Excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound device
By using a wearable flexible ultrasound device-based excretion monitoring system, which collects and analyzes data through flexible sensors, the problems of invasiveness, real-time performance, and comfort in existing technologies have been solved, enabling real-time, non-invasive excretion monitoring for the elderly and children.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU ZHONGKE ADVANCED TECH RES INST CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing excretion monitoring methods are highly invasive, lack real-time performance, and are uncomfortable, making them unsuitable for long-term monitoring, especially for the elderly and children.
The device employs a wearable flexible ultrasound system, comprising a flexible wearable body, a flexible ultrasound sensor array, an ultrasound signal processing unit, a data transmission module, and a power module. It collects ultrasound signals through the flexible ultrasound sensor array, processes them, and wirelessly transmits them to a mobile terminal or cloud platform. Combined with an intelligent analysis and early warning system, it enables real-time, non-invasive, and comfortable excretion monitoring.
It achieves high-precision detection of excretion status, provides real-time monitoring and intelligent early warning, and is suitable for the elderly, children and people with mobility difficulties, improving the continuity and comfort of monitoring.
Smart Images
Figure CN224523126U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical monitoring equipment technology, and in particular to an excretion monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing aging population and growing concern for children's health, excretion monitoring of the elderly and children has become an increasingly important health management issue. Currently available excretion monitoring methods have the following problems:
[0003] Highly invasive: Traditional methods rely on manual recording or the use of invasive devices unsuitable for the elderly and children. Poor real-time performance: They cannot provide real-time, continuous excretion monitoring, often relying on manual observation or periodic checks. Poor comfort: Existing devices are mostly rigid or fixed, making them uncomfortable to wear, especially for the elderly and children. Unsuitable for prolonged monitoring: Existing technologies are often designed to be unsuitable for prolonged wear or continuous monitoring. To overcome these problems, there is an urgent need for a new type of wearable device that can perform real-time monitoring in a non-invasive manner, especially one that is non-invasive, comfortable, intelligent, and continuous, providing timely feedback on the excretion health information of the elderly and children.
[0004] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of this utility model and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to provide an excretion monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device, which aims to solve the technical problem that the existing excretion monitoring methods are ineffective.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an excretion monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device. The excretion monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device includes: a flexible wearable body, a flexible ultrasound sensor array integrated on the flexible wearable body, an ultrasound signal processing unit, a data transmission module, and a power supply module.
[0007] The output terminal of the flexible ultrasonic sensor array is electrically connected to the input terminal of the ultrasonic signal processing unit.
[0008] The output terminal of the ultrasonic signal processing unit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the data transmission module;
[0009] The power module supplies power to the flexible ultrasonic sensor array, the ultrasonic signal processing unit, and the data transmission module.
[0010] In one embodiment, the flexible wearable body is a strip structure or a patch structure, and its material is flexible textile or medical-grade silicone.
[0011] In one embodiment, the flexible ultrasonic sensor array is composed of multiple micro-ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix and encapsulated in a flexible polymer material.
[0012] In one embodiment, the flexible ultrasound sensor array is positioned to correspond to the abdominal bladder area or sacrococcygeal intestinal area when the user wears the device.
[0013] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic signal processing unit, data transmission module, and power supply module are integrated and packaged in the form of a flexible circuit board and fixed to the flexible wearable body.
[0014] In one embodiment, the data transmission module is a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module.
[0015] In one embodiment, the power module is a rechargeable flexible lithium battery.
[0016] This invention proposes a waste monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device, comprising: a flexible wearable body, a flexible ultrasound sensor array integrated on the flexible wearable body, an ultrasound signal processing unit, a data transmission module, and a power supply module; the output end of the flexible ultrasound sensor array is electrically connected to the input end of the ultrasound signal processing unit; the output end of the ultrasound signal processing unit is electrically connected to the input end of the data transmission module; the power supply module supplies power to the flexible ultrasound sensor array, the ultrasound signal processing unit, and the data transmission module. Using this waste monitoring system, the flexible ultrasound sensor array is attached to the user's abdomen or buttocks area, and the system is activated; the flexible ultrasound sensor array collects ultrasound signals of food movement in the gastrointestinal tract and the state of fluid in the bladder, and transmits them to the ultrasound signal processing unit; the ultrasound signal processing unit amplifies, filters, and performs analog-to-digital conversion on the ultrasound signals to generate real-time monitoring data, which is then transmitted to the data transmission and feedback module; the data transmission and feedback module wirelessly transmits the real-time monitoring data to a mobile terminal or cloud platform; the intelligent analysis and early warning system analyzes the real-time monitoring data to determine if there are any health risks, and if so, pushes early warning information; this solves the problems of discontinuous monitoring, strong invasiveness, and uncomfortable wearing in existing technologies. By utilizing a flexible sensor array and deep learning analysis, this invention achieves high-precision detection of excretion status and responds promptly to users' health needs through an intelligent early warning system. This device is suitable for the elderly, children, and people with mobility impairments, and possesses significant commercial value. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment according to this utility model.
