Physiological signal monitoring device based on triboelectric effect
By converting the vibrational energy of living organisms into electrical energy through the triboelectric effect, a self-powered physiological signal monitoring device was designed. This solves the problems of large size and high energy consumption of traditional equipment, and realizes miniaturized, self-powered, and comfortable physiological signal monitoring, which is suitable for scenarios such as spacesuits.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING INST OF NANOENERGY & NANOSYST
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Traditional physiological signal sensing devices are large, have low integration, consume a lot of energy, and are not convenient to wear in real time, which cannot meet the needs of astronauts for miniaturization, low energy consumption and comfort in the extreme outer space environment.
Design a physiological signal monitoring device based on triboelectric effect. The device uses a triboelectric module and a piezoelectric module to convert the vibration energy of a living organism into electrical energy, which is integrated into the shell to achieve self-powered and highly sensitive physiological signal monitoring, including real-time acquisition of heart rate and respiratory signals.
It achieves miniaturized, self-powered, and comfortable physiological signal monitoring, can work stably in extreme environments, improves monitoring accuracy and endurance, and is suitable for scenarios such as spacesuits.
Smart Images

Figure CN224572734U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of physiological signal monitoring technology, and specifically to a physiological signal monitoring device based on the triboelectric effect. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, traditional physiological signal sensing devices are mostly independent electronic hardware, which generally suffer from many drawbacks such as large size, low integration, high power consumption, inconvenience for real-time wear, and poor skin-friendliness. These problems limit their practicality and severely restrict their application in clothing. For example, monitoring the life safety and health status of astronauts in the extreme outer space environment is particularly important, but reconfiguring traditional physiological signal sensing devices in spacesuit systems cannot meet the requirements of small size, low power consumption, and comfort. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a physiological signal monitoring device based on the triboelectric effect. This device is automatically powered, highly integrated, and monitors physiological signals in real time to meet the needs of miniaturization, automatic battery life, and comfort, and is highly practical.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a physiological signal monitoring device based on the triboelectric effect, comprising: a housing, the housing being a variable cross-section cylindrical structure with an internal cavity, one end of the housing being open for fastening to the measured position; a triboelectric module, the triboelectric module being disposed at the end of the housing away from the opening, including a first friction layer and a second friction layer; the first friction layer having holes, the second friction layer not having holes, and being close to the measured position, the first friction layer generating a first signal when the second friction layer is in contact with the second friction layer; and a signal processing module, the signal processing module being at least electrically connected and / or communicatively connected to the first friction layer and the second friction layer, for receiving and processing the first signal to obtain the physiological signal.
[0005] Optionally, the first friction layer is a silver-plated fibroin film, and the second friction layer is a silver-plated FEP film.
[0006] Optionally, the shell structure adopts a Helmholtz resonant cavity, with the diameter of the part closer to the measurement location being larger.
[0007] Optionally, the physiological signal monitoring device further includes a piezoelectric module, which includes a piezoelectric film disposed at the opening of the housing and with an area smaller than the opening area, for attaching to a portion of the measured location and acquiring a second signal; the signal processing module receives and processes the second signal to obtain the physiological signal, and is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the piezoelectric film.
[0008] Optionally, the measurement location is the neck pulse of a living organism, the first signal is the heart rate signal and / or, and the second signal is the respiratory signal.
[0009] Optionally, the signal processing module processes the heart rate signal into heart rate information and / or processes the respiratory signal into respiratory information and outputs it.
[0010] Optionally, the triboelectric module is fixed inside the housing by a support ring and a support plate with holes, the first friction layer is fastened to the lower surface of the support plate; the second friction layer covers the support ring, and the support ring is located on the side of the second friction layer away from the first friction layer.
[0011] Optionally, the holes in the first friction layer correspond one-to-one with the holes in the support plate.
[0012] Optionally, the support ring and support plate are made of acrylic material.
[0013] Optionally, the housing is made of a light-cured resin material.
[0014] Optionally, the physiological signal monitoring device is fixed to a position on the clothing corresponding to the position being measured.
