thus connecting the electrode part 2 to the central processing unit 1. At this time, the connecting part 3 is electrically connected to both the corresponding first connector 12 and second connector 23, satisfying the requirement for circuit conduction on the circuit board of the electrode part 2 and the central processing unit 1. Furthermore, by rotating one end of the connecting part 3 to the first connector 12, the connecting part 3 can be tilted relative to the central processing unit 1, thereby changing its direction and position. This allows for adjusting the monitoring position of the electrode part 2 according to different conditions, improving structural flexibility and adaptability, and also enhancing the accuracy of the monitoring results. Additionally, the other end of the connecting part 3 is detachably connected to the second connector 23, allowing the electrode part 2 to be connected to the central processing unit 1 when needed and removed from it when not needed. This allows pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy to switch between single-electrode and multi-electrode modes independently, further improving structural flexibility, avoiding resource waste, and resulting in a more rational structural design.

[0030] More specifically, the piezoelectric electrode 22 in electrode section 2 is made of flexible piezoelectric textile material, including but not limited to commercially available three-layer fabric piezoelectric electrodes. The middle layer of this three-layer fabric piezoelectric electrode is made of polyvinylidene fluoride fabric, and the top and bottom layers are made of poly(3,4-vinylthiophene) polystyrene sulfonate fabric. This not only provides good flexibility, meeting the needs of bending, folding, and stretching, but also makes it less prone to damage, has a longer service life, and can better sense minute deformations, accurately capturing the frequency and intensity of fetal movements to meet the needs of fetal movement monitoring. Furthermore, after being applied to the abdomen, electricity is generated through piezoelectricity during the wearer's daily activities, and then transmitted in reverse through connector 3 to the circuit board. The charging circuit on the circuit board then recharges the battery, resulting in a longer battery life and greater energy efficiency. It is worth noting that since the technology of generating electricity using flexible piezoelectric textile materials is an existing technology, such as the fiber-based flexible nanogenerator mentioned in the paper "Research Progress of Flexible Composite Conductive Fibers in Smart Textiles" published by FabricsChina, various forms of nanogenerators, including piezoelectric and triboelectric types, have been developed. Piezoelectric nanogenerators utilize the mechanical energy in the environment to deform the piezoelectric material, creating a potential difference on the material surface under the piezoelectric effect, thus converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Triboelectric nanogenerators, on the other hand, utilize the combined effects of triboelectric charging and electrostatic induction to collect and convert mechanical energy, featuring miniaturization and flexibility, and have significant advantages in realizing the integrated development of flexible wearable devices. Therefore, the technology of generating electricity using flexible piezoelectric textile materials is a conventional technology on the market, and its specific power generation process and structure will not be elaborated here.

[0031] More specifically, the connecting part 3, which connects the electrode part 2 and the central processing part 1, is made of conductive fabric material, including but not limited to commercially available copper-coated wire limiters and carbon nanotube composite limiters. While ensuring a reliable connection, it not only conducts electricity to meet signal transmission requirements but also adapts to usage environments such as bending, folding, stretching, and even twisting, offering greater flexibility, longer service life, and lower operating costs.

[0032] More specifically, in addition to the aforementioned rotatable connection, the connecting part 3 and the first connecting member 12 can also be superimposed with a detachable connection, that is, the two can both rotate and detach. In other words, when using the single electrode mode, other connecting parts 3 can be simultaneously removed when other electrode parts 2 are not connected, so that only one connecting part 3 and one electrode part are connected on the central processing unit 1, making the structure simpler and more convenient and comfortable to wear.

[0033] More specifically, in addition to the aforementioned detachable connection, a rotatable connection can also be superimposed between the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23. That is, the two can be both detached and rotated. In other words, when the electrode part 2 is connected to the central processing unit 1 through the connecting part 3, in addition to the connecting part 3 being able to adjust its direction and position relative to the central processing unit 1, the electrode part 2 can also be adjusted its direction and position relative to the connecting part 3, which further improves the structural flexibility and makes the structural design more reasonable.