[0018] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0019] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment involved in the embodiments of this utility model.
[0021] Example 1:
[0022] The excretion monitoring system provided in this embodiment includes a flexible wearable body, a flexible ultrasonic sensor array, an ultrasonic signal processing unit, a data transmission module, and a power module. The connection relationship and function of each component are as follows: Flexible wearable body: As a carrier, it is made of flexible material and can conform to the curvature of the human abdomen or buttocks to ensure long-term wearing comfort.
[0023] Flexible ultrasound sensor array: Integrated inside the flexible wearable body (the side that fits against the skin), its output end is electrically connected to the input end of the ultrasound signal processing unit through a flexible wire. Its core function is to emit ultrasound waves and receive reflected signals from liquid in the bladder and food / feces in the intestines to achieve signal acquisition of the target area.
[0024] Ultrasonic signal processing unit: It adopts a low-power chip design. The input end receives the raw ultrasonic signal transmitted by the sensor array, and the output end is electrically connected to the input end of the data transmission module through a flexible wire. Its function is to preprocess the raw signal (such as noise reduction and amplification) to ensure the signal validity.
[0025] Data transmission module: It adopts a wireless transmission scheme to receive the processed signal output by the ultrasonic signal processing unit and transmit it to an external terminal (such as a mobile phone or cloud platform).
[0026] Power supply module: It is electrically connected to the flexible ultrasonic sensor array, ultrasonic signal processing unit and data transmission module through flexible power supply lines to provide stable power supply for the entire system and support continuous monitoring.
[0027] The core advantage of this embodiment is that it realizes a complete link of "signal acquisition, processing and transmission" through modular design and electrical connection, and each component is integrated based on a flexible carrier, taking into account both functionality and wearability comfort.
[0028] Example 2: The flexible wearable body is a strip structure or a patch structure, and its material is flexible textile or medical-grade silicone.
[0029] In this embodiment, the flexible wearable body can be a strip structure: the width is 3-5cm and the length is adjustable (adapted to different waist / hip circumferences by Velcro or buckles), suitable for wearing around the abdomen or buttocks, ensuring that the sensor array fits the target area;
[0030] Patch-type structure: area 5-10cm 2 The flexible patch has a medical adhesive layer on the edge, which can be directly applied to the abdominal bladder area or the sacrococcygeal intestinal area. It is suitable for localized and precise monitoring and does not affect the user's daily activities (such as bending over or walking).
[0031] The materials used for the flexible wearable device include: Flexible textiles: using cotton-ammonia blended fabrics or graphene textiles, which are breathable and sweat-absorbent, and do not cause skin irritation when worn for a long time, making them suitable for daily long-term monitoring scenarios; Medical-grade silicone: Medical-grade silicone is waterproof and disinfection-resistant, and can come into direct contact with the skin, making it suitable for scenarios requiring frequent cleaning, such as postoperative care and hospitalized patients.
[0032] This embodiment uses different structures and materials to meet diverse usage scenarios (daily and medical) and user needs (comfort and durability).
[0033] Example 3: The flexible ultrasonic sensor array consists of multiple micro ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix and encapsulated in a flexible polymer material.
[0034] In this embodiment, the core component of the flexible ultrasonic sensor array can be composed of 8-16 miniature ultrasonic transducers. Each transducer is 2mm×2mm in size and operates at a frequency of 3-5MHz, balancing penetration depth and resolution, and can clearly identify bladder fluid and intestinal contents.
[0035] Arrangement: A 4×4 matrix arrangement is used, with a spacing of 1mm between adjacent transducers to ensure that the monitoring area covers a range of 5-8cm in diameter (matching the size of local areas of the adult bladder and intestines);
[0036] Packaging process: The matrix-arranged miniature ultrasonic transducers are encapsulated in a flexible polymer material (polyimide film or medical silicone). After encapsulation, they can deform with the curvature of the human body, avoiding the loss of signal due to the sensor detaching from the skin.