[0015] Through the above technical solution, this utility model designs a physiological signal monitoring device that can generate its own electricity based on the triboelectric effect. The shell is attached to the measured location on the living organism. The cavity structure of the shell amplifies the undulating vibration of the measured location into a pressure difference within the cavity, pushing the second friction layer to adhere to the first friction layer. When they adhere, a signal is generated to characterize the physiological information at the measured location. This utility model aims for lightweight and miniaturization in both material selection and structural design, and features self-generating electricity, small size, high integration, and good comfort.
[0016] Other features and advantages of this utility model embodiment will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the physiological signal monitoring device proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the signal collected when the first signal of this utility model is a heart rate signal; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signal collected when the second signal of this utility model is a respiratory signal.
[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1 Support plate 2 First friction layer 3 Second friction layer 4 Support ring 5. Housing; 6. Piezoelectric module. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0020] It should be noted that the acquisition, transmission, storage, use, and processing of data in the technical solution of this application all comply with relevant laws and regulations. In the embodiments of this application, certain existing industry solutions such as software, components, and models may be mentioned. These should be considered exemplary, intended only to illustrate the feasibility of implementing the technical solution of this application, and do not imply that the applicant has already used or necessarily used such solutions.
[0021] Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) are a novel type of self-powered energy harvesting and signal conversion device that generates electricity through human movement or friction between objects (triboelectric effect). They can be used independently without the need for external equipment.
[0022] This invention references the working principle of triboelectric nanogenerators, namely the triboelectric effect, and designs a physiological signal monitoring device. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The device includes at least a housing 5, a triboelectric module, and a signal processing module. Of course, the signal processing module can be integrated with other devices, in which case the device may only consist of the housing 5 and the triboelectric module.
[0023] The housing 5 is a variable cross-section cylindrical structure with an internal cavity. One end of the housing 5 is open for fastening to the measured location. The structure of the housing 5 employs a Helmholtz resonant cavity, with the diameter increasing closer to the measured location. A Helmholtz resonant cavity is an acoustic structure that utilizes air vibration to generate resonance. Its core principle is that air forms a "mass-spring" system between the neck of the cavity and the internal cavity, thus resonating at a specific frequency. The measured location can be a specific part of a living organism, such as the skin on the wrist or neck. When the measured location experiences physiological fluctuations, the vibration is amplified by the housing 5 and transmitted to the triboelectric module, which collects the energy of the vibration and converts it into electrical energy.
[0024] In this embodiment, the shell 5 is made of photocurable resin material and is designed and manufactured using 3D printing technology.
[0025] The triboelectric module is located at the end of the housing 5 furthest from the opening, and includes a first friction layer 2 and a second friction layer 3. The first friction layer 2 has a hole, while the second friction layer 3 does not and is close to the measured position. A first signal is generated when the first friction layer 2 and the second friction layer 3 are in contact. The first friction layer 2 can be made of a friction material, and the second friction layer 3 can be made of a plated metal material. When vibration is transmitted to the triboelectric module, the following process occurs: First, the housing 5 vibrates, creating a pressure difference inside its cavity. This pressure difference pushes the second friction layer 3 towards the first friction layer 2. As the second friction layer 3 approaches, it comes into contact with the first friction layer 2. At this time, charge transfer occurs due to friction. Simultaneously, because the first friction layer 2 has a hole connecting to the outside, it can balance the pressure difference between the first friction layer 2 and the second friction layer 3, allowing them to fit more tightly, thus generating a more sensitive output signal. Until the vibration disappears and the cavity returns to its original state, the second friction layer 3 resets. From the initial contact to complete separation, the first signal is output once. It can not only reduce or replace external energy demand, but also achieve miniaturization and high integration.
[0026] In this invention, considering power generation efficiency and comfort, the first friction layer 2 is a silver-plated silk fibroin film, and the second friction layer 3 is a silver-plated FEP film. The silver-plated FEP film and the silver-plated silk fibroin film are bonded together through their unplated sides to facilitate charge transfer. The triboelectric module can generate a stable 1V output when receiving pulse beats at the neck pulse point. The use of a modified silk fibroin electrode material with better skin affinity allows the sensor to directly adhere to the skin, improving comfort and physiological signal acquisition sensitivity, further enhancing continuous monitoring capabilities and safety in responding to emergencies. Of course, other high-performance triboelectric electrode materials can also be used, such as copper, gold, platinum, etc. for the plating metal, and Kapton, PTFE, etc. for the friction material.
