Fetal movement monitoring patch
By designing a multi-layered fetal movement monitoring patch that is directly applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen and uses a piezoelectric sensor to collect fetal movement signals, the problem of inconvenience and safety hazards in existing technologies has been solved, achieving convenient, safe, durable and efficient fetal movement monitoring.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE UNIV OF NOTTINGHAM NINGBO CHINA
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods of fetal movement monitoring suffer from problems such as high subjectivity, inconvenience and safety hazards caused by the need for large instruments or abdominal belts.
A multi-layered fetal movement monitoring patch is designed, comprising a sensing layer, a circuit layer, and an outer layer. It is applied directly to the pregnant woman's abdomen through the patch layer, and uses a piezoelectric sensor to collect fetal movement signals. The sensing layer and the circuit layer are magnetically connected for easy replacement, and the outer layer provides protection.
It enables convenient fetal movement monitoring without the need for other wearing structures, improving safety and durability, reducing usage costs, and offering higher monitoring accuracy and stability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224155668U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of life and health technology, specifically to a fetal movement monitoring patch. Background Technology
[0002] Fetal movement monitoring, as a technology used by pregnant women to detect fetal health during pregnancy, is undeniably important. Currently, existing fetal movement monitoring methods are mainly divided into subjective and objective monitoring. Subjective monitoring relies on the pregnant woman's own perception of fetal movement to determine fetal health. However, this method is susceptible to variations in the ability of different pregnant women to perceive fetal movement and is easily affected by factors such as emotions and fatigue, thus impacting accuracy. Objective monitoring primarily utilizes large monitoring instruments in specific environments such as hospitals, such as fetal heart rate monitors and ultrasound scanners. While this method avoids the influence of subjective factors, it requires the pregnant woman to travel to a hospital or similar environment and requires professional operators, presenting inconvenience and high costs. Furthermore, since strong or moderate fetal movements typically occur in the evening and at night, and the risk of stillbirth is higher at night due to fetal inactivity, existing objective monitoring methods have several drawbacks.
[0003] With the development of technology, convenient fetal movement monitoring products have also been developed. For example, patent CN202078299U discloses an array-type fetal movement signal and uterine contraction signal monitoring abdominal binder. The abdominal binder contains a piezoelectric sensor array for real-time monitoring of fetal movement signals and uterine contraction signals, a fetal movement signal and uterine contraction signal processing and calculation module, a digital tube, a rechargeable lithium battery, a power switch, and a voltage conversion circuit. When the fetal movement signal and uterine contraction signal piezoelectric sensor array collects fetal movement or uterine contraction signals, the fetal movement signal and uterine contraction signal processing and calculation module processes them. That is, the fetal movement signal and uterine contraction signal sensors extract fetal movement signals and uterine contraction signals from different positions of pregnant women in an array form, and monitor fetal movement signals and uterine contraction signals. This improves the automation and electronic information level of fetal movement signal and uterine contraction signal monitoring, and minimizes the impact on the normal life of pregnant women. Although the above structure enables convenient wearing of fetal movement monitoring products, it requires the use of an abdominal binder. In order to ensure the accuracy of piezoelectric sensor signal acquisition, the piezoelectric sensor needs to be in close contact with the pregnant woman's abdomen, which requires the abdominal binder to be tied tightly. This causes the abdominal binder to restrict the pregnant woman's abdomen, which poses a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies, this invention aims to provide a fetal movement monitoring patch with a multi-layered structure. The bottom layer is a sensing layer comprising several piezoelectric sensors, covered by a circuit layer. The circuits in the circuit layer are electrically connected to the piezoelectric sensors in the sensing layer. The top layer is an outer layer providing overall protection. Furthermore, an adhesive layer is located on the side of the sensing layer facing away from the circuit layer, allowing the sensing layer to be directly applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen to collect fetal movement signals without the need for other wearing structures. This reduces constriction on the pregnant woman's abdomen and thus lowers safety risks.
[0005] The specific technical solution is as follows:
[0006] A fetal movement monitoring patch is characterized by comprising: a sensing layer, a circuit layer, an outer layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer contains a plurality of piezoelectric sensors arranged in a circular array, each piezoelectric sensor having two electrodes. The circuit layer is disposed on the sensing layer and has a plurality of outwardly extending connecting wires that mate with each of the electrodes. Each connecting wire has a mating electrode at one end, and the mating electrode is detachably connected to the corresponding electrode. An outer layer is disposed on the side of the circuit layer opposite to the sensing layer, and an adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the sensing layer opposite to the circuit layer.