[0034] More specifically, a rotating buckle 31 is also provided between the connecting part 3 and the first connecting member 12. This rotating buckle 31 includes a magnetic snap and a rotating conductive part. The magnetic snap protrudes from the connecting part 3 or the first connecting member 12, and a corresponding fitting is provided on the first connecting member 12 or the connecting part 3. The magnetic snap and the fitting enable the detachable connection between the connecting part 3 and the first connecting member 12. Simultaneously, the rotating conductive part includes a first outer ring, a first inner ring, a second outer ring, and a second inner ring. During assembly, the first outer ring and the first inner ring are arranged coaxially and spaced apart, and both are installed on the first connecting member 12. The first outer ring and the first inner ring can be used as two poles of a circuit. Similarly, the second outer ring and the second inner ring are arranged coaxially and spaced apart, and both are installed on the connecting part 3. The second outer ring and the second inner ring can be used as two poles of a circuit. Furthermore, when the magnetic snap fastener and fitting on the connecting part 3 and the first connecting member 12 are engaged, the first outer ring and the second outer ring are in contact with each other, and the first inner ring and the second inner ring are in contact with each other. That is, while the connecting part 3 and the first connecting member 12 are connected and disconnected through the magnetic snap fastener and fitting, the circuit can also be made conductive by rotating the conductive part. In addition, when the connecting part 3 rotates relative to the first connecting member 12, the first outer ring and the second outer ring and the first inner ring and the second inner ring are always in contact, maintaining the conductive state of the circuit after the direction and angle are adjusted. The structural design is more reasonable.

[0035] More specifically, a magnetic latch 32 is provided between the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23. In this case, the magnetic latch 32 includes a magnet and an attractive element. The magnet and the attractive element are respectively disposed on the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23 and attract each other, realizing the detachable connection of the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23. Furthermore, contact electrodes are provided between the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23. When the magnet and the attractive element attract each other, the contact electrodes on the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23 are in contact with each other, thereby maintaining circuit continuity between the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23. It is worth noting that when there is also a rotational connection between the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23, the structure of the magnet and the attractive element is consistent with the structure of the magnetic latch and the engaging element described above, while the contact electrodes between the connecting part 3 and the second connecting member 23 are consistent with the structure of the rotating conductive part described above, satisfying the requirement of constant circuit continuity during rotational adjustment.

[0036] More specifically, a wireless transmission circuit is also provided on the circuit board, including but not limited to a Bluetooth wireless transmission circuit. That is, the fetal movement information processed by the central processing unit 1 can be sent to the mobile UI of the mobile phone, facilitating the acquisition of fetal movement monitoring data and providing conditions for relatives of pregnant women, medical staff, etc. to understand relevant fetal movement information. It should be noted that wireless transmission technology is a currently widely used technology with a high degree of technological maturity. Relevant modules can be directly purchased on the market and installed. Therefore, its specific structure will not be elaborated here.

[0037] More specifically, a power indicator 13 is also provided on the circuit board. At this time, the power indicator 13 is prominently arranged on the housing 11 of the processing unit, enabling the user to obtain the battery power information according to the change of the power indicator 13, making it more convenient to use. Similarly, the battery power monitoring circuit also belongs to a conventional circuit and is widely used on the market. Therefore, the battery power monitoring circuit in this embodiment will not be elaborated here.

[0038] More specifically, the patch 24 for attaching the piezoelectric electrode 22 to the abdomen is a PDMS patch (English: Polydimethylsiloxane; Chinese: Polydimethylsiloxane). It has good tensile properties, is hydrophobic and breathable, and is resistant to temperature and weather. Therefore, it is suitable for the use occasion of directly attaching to the abdomen of a pregnant woman, and the structural design is more reasonable.