[0027] The signal processing module is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the silver plating layers of the first friction layer 2 and the second friction layer 3 to receive and process the first signal to obtain a physiological signal. The physiological signal may be a heart rate signal or a respiratory signal, etc.
[0028] In this embodiment, the measurement location is the neck pulse area of a living organism, and the first signal is the heart rate signal. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The image shows the detected heart rate signal data. The signal processing module processes the heart rate signal into heart rate information. During a pulse beat, a pressure difference is created within the cavity, pushing the silver-plated FEP film and the silver-plated silk fibroin film to adhere. At this time, due to the effect of the small holes in the perforated acrylic sheet and the perforated silver-plated silk fibroin film, the pressure difference between the perforated silver-plated silk fibroin film and the silver-plated FEP film can be balanced, allowing them to adhere and complete charge transfer, thus achieving a single signal output.
[0029] To better realize the triboelectric effect of the aforementioned triboelectric module, this invention employs the following structure for its fixation: The triboelectric module is fixed within the housing 5 via a support ring 4 and a perforated support plate 1. The first friction layer 2 is fastened to the lower surface of the support plate 1; the second friction layer 3 covers the support ring 4, with the support ring 4 located on the side of the second friction layer 3 furthest from the first friction layer 2. That is, when the physiological signal monitoring device is vertical and the measured position is at one end of its bottom, the sequence from top to bottom is: support plate 1, first friction layer 2, second friction layer 3, and support ring 4. It should be noted that a certain gap is left between the first friction layer 2 and the second friction layer 3. When the gas sealed between the cavity opening of the housing 5 and the measured position is compressed, the first friction layer 2 and the second friction layer 3 can come into contact with each other to generate electricity. Furthermore, to better balance the pressure difference in the first friction layer 2, the holes in the first friction layer 2 correspond one-to-one with the holes in the support plate 1.
[0030] In this embodiment, the support ring 4 and the support plate 1 are made of acrylic material.
[0031] Furthermore, to enhance the functionality of this device, the physiological signal monitoring device also includes a piezoelectric module 6. The piezoelectric module 6 comprises a piezoelectric film, which is disposed at the opening of the housing 5 and has an area smaller than the opening area. This film is used to adhere to a portion of the measured location and collect the second signal. Of course, the piezoelectric film should not obstruct the opening; it should only occupy a small portion of the opening to ensure the normal operation of the triboelectric module. At this time, the signal processing module receives and processes the second signal to obtain the physiological signal, which is then electrically and / or communicatively connected to the piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film is a special functional material with a piezoelectric effect. The piezoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where, when external mechanical stress is applied to a material, it causes a change in the charge distribution within the material proportional to the stress, forming an electric field and causing internal polarization, thereby generating a voltage difference signal, which can then convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
[0032] In this invention, when the measured location is the neck, the second signal is a respiratory signal. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The image shows the respiratory signal data detected by this invention. During respiration, due to the relaxation and contraction of muscles, the bottom piezoelectric film can detect and output the respiratory signal. The signal processing module processes the respiratory signal into respiratory information and outputs it. The piezoelectric module 6 can generate a stable 65V output.
[0033] In this embodiment, the height of the physiological signal monitoring device is 1.5cm. Of course, the size of the device can be modified according to the actual application to meet the application needs.
[0034] Because the material of this invention is soft, small in size, highly integrated, and self-generating, the physiological signal monitoring device can be integrated into clothing and fixed in the position corresponding to the measured location. Furthermore, due to its excellent performance, this invention overcomes technical challenges related to energy consumption, wearing comfort, monitoring efficiency, and accuracy; the physiological signal monitoring device can also be fixed inside a spacesuit. With the continuous advancement of human exploration of deep space and extraterrestrial life, monitoring the life safety and health status of astronauts in extreme outer space environments has become increasingly important. For example, during lunar landings, the lunar environment is extremely complex, presenting a series of challenges including a thin atmosphere, drastic temperature differences, strong radiation, and lunar dust, which places higher demands on the physiological monitoring system for astronauts. Especially under the special conditions of low gravity and atmospheric isolation, key vital signs such as heart rate and respiration not only reflect the astronaut's operational capabilities but also serve as important evidence for emergency rescue, telemedicine, and overall mission safety management. The physiological signal detection device proposed in this invention is placed at the neck of the spacesuit, with its opening aligned with the astronaut's carotid artery. This allows for real-time monitoring of the astronaut's physiological signals, thus meeting the needs of astronauts working long hours and at high intensity.