[0007] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, the outer layer is arranged in a flower shape, comprising four petals, each petal corresponding to a piezoelectric sensor.
[0008] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, the circuit layer includes a flexible circuit board and a power supply battery, which are stacked in an upper and lower layer. The power supply battery is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board corresponds to the middle of the outer layer.
[0009] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, the sensing layer and the circuit layer are magnetically connected.
[0010] In the aforementioned fetal movement monitoring patch, each mating electrode has a first magnet embedded in it, and each electrical electrode has a second magnet embedded in it. The first magnet and the second magnet can attract or separate.
[0011] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, the piezoelectric sensor is made of organic piezoelectric material, and the electrode is made of copper.
[0012] In the aforementioned fetal movement monitoring patch, the organic piezoelectric material is a polyvinylidene fluoride film.
[0013] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, the organic piezoelectric material is distributed in a serpentine network structure.
[0014] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, the outer layer is made of transparent polydimethylsiloxane.
[0015] In the aforementioned tire movement monitoring patch, a reinforcing protrusion is provided on the side of the outer layer opposite to the circuit layer and in the middle of it, and at the position corresponding to each piezoelectric sensor. The projection of the reinforcing protrusion in the middle of the outer layer completely covers the flexible circuit board on the outer layer.
[0016] The positive effects of the above technical solution are:
[0017] The aforementioned fetal movement monitoring patch incorporates a sensing layer with several piezoelectric sensors, a circuit layer on top of the sensing layer, and an adhesive layer on the side of the sensing layer facing away from the circuit layer. The piezoelectric sensors are directly applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen through the adhesive layer, enabling fetal movement monitoring without the need for any additional wearing structure. This reduces constriction on the pregnant woman's abdomen and improves safety. Furthermore, an outer layer covers the circuit layer, providing overall external protection against dust, water, and sweat, resulting in better durability and a longer lifespan. Additionally, the circuit layer can be detached and connected to the corresponding piezoelectric sensor's electrode via electrodes, allowing for replacement of the sensing layer when monitoring accuracy, stability, or safety deteriorates after prolonged use. This flexible structure reduces operating costs. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram from one perspective of an embodiment of a tire movement monitoring patch according to the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram from another perspective of an embodiment of the tire movement monitoring patch of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of a fetal movement monitoring patch according to the present invention.
[0021] In the attached diagram: 1. Sensing layer; 11. Piezoelectric sensor; 111. Electrode; 2. Circuit layer; 21. Connecting wire; 22. Flexible circuit board; 23. Power supply battery; 211. Matching electrode; 3. Outer layer; 31. Reinforcing protrusion; 4. Adhesive layer; 5. Insulation layer. Detailed Implementation
[0022] 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.
[0023] Figure 1This is a structural diagram from one perspective of an embodiment of a tire movement monitoring patch according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram from another perspective of an embodiment of the tire movement monitoring patch of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of a tire movement monitoring patch according to this utility model. Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the fetal movement monitoring patch provided in this embodiment includes: a sensing layer 1, a circuit layer 2, an appearance layer 3, and an adhesive layer 4, forming a multi-layer patch structure, which is directly applied to the abdomen of the pregnant woman.
[0024] Specifically, a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 11 are arranged in a ring array within sensing layer 1. This arrangement allows for a wider distribution of piezoelectric sensors 11, resulting in more information acquisition points and more comprehensive information collection. Furthermore, each piezoelectric sensor 11 has two electrodes 111, facilitating electrical connection between the piezoelectric sensor 11 and the circuitry on the circuit board. A circuit layer 2 is then placed on sensing layer 1. This circuit layer 2 has several outwardly extending connecting wires 21 that mate with each of the electrodes 111. Each connecting wire 21 has a mating electrode 211 at one end. The mating electrode 211 can be detached from and connected to the corresponding electrode 111. Therefore, during use, the piezoelectric sensor 11 can be electrically connected to the circuitry in circuit layer 2 through the connection of the mating electrode 211 and the electrode 111. In addition, an outer layer 3 is provided on the side of the circuit layer 2 opposite to the sensing layer 1. This outer layer 3 covers the outer side of both the circuit layer 2 and the sensing layer 1, providing external protection for the overall structure and meeting requirements for dustproof, waterproof, and sweatproof properties. This improves the product's durability and safety, and extends its service life. Furthermore, an adhesive layer 4 is provided on the side of the sensing layer 1 opposite to the circuit layer 2. The piezoelectric sensor 11 is directly applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen through this adhesive layer 4, eliminating the need for a separate wearing structure. This avoids binding the abdomen, making it more convenient and safer to use. It is worth noting that the material of the adhesive layer includes, but is not limited to, polyurethane, giving it good flexibility and breathability, meeting the requirements for direct application to the abdomen and contact with the skin.
