Wearable biosensor

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a skin patch structure comprising an elongated section and at least two wings, wherein at least two conductors extend from the elongated section to at least one wing. This disclosure further relates to a portable measuring device comprising a first lid and an electronics board, each containing at least two magnets, and a second lid configured to be attached to the first lid. An advantage of the patch structure and measuring device is that the patch structure and measuring device can be electrically connected without including any additional connecting elements in the patch design by encapsulating the conductor-containing wings between the magnets of the first lid and the magnets of the electronics board. Furthermore, the patch structure can be disposed of without damaging the environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin patch structure and a measurement device for detecting biological signals from the skin.

Background Art

[0002] Hybrid wearable devices often include a reusable electronics module and a disposable skin patch including electrodes, and the skin patch adheres to the patient's skin. The mechanical and electrical connection between the electronics and the patch is often implemented through a coupling mechanism, which requires permanently integrating coupling components into the patch design. To simplify the patch structure and reduce production costs by using fewer materials in the design, alternative methods of connection have been considered. In US Patent Application Publication No. 2014213878 (A1), latching was performed through the magnetic attraction of a first magnet in a disposable electrode patch and a second magnet in an electrode holder including an electrical trace. Such a design requires integrating connection elements such as magnets into the patch, which increases the cost of production and complicates disposal due to the presence of additional parts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems by providing a skin patch structure and a measurement device for performing biological signal measurement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The objectives of this disclosure are achieved by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0006] This disclosure is based on the idea of ​​using a patch structure having wings. The wings may be configured to connect to a measuring device, specifically (a) to fold over a lid containing one set of magnets, and (b) to connect to an electronics board containing another set of magnets.

[0007] An advantage of the configuration of this disclosure is that the skin patch can be connected to the measuring device without including additional connectors or connecting elements in the patch.

[0008] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, using preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1a] This diagram shows the main elements of a skin patch structure, such as elongated sections, feathers, and conductors. [Figure 1b] This is a close-up view of the wings and folding portion, including the directional and lateral regions. [Figure 2a] This figure shows an example of a patch structure containing two superimposed layers. [Figure 2b] This figure shows an example of a patch structure containing two superimposed layers. [Figure 2c] This figure shows an example of a patch structure containing two superimposed layers. [Figure 3a] This figure shows another example of a patch structure containing three superimposed layers. [Figure 3b] This figure shows another example of a patch structure containing three superimposed layers. [Figure 4a] This is an overall schematic diagram of the main components of the measurement device, such as the first lid, the second lid, and the electronics board. [Figure 4b] This figure shows an embodiment of a measuring device that includes additional elements. [Figure 5a] This figure shows a patch structure partially connected to a measuring device by folding the blades onto the first lid at the folding portion. [Figure 5b] This figure shows a patch structure partially connected to a measuring device by folding the blades onto the first lid at the folding portion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] In this disclosure, single features of various subsections and embodiments may be combined to provide other embodiments. Embodiments may also include features / structures not specifically mentioned. All combinations of embodiments are considered possible, provided they do not result in structural or logical inconsistencies.

[0011] Patch structure The skin patch structure of the present disclosure comprises: at least two superimposed layers, the second layer being located on top of a first layer; an elongated section comprising at least two superimposed layers, the first layer in the elongated section being configured to adhere to the skin; at least two wings extending laterally from the elongated section such that a first wing and a second wing are located opposite the elongated section, with a folded portion located between the wings on the elongated section, the wings being configured to fold over the folded portion; and at least two electrically isolated conductors, each conductor extending from the elongated section to one of the at least two wings and located in the second layer.

[0012] Two superimposed layers The patch structure of the present disclosure, shown in Figures 1a-b, comprises at least two superimposed layers, namely a first layer 11 and a second layer 12. The first layer 11 is placed on top of the second layer 12. The first layer 11 is configured to adhere to the skin in direction 111 to form direct contact with the skin for biosignal measurement. The first layer 11 may have openings or openings (not shown in Figure 1). The first layer 11 may partially cover the second layer 12. The first layer 11 may have a top surface and a bottom surface. The second layer may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the first layer and the top surface of the second layer may be attached to each other in some sections of the patch structure.