[0037] This embodiment ensures the monitoring accuracy and wearability of the sensor array through miniaturization, matrix design, and flexible packaging, solving the problem that traditional rigid ultrasonic sensors cannot fit the human body.
[0038] Example 4: The flexible ultrasound sensor array is positioned to correspond to the abdominal bladder area or sacrococcygeal intestinal area when the user wears it.
[0039] In this embodiment, the flexible ultrasound sensor array can be positioned in the abdominal bladder region: when the flexible wearable body is a strip structure, the sensor array is located in the middle of the inner side of the strip body, corresponding to 2-3 cm below the navel (the bladder surface projection area) when worn; when it is a patch structure, the patch is directly pasted to this area to ensure that the ultrasound signal penetrates the abdominal wall vertically, accurately collecting the reflected signal of the bladder fluid and determining the bladder fullness; or it can be positioned in the sacrococcygeal intestinal region: the sensor array is located in the posterior inner side of the flexible wearable body, corresponding to the front of the sacrum (the rectum and sigmoid colon surface projection area) when worn, using ultrasound signals to identify the movement speed of food residue and fecal accumulation in the intestines, and to determine the urge to defecate or the risk of constipation.
[0040] This embodiment ensures that the signals collected by the sensor array are directly associated with the excretory organs through precise anatomical location correspondence, thereby improving monitoring accuracy and avoiding signal interference.
[0041] Example 5: The ultrasound signal processing unit, data transmission module, and power supply module are integrated and packaged in the form of a flexible circuit board and fixed to the flexible wearable body. Specifically, the ultrasound signal processing unit, data transmission module, and power supply module are soldered onto the flexible circuit board and then encapsulated with medical-grade epoxy resin to form an integrated module with dimensions of 3cm × 2cm × 0.5cm.
[0042] Fixed position: The integrated module is fixed to the edge of the non-adhesive area of the flexible wearable body (such as near the Velcro of the strip body or the corner of the patch body), which does not affect the adhesion between the sensor array and the skin, and facilitates charging or module maintenance.
[0043] This embodiment achieves miniaturization and flexibility of the core module through flexible circuit board integration and packaging, ensuring a compact overall system structure and improving the wearable experience.
[0044] Example 6: The data transmission module is a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module.
[0045] In this embodiment, the Bluetooth module can be a Bluetooth 5.0 low-power module, suitable for direct connection with the user's mobile phone (mobile terminal) in a home setting, transmitting monitoring data in real time without relying on a network. The Wi-Fi module uses a Wi-Fi 6 module with a transmission rate ≥1.2Gbps, which can directly connect to a home or hospital Wi-Fi network to upload monitoring data to a cloud platform, suitable for remote medical scenarios (such as medical staff viewing patient data through a cloud platform).
[0046] Both modules support automatic switching: when a Wi-Fi network is detected, Wi-Fi transmission is prioritized (suitable for large data volumes such as ultrasound image transmission); when there is no Wi-Fi, it automatically switches to Bluetooth transmission (suitable for real-time monitoring data such as fullness value transmission), ensuring uninterrupted data transmission.
[0047] Example 7: The power module is a rechargeable flexible lithium battery.
[0048] The flexible lithium battery in this embodiment not only meets the system's power supply requirements but also adapts to the deformation characteristics of the flexible wearable device, ensuring long-term safe use.
[0049] Example 8: The specific steps of the monitoring method corresponding to the system include:
[0050] S1: Place the flexible ultrasound sensor array onto the user's abdomen or buttocks area and start the system;
[0051] In this embodiment, the wearing method is specifically selected according to the monitoring target: if monitoring the bladder status, the flexible wearable body (strip or patch type) is worn on the abdomen, so that the flexible ultrasound sensor array fits against the bladder area 2-3 cm below the navel; if monitoring the intestinal status, it is worn on the buttocks, so that the sensor array fits against the intestinal area of the sacrococcygeal region. After wearing, press and hold the system start button (integrated on the flexible circuit board module), the power module supplies power, the system enters standby mode, and the indicator light (LED) lights up to indicate successful start.
[0052] S2: A flexible ultrasound sensor array collects ultrasound signals of food movement in the gastrointestinal tract and the state of fluid in the bladder, and transmits them to the ultrasound signal processing unit.