[0025] More specifically, the appearance layer 3, which covers the circuit layer 2, is arranged in a flower shape, that is, the overall shape of the patch is a flower-like structure. At this time, the appearance layer 3 includes four petals, and each petal corresponds to a piezoelectric sensor 11. That is, the four piezoelectric sensors 11 are distributed at the four petals of the flower-like structure, which can be applied to the area around the navel on the abdomen. While ensuring the monitoring effect, it can also improve the product's aesthetics and texture.
[0026] More specifically, the circuit layer 2, located between the sensing layer 1 and the appearance layer 3, includes a flexible circuit board 22 and a power supply battery 23. The flexible circuit board 22 has processing circuitry. Furthermore, stacking the flexible circuit board 22 and the power supply battery 23 in a vertical arrangement reduces space occupation, resulting in a smaller overall patch area and improved portability. Additionally, the power supply battery 23 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 22, supplying power to the processing circuitry on the flexible circuit board 22. Simultaneously, the flexible circuit board 22 is positioned at the center of the appearance layer 3, meaning the distance between the flexible circuit board 22 and each piezoelectric sensor 11 is consistent, facilitating the electrical connection between each piezoelectric sensor 11 and the flexible circuit board 22. Preferably, an isolation layer 5 is provided between the flexible circuit board 22 and the appearance layer 3. The isolation layer 5 includes, but is not limited to, fabric, to protect the flexible circuit board 22, resulting in a more rational structural design. It is worth noting that since the technology of monitoring tire movement through the piezoelectric sensor 11 is existing technology, and its processing circuit includes, but is not limited to, the corresponding circuit structure disclosed in the aforementioned patent CN202078299U, the processing circuit on the flexible circuit board 22 will not be described in detail in this embodiment.
[0027] More specifically, the sensing layer 1 and the circuit layer 2 are magnetically connected. This magnetic connection enables a detachable connection between the sensing layer 1 and the circuit layer 2, allowing the sensing layer 1 to be replaced when the monitoring accuracy, stability, and security become insufficient after long-term use. This makes the structure more flexible and reduces the cost of use.
[0028] More specifically, each mating electrode 211 is embedded with a first magnet, and each electrical electrode 111 is embedded with a second magnet. In use, the first magnet and the second magnet are attracted together. When the sensing layer 1 needs to be replaced, it can be achieved by separating the first magnet and the second magnet, which facilitates the need to replace the sensing layer 1 after long-term use and makes disassembly and assembly more convenient.
[0029] More specifically, the piezoelectric sensor 11 used for tire pressure monitoring is made of organic piezoelectric material, which can meet the pressure sensing requirements while maintaining its ultra-thin thickness, thereby achieving precise tire pressure monitoring and meeting the requirements for installation and use in patch panels. In addition, the electrode 111 is made of copper, which improves the conductivity of the electrode 111 and makes it more effective.
[0030] More specifically, the organic piezoelectric material used to make the piezoelectric sensor 11 is preferably a polyvinylidene fluoride film, which can be purchased directly from the market and is technically mature and highly replaceable, thereby reducing manufacturing and usage costs.
[0031] More specifically, during the manufacturing of each piezoelectric sensor 11, the organic piezoelectric material is distributed in a serpentine network structure, which allows for the laying of a longer organic piezoelectric material within a limited arrangement area and can fill any area within the arrangement area, thereby improving the piezoelectric sensing effect and appropriately improving the monitoring accuracy within a limited arrangement space. In addition, the organic piezoelectric material distributed in a serpentine network structure can undergo adaptive deformation under the action of external force, and is not easily damaged under stretching or bending conditions, meeting the daily wearing needs of long-term bending and stretching, with better durability and longer service life.
[0032] More specifically, the material of the appearance layer 3 covering the circuit layer 2 is preferably polydimethylsiloxane, which has transparent properties and stable chemical and physical properties, meeting the requirements for flexible deformation and better adapting to the needs of application to the abdomen. It also provides better dustproof, waterproof, and sweatproof properties. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the patch can also incorporate electronic components such as indicator lights in the circuit layer 2 according to actual usage requirements. The transparent polydimethylsiloxane allows the user to easily observe the changes in the indicator lights, thus enabling real-time monitoring of the operating status. It is worth noting that since the method of setting indicator lights in the processing circuit of the circuit layer 2 is also existing technology, such as the corresponding structure disclosed in patent CN202078299U, the same or similar circuit structure can be used in this embodiment. Therefore, its specific circuit layout direction will not be elaborated here.
