A flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in a pregnant woman

By integrating array sensors and wireless transmission modules with flexible thin film, the problem of large size and uncomfortable wearing of traditional fetal activity monitoring devices has been solved, realizing high-precision and convenient fetal activity monitoring and meeting the needs of pregnant women for all-day use.

CN224291906UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-29WUHAN SILICON LIFE MEDICAL TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
WUHAN SILICON LIFE MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-10
Publication Date
2026-05-29

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    Figure CN224291906U_ABST
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Abstract

The application discloses a flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in a pregnant woman, which comprises a flexible substrate, an array sensor module, a data processing module and a wireless transmission module, the array sensor module is integrated on the surface of the flexible substrate and comprises piezoelectric sensors arranged in a grid shape and used for detecting vibration signals at different positions of the pregnant woman's belly, the data processing module is electrically connected with the array sensor module and is used for filtering, amplifying and digitizing the vibration signals, the wireless transmission module is connected with the data processing module and is used for sending the processed data to a mobile terminal through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and a medical adhesive layer is arranged at the edge of the flexible substrate and used for adhering to the skin of the pregnant woman's belly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women. Background Technology

[0002] In current technologies, pregnant women primarily rely on hospital prenatal checkups or home monitoring devices to monitor fetal activity. Traditional home devices typically consist of a main unit and probes, requiring assistance from others for operation, which is difficult for pregnant women to perform independently. Furthermore, unstable probe mounting can lead to data acquisition errors. Existing technologies often have low sensor density (e.g., single-point or few sensors), making it difficult to comprehensively capture subtle changes in fetal activity (e.g., localized fetal movement frequency or intensity). The devices are also bulky and uncomfortable to wear, limiting the feasibility of long-term monitoring. In addition, existing devices often rely on wired transmission or complex data processing systems, unable to wirelessly transmit data to mobile devices in real time, hindering pregnant women's ability to conveniently view results. For example, while some devices support wireless connectivity, they have high power consumption, short battery life, and lack waterproof design, limiting their use in everyday scenarios (e.g., showering, exercising). Therefore, there is an urgent need for a lightweight, high-precision, and self-operated fetal activity monitoring solution. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a flexible thin-film patch for monitoring fetal activity within a pregnant woman's body. The patch contains an array of sensors on its surface and can be easily applied to the pregnant woman's abdomen. By monitoring vibration signals at different locations on the abdomen, it can monitor fetal activity in real time. The technical solution is as follows:

[0004] This application provides a flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, comprising a flexible substrate, an array sensor module, a data processing module, and a wireless transmission module. The array sensor module is integrated on the surface of the flexible substrate and includes piezoelectric sensors distributed in a grid pattern for detecting vibration signals at different locations on the pregnant woman's abdomen. The data processing module is electrically connected to the array sensor module and is used to filter, amplify, and digitize the vibration signals. The wireless transmission module is connected to the data processing module and is used to transmit the processed data to a mobile terminal via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. A medical adhesive layer is provided at the edge of the flexible substrate for adhering to the pregnant woman's abdominal skin.

[0005] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the flexible substrate is made of biocompatible silicone material with a thickness of 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0006] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the density of the piezoelectric sensors is 10-20 per cm³. 2 The area of ​​a single sensor is 0.5-2mm.2 .

[0007] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the data processing module includes an adaptive filtering circuit that dynamically adjusts the cutoff frequency according to the signal frequency band.

[0008] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the wireless transmission module supports Bluetooth Low Energy and has a maximum transmission distance of 10 meters.

[0009] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, a micro power module is also included, integrated into the edge of the flexible substrate, powered by a flexible lithium battery, and with a thickness of less than 1 mm.

[0010] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the medical adhesive layer is made of hydrogel material.

[0011] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the surface of the flexible substrate is coated with a waterproof nano-coating, achieving a waterproof rating of IP67.

[0012] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, a mobile terminal application is also included for displaying a real-time thermal map of the intensity, frequency, and location of fetal activity.

[0013] The beneficial effects of a flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women provided in some embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0014] (1) Flexible fit and independent operation: The design uses a biocompatible silicone flexible substrate (thickness 0.5-1.5mm) and a medical adhesive layer, which allows pregnant women to apply it independently to their abdomen without the need for external fixation devices, thus improving ease of use.

[0015] (2) High-density multidimensional monitoring: grid-like piezoelectric sensor array (density 10-20 sensors / cm²) 2 Single sensor area 0.5-2mm 2 This enables high-resolution acquisition of local signals, improving the detection rate of weak fetal movements (such as kicking frequency <0.1Hz).

[0016] (3) Intelligent signal processing: The adaptive filtering circuit (dynamically adjusts the cutoff frequency from 0.1 to 100 Hz) effectively filters out interference signals such as maternal breathing and gastrointestinal peristalsis, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of fetal activity signals.

[0017] (4) Low-power wireless transmission: Supports BLE 5.0 protocol, with a maximum transmission distance of 10 meters and a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, meeting the needs of continuous monitoring around the clock.