[0039] The modular fetal movement sensor provided in this embodiment includes a central processing unit 1, an electrode unit 2, and a connecting unit 3. By arranging a plurality of first connectors 12 on the outside of the central processing unit 1, and each first connector 12 corresponds to an electrode unit 2 with a piezoelectric electrode 22. Each electrode unit 2 has a second connector 23. A connecting unit 3 is provided between each first connector 12 and the corresponding second connector 23, and the connecting unit 3 is rotatably connected to the first connector 12, and the connecting unit 3 is detachably connected to the second connector 23, realizing the modular layout of the structure, with better structural flexibility. The appropriate number of electrode units 2 can be selected to be connected to the central processing unit 1 according to the fetal movement detection needs of different pregnant women at different times. In addition, it avoids waste of resources, and at the same time, the monitoring direction and angle of each electrode unit 2 can be adjusted by rotating the connecting unit 3 relative to the central processing unit 1, improving the accuracy of the monitoring structure and facilitating the promotion and use of the product.

[0040] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it does not limit the implementation mode and protection scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, it should be realized that all equivalent replacements and obvious changes made by using the description and illustrations of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular fetal movement sensor, characterized in that, include: A central processing unit includes a processing unit housing, a battery, and a circuit board. The processing unit housing has a first inner cavity. The battery and the circuit board are electrically connected and both are disposed in the first inner cavity. A plurality of first connectors are disposed on the outer periphery of the processing unit housing, and each of the first connectors is electrically connected to the circuit board. A plurality of electrode portions are provided, each of the first connectors corresponds to an electrode portion, and each electrode portion includes an electrode housing and a piezoelectric electrode. The electrode housing is independently arranged outside the processing unit housing. A piezoelectric electrode is provided on one side of each electrode housing. A second connector is provided on each electrode housing and electrically connected to the corresponding piezoelectric electrode. Meanwhile, an adhesive patch is provided on the side of each piezoelectric electrode away from the electrode housing. A plurality of connecting parts are provided between each first connecting member and the corresponding second connecting member. The connecting part is electrically connected to both the corresponding first connecting member and the corresponding second connecting member. One end of the connecting part is rotatably connected to the first connecting member, and the other end of the connecting part is detachably connected to the second connecting member.

2. The modular fetal movement sensor of claim 1, wherein, The piezoelectric electrode is made of flexible piezoelectric textile material.

3. The modular fetal movement sensor of claim 1, wherein, The connecting part is made of conductive fabric material.

4. The modular fetal movement sensor of claim 1, wherein, The connecting part also includes a detachable connection with the first connecting member.

5. The modular fetal movement sensor of claim 1, wherein, The connecting part and the second connecting member also include a rotary connection.

6. The modular fetal movement sensor of claim 4, wherein, A rotating buckle is provided between the connecting part and the first connecting member. The rotating buckle includes a magnetic snap and a rotating conductive part. The magnetic snap protrudes from the connecting part or the first connecting member. A fitting member corresponding to the magnetic snap is provided on the first connecting member or the connecting part. The rotating conductive part includes a first outer ring, a first inner ring, a second outer ring, and a second inner ring. The first outer ring and the first inner ring are coaxially spaced and both are installed on the first connecting member. The second outer ring and the second inner ring are coaxially spaced and both are installed on the connecting part. When the magnetic snap and the fitting member on the connecting part and the first connecting member are attracted to each other, the first outer ring and the second outer ring are in contact with each other, and the first inner ring and the second inner ring are in contact with each other.

7. The modular tire movement sensor according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, A magnetic buckle is provided between the connecting part and the second connecting member. The magnetic buckle includes a magnet and an attractive member. The magnet and the attractive member are respectively disposed on the connecting part and the second connecting member and are attracted to each other. A contact electrode is provided between the connecting part and the second connecting member. When the magnet and the attractive member are attracted to each other, the contact electrodes on the connecting part and the second connecting member are in contact with each other.

8. The modular movement sensor of claim 1, wherein, The circuit board is equipped with a wireless transmission circuit.

9. The modular tire movement sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is equipped with a power indicator light, which is prominently positioned on the outer casing of the processing unit.

10. The modular tire movement sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The patch is a PDMS patch.

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