[0033] More specifically, reinforcing protrusions 31 are provided on the side of the outer layer 3 opposite to the circuit layer 2, in the middle, and corresponding to the positions of each piezoelectric sensor 11. These reinforcing protrusions 31 increase the thickness of the outer layer 3 at their respective locations, thereby increasing the overall mechanical properties and tensile strength of the structure, ensuring its durability, and extending its service life. Furthermore, the projection of the reinforcing protrusions 31 located in the middle of the outer layer 3 completely covers the flexible circuit board 22, allowing the reinforcing protrusions 31 in the middle of the outer layer 3 to cover the flexible circuit board 22 in the circuit layer 2, achieving further protection for the flexible circuit board 22 and providing better protection.
[0034] As a preferred implementation, the processing circuit in circuit layer 2 can also be equipped with a wireless connection module, such as a commonly used Bluetooth module. Through its wireless connection module, it realizes the connection with external mobile devices, such as mobile phones and computers, so that the information monitored can be transmitted to external mobile devices. This makes it convenient for pregnant women and their families to view the monitored fetal movement data, and also provides the conditions for sending the monitored fetal movement information to the nursing staff's monitoring platform for analysis and evaluation, making the structural design more reasonable.
[0035] The fetal movement monitoring patch provided in this embodiment includes a sensing layer 1, a circuit layer 2, an outer layer 3, and an adhesive layer 4. The circuit layer 2 is disposed on the sensing layer 1, which has several piezoelectric sensors 11. The circuit layer 2 contains connecting wires 21 extending toward each piezoelectric sensor 11, and each piezoelectric sensor 11 has a receiving electrode 111. Each connecting wire 21 has a mating electrode 211 corresponding to the corresponding receiving electrode 111. The outer layer 3 covers the circuit layer 2, and the adhesive layer 4 is disposed on the side of the sensing layer 1 facing away from the circuit layer 2. The sensing layer 1 is directly applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen through the adhesive layer 4, eliminating the need for other wearing tools, reducing constriction on the pregnant woman's abdomen, and improving safety and convenience. Furthermore, the outer layer 3 provides overall external protection, improving durability and extending service life. In addition, the receiving electrode 111 and the mating electrode 211 can be detached and connected, allowing the sensing layer 1 to be replaced when monitoring accuracy, stability, and safety become insufficient after prolonged use. This results in a more flexible structure and lower operating costs.
[0036] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should recognize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A fetal movement monitoring patch, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a sensing layer, a circuit layer, an appearance layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer contains a plurality of piezoelectric sensors arranged in a circular array, each piezoelectric sensor having two electrodes. The circuit layer is disposed on the sensing layer and has a plurality of outwardly extending connecting wires that mate with each of the electrodes. Each connecting wire has a mating electrode at one end, and the mating electrode is detachably connected to the corresponding electrode. The appearance layer is disposed on the side of the circuit layer opposite to the sensing layer, and the adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the sensing layer opposite to the circuit layer.
2. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer layer is arranged in a flower shape, and the outer layer includes four petals, each of which corresponds to a piezoelectric sensor.
3. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit layer includes a flexible circuit board and a power supply battery. The flexible circuit board and the power supply battery are stacked in an upper and lower layer arrangement. The power supply battery is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board corresponds to the middle of the outer layer.
4. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing layer and the circuit layer are magnetically connected.
5. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the mating electrodes has a first magnet embedded in it, and each of the energized electrodes has a second magnet embedded in it. The first magnet and the second magnet are attracted together or separated.
6. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piezoelectric sensor is made of organic piezoelectric material, and the electrode is made of copper.
7. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The organic piezoelectric material is a polyvinylidene fluoride film.
8. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The organic piezoelectric material is distributed in a serpentine network structure.
9. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer layer is made of polydimethylsiloxane.
10. The fetal movement monitoring patch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer layer is provided with reinforcing protrusions on the side opposite to the circuit layer and in the middle of it, and at the position corresponding to each of the piezoelectric sensors. The projection of the reinforcing protrusion in the middle of the outer layer completely covers the flexible circuit board on the outer layer.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Array-type quickening signal and uterine contraction signal monitoring abdominal belt
CN202078299U