[0035] In addition to its use in clothing, this solution can also be extended to other wearable physiological signal monitoring scenarios, such as daily exercise and medical environments.
[0036] Given the numerous shortcomings of existing technologies, such as large size, high energy consumption, complex installation, and insufficient signal stability and comfort, this invention provides a self-driven physiological signal monitoring device based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology. This device can be integrated into clothing to achieve synchronous real-time monitoring of physiological signals such as respiration and heart rate in living organisms, and is particularly suitable for spacesuits. It is of great significance for improving astronaut survival support and precise health management, and promoting the safe implementation of manned deep space exploration missions.
[0037] Specifically, this utility model has at least the following characteristics: 1) Solving the power supply bottleneck and endurance problem: Traditional sensing devices or those used in spacesuits rely on batteries or external power sources, and their endurance is still insufficient to meet usage requirements. This utility model innovatively adopts TENG technology to efficiently convert the mechanical energy of daily movements and breathing of living organisms into electrical energy, enabling stable collection of physiological signals without the need for an external power source, fundamentally solving the problems of power dependence and energy replenishment; 2) Miniaturized and highly integrated design: Addressing the extremely limited space constraints of integrated applications (such as spacesuits), this invention features a compact and flexible device that can be seamlessly embedded into the product's internal structure. The system components are small and lightweight, not affecting wearability or movement, significantly improving overall integration and practicality. 3) Real-time monitoring of multiple physiological parameters with high sensitivity: This invention achieves synchronous and accurate monitoring of physiological indicators such as respiration and heart rate using a single device through structural and circuit optimization. Compared with traditional discrete sensors, data acquisition is more timely and the signal is more stable. It can reflect the health status of the monitored organism in real time and provide early warning of abnormalities. At the same time, the sensitivity of the output is not affected in low-temperature environments (such as -70℃). 4) The selected materials are stable, soft, and have excellent fit, which effectively improves the comfort of wearing for a long time and the efficiency of signal acquisition, and further ensures that the monitoring process does not affect living organisms.
[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.
[0039] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.
[0040] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A physiological signal monitoring device based on triboelectric effect, characterized in that, include: The housing (5) is a variable cross-section cylindrical structure with an internal cavity. One end of the housing (5) is open for fastening to the measured position. A triboelectric module is disposed at one end of the housing (5) away from the opening, and includes a first friction layer (2) and a second friction layer (3); the first friction layer (2) has holes, the second friction layer (3) does not have holes, and is close to the measured position; when the first friction layer (2) and the second friction layer (3) are in contact, a first signal is generated. as well as The signal processing module is electrically and / or communicatively connected to at least the first friction layer (2) and the second friction layer (3) to receive and process the first signal to obtain the physiological signal.
2. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein The first friction layer (2) is a silver-plated fibroin film, and the second friction layer (3) is a silver-plated FEP film.
3. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The structure of the shell (5) adopts a Helmholtz resonant cavity, and the diameter of the part closer to the measured position is larger.
4. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The triboelectric module is fixed inside the housing (5) by a support ring (4) and a support plate (1) with holes. The first friction layer (2) is fastened to the lower surface of the support plate (1). The second friction layer (3) covers the support ring (4), and the support ring (4) is located on the side of the second friction layer (3) away from the first friction layer (2).
5. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The holes in the first friction layer (2) correspond one-to-one with the holes in the support plate (1).
6. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The support ring (4) and support plate (1) are made of acrylic material.
7. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The physiological signal monitoring device further includes a piezoelectric module (6), which includes a piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film is disposed at the opening of the housing (5) and has an area smaller than the area of the opening, so as to fit against part of the measured position and collect a second signal. The signal processing module is used to receive and process the second signal to obtain the physiological signal and is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the piezoelectric film.
8. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The measured location is the neck pulse of a living organism, the first signal is a heart rate signal and / or, and the second signal is a respiratory signal.
9. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The signal processing module processes the heart rate signal into heart rate information and / or processes the respiratory signal into respiratory information and outputs it.
10. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The housing (5) is made of a light-curable resin material.
11. The physiological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The physiological signal monitoring device is fixed to the clothing at a position corresponding to the measured position.