[0018] (5) Concealed power design: It integrates a micro flexible lithium battery (thickness <1mm) and supports wireless charging, avoiding the discomfort of the protruding power module of traditional devices and improving wearing comfort.

[0019] (6) Enhanced environmental adaptability: The flexible substrate surface is coated with an IP67 waterproof nano-coating, which supports daily activities such as showering and light exercise for pregnant women, reducing the failure rate.

[0020] (7) Visual data interaction: The accompanying mobile terminal application displays the fetal activity heat map, intensity and frequency curve in real time, which helps pregnant women and doctors to make quick diagnoses and improve decision-making efficiency.

[0021] (8) Reusability and economy: The hydrogel medical adhesive layer can be re-attached more than 50 times, reducing the cost per use and meeting the needs of long-term monitoring.

[0022] This invention breaks through the size limitations and operational complexity of traditional fetal monitoring devices, providing pregnant women with a lightweight, accurate, and highly reliable home monitoring tool, which has significant practical value and market prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible film patch structure for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, as described in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0027] This application provides a flexible thin film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0028] Flexible substrate 1, wherein the flexible substrate 1 is made of biocompatible silicone material and has a thickness of 0.5-1.5 mm;

[0029] An array sensor module 2, integrated on the surface of the flexible substrate 1, includes piezoelectric sensors arranged in a grid pattern for detecting vibration signals at different locations on the pregnant woman's belly;

[0030] Data processing module 3 is electrically connected to array sensor module 2 and is used to filter, amplify and digitize the vibration signal;

[0031] A wireless transmission module, connected to the data processing module 3, is used to send the processed data to the mobile terminal via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0032] The flexible substrate 1 has a medical adhesive layer at its edge for fitting the pregnant woman's abdominal skin.

[0033] The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, as described in this application, features a flexible fit design that eliminates the need for external fixation devices, allowing pregnant women to operate it independently and significantly improving ease of use. The grid array sensor enables multi-dimensional monitoring of fetal activity, enhancing data accuracy.

[0034] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the density of the piezoelectric sensors is 10-20 per cm³. 2 The area of ​​a single sensor is 0.5-2mm. 2 A high-density sensor layout enhances local signal resolution and improves the detection rate of subtle fetal activities (such as fetal movement frequency).

[0035] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the data processing module 3 includes an adaptive filtering circuit that dynamically adjusts the cutoff frequency (range 0.1-100Hz) according to the signal frequency band. This effectively filters out interference signals such as maternal respiration and gastrointestinal motility, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of fetal activity signals.

[0036] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the wireless transmission module supports Bluetooth Low Energy, with a maximum transmission distance of 10 meters. This reduces power consumption, allowing for a single charge to last up to 24 hours, meeting all-weather monitoring needs.

[0037] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, a miniature power module is also included, integrated into the edge of the flexible substrate 1, powered by a flexible lithium battery, and with a thickness of less than 1 mm. The concealed power supply design avoids discomfort from protrusions and supports wireless charging, improving ease of use.

[0038] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the medical adhesive layer is made of hydrogel material, which can be repeatedly applied more than 50 times without leaving any residue. This extends the lifespan of the film patch, reduces the cost per use, and meets the needs of long-term monitoring.

[0039] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, the surface of the flexible substrate 1 is coated with a waterproof nano-coating, achieving a waterproof rating of IP67. This supports daily activities for pregnant women (such as showering), enhances environmental adaptability, and reduces the failure rate.

[0040] For example, in one embodiment of the flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, a mobile terminal application is also included for displaying a real-time thermal map of fetal activity intensity, frequency, and location. This intuitive and visual data display helps pregnant women and doctors quickly assess the fetal health status, improving diagnostic efficiency.

[0041] Although the embodiments of this application have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this application. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this application is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A flexible thin-film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women, characterized in that, include: Flexible substrate; An array sensor module, integrated on the surface of the flexible substrate, includes piezoelectric sensors arranged in a grid pattern for detecting vibration signals at different locations on the pregnant woman's belly; The data processing module is electrically connected to the array sensor module and is used to filter, amplify, and digitize the vibration signal. A wireless transmission module, connected to the data processing module, is used to send the processed data to a mobile terminal via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The flexible substrate has a medical adhesive layer at its edge for fitting the pregnant woman's abdominal skin.

2. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible substrate is made of biocompatible silicone material with a thickness of 0.5-1.5 mm.

3. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, The density of the piezoelectric sensors is 10-20 per cm³. 2 The area of ​​a single sensor is 0.5-2mm. 2 .

4. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing module includes an adaptive filtering circuit that dynamically adjusts the cutoff frequency according to the signal frequency band.

5. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wireless transmission module supports Bluetooth Low Energy and has a maximum transmission distance of 10 meters.

6. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a micro power module, integrated into the edge of the flexible substrate, powered by a flexible lithium battery, with a thickness of less than 1 mm.

7. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medical adhesive layer is made of hydrogel material.

8. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible substrate is coated with a waterproof nano-coating, achieving a waterproof rating of IP67.

9. The flexible film patch for monitoring fetal activity in pregnant women according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mobile application for displaying real-time heat maps of fetal activity intensity, frequency, and location.