[0053] In this embodiment, specifically, after the system is started, the flexible ultrasound sensor array emits 3-5MHz ultrasound waves at a preset frequency (1 time / minute, which can be adjusted via a mobile terminal APP). The ultrasound waves penetrate the abdominal wall or buttock skin and generate reflected signals after acting on the bladder (liquid) or intestines (contents). The sensor array receives the reflected signals, converts them into electrical signals (analog signals), and transmits them to the ultrasound signal processing unit through flexible wires.
[0054] S3: The ultrasonic signal processing unit amplifies, filters, and performs analog-to-digital conversion on the ultrasonic signal to generate real-time monitoring data, which is then transmitted to the data transmission and feedback module.
[0055] In this embodiment, the ultrasound signal processing unit performs three steps on the received analog signal: amplification: the weak signal is amplified by 100-1000 times using a low-noise amplifier; filtering: a bandpass filter (3-5MHz) is used to filter out environmental noise (such as human motion interference signals); analog-to-digital conversion: the filtered analog signal is converted into a digital signal using a 12-bit ADC chip to generate real-time monitoring data (such as bladder fluid reflection intensity value and intestinal contents movement speed value), and transmitted to the data transmission module.
[0056] S4: The data transmission and feedback module wirelessly transmits real-time monitoring data to a mobile terminal or cloud platform;
[0057] In this embodiment, after receiving real-time monitoring data, the data transmission module selects the transmission method according to the current network environment: if connected to the mobile phone via Bluetooth, the data is directly transmitted to the mobile APP (such as the "Excretion Health Monitoring" APP); if connected to Wi-Fi, the data is uploaded to the cloud platform and simultaneously displayed on the APP, allowing users to view the monitoring curve (such as the 24-hour bladder fullness change curve) in real time.
[0058] S5: The intelligent analysis and early warning system analyzes real-time monitoring data to determine whether there are health risks, and if so, pushes early warning information.
[0059] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal APP or cloud platform has a built-in intelligent analysis algorithm. The bladder monitoring can preset the fullness threshold (e.g., a reflection intensity value ≥800 indicates that the bladder is full and needs to be urinated). When the real-time data exceeds the threshold, the APP will pop up a warning window and send a text message to the associated contact (e.g., family members, medical staff).
[0060] Intestinal monitoring can preset a threshold for movement speed (e.g., intestinal contents movement speed ≤ 0.5 cm / h indicates slow peristalsis and a risk of constipation). If the data is below the threshold, the system will push health suggestions such as "increase water intake" and "appropriate exercise".
[0061] The alert information includes the monitoring time, current status (e.g., "bladder fullness 90%, urination recommended"), and alert level (general / emergency) to ensure that users or caregivers can handle the situation promptly.
[0062] In actual use, the monitoring accuracy of the system can be verified by comparing the ultrasound signal acquisition results with the detection results of an ultrasound diagnostic instrument (traditional medical equipment). The accuracy rate of bladder fullness judgment is ≥95%, and the accuracy rate of abnormal intestinal peristalsis judgment is ≥90%, which meets the accuracy requirements of medical care and daily health management.
[0063] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A waste monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device, characterized in that, include: The flexible wearable body, the flexible ultrasonic sensor array integrated on the flexible wearable body, the ultrasonic signal processing unit, the data transmission module and the power module; The output terminal of the flexible ultrasonic sensor array is electrically connected to the input terminal of the ultrasonic signal processing unit. The output terminal of the ultrasonic signal processing unit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the data transmission module; The power module supplies power to the flexible ultrasonic sensor array, the ultrasonic signal processing unit, and the data transmission module.
2. The excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible wearable body is a strip-shaped structure or a patch-like structure, and its material is flexible textile or medical-grade silicone.
3. The excretion monitoring system based on a wearable flexible ultrasound device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The flexible ultrasonic sensor array consists of multiple micro ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix and encapsulated in a flexible polymer material.
4. The excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible ultrasound sensor array is positioned to correspond to the abdominal bladder area or sacrococcygeal intestinal area when the user wears it.
5. The excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic signal processing unit, data transmission module, and power supply module are integrated and packaged in the form of a flexible circuit board and fixed to the flexible wearable body.
6. The excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data transmission module is either a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module.
7. The excretion monitoring system based on wearable flexible ultrasound equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module is a rechargeable flexible lithium battery.