[0013] The patch structure 10 may further comprise more than two layers (not shown in Figures 1a-b). One layer may be attached to the bottom surface of the second layer 12. Another layer may be applied to the top surface of the first layer 11 and constitute an adhesive between the patch 10 and the skin. Alternatively, the top surface of the first layer 11 may be an adhesive in itself for adhesion to the skin.

[0014] Long and narrow section The patch structure 10 of the present disclosure further comprises an elongated section 13. The elongated section 13 may be relatively thin and relatively long, or it may have a length significantly greater than its thickness. The elongated section 13 comprises at least two superimposed layers 11 and 12. In other words, a first layer 11 and a second layer 12 can form an elongated section. The first layer 11 in the elongated section is configured to adhere to the skin. The first layer 11 in the elongated section 13 may be shorter than the second layer 12. In that case, the second layer 12 in the elongated section may also be in partial contact with the skin.

[0015] The elongated section 13 defines a longitudinal direction 14 that extends along the length of the elongated section from one end 118 to the other end 119. The elongated section 13 also defines a transverse direction 15 that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may also be referred to as the x-axis or the x-direction, and the transverse direction may also be referred to as the y-axis or the y-direction. The z-axis may be orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis as shown in FIG. 1a. The elongated section 13 may also define a horizontal plane (14, 15) or (x, y), and all components of the patch structure are located in this horizontal plane in the non-folded state as shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] The elongated section 13 may have a convex or concave shape. A visual central point 112 of the shape may be defined as the point that is farthest from the edges of the elongated section in both the transverse direction 15 and the longitudinal direction 14. In other words, the elongated section may have a rectangular shape, and the visual central point 112 may coincide with the geometric center of the rectangular shape. However, the elongated section may also have an irregular shape, such as a "banana" shape, for example, and its visual central point 112 may be inside the shape, while the geometric center may be outside the shape.

[0017] Four side regions 113-116 (FIG. 1b) may be formed by a nominal line passing through the visual central point 112 in the longitudinal direction 14 and the transverse direction 15. The first region 113 and the second region 114 may be on one side of the elongated section 13, and the third region 115 and the fourth region 116 may be on the other side of the elongated section 13.

[0018] The length of the elongated section 13 in the longitudinal direction 14 may be greater than the width of the elongated section 13 in the transverse direction 15. The length and width of the elongated section 13 may differ in different layers of the patch structure. In other words, the length and / or width of the elongated sections in the first layer 11 may be greater than those in the second layer 12. The length of the elongated section 13 may be between 50 and 300 mm. The length of the elongated section 13 may be greater than 20 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 50 mm, greater than 70 mm, greater than 100 mm, greater than 150 mm, greater than 180 mm, or greater than 200 mm. The length of the elongated section 13 may be less than 40 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 160 mm, less than 250 mm, or less than 300 mm. The width of the elongated section may be between 10 and 30 mm. The width of the elongated section may be greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, or greater than 30 mm. The width of the elongated section may be less than 8 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 25 mm, or less than 30 mm.

[0019] Feather The patch structure of this disclosure comprises at least two blades 16 and 17. The patch structure may comprise three blades, four blades, or more than four blades. At least two blades 16 and 17 extend laterally from the elongated section 13 such that at least the first blade 16 and the second blade 17 are located opposite the elongated section 13. In other words, one side of each blade may be connected to one side of the elongated section 13. At least two blades 16 and 17 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The fins 16 and 17 may be positioned along the horizontal plane (x, y) in the unfolded state. The fins 16 and 17 may be close to the visual center point 112 of the elongated section or close to the end of the elongated section 13. The fins may also extend from the opposite side of the elongated section 13 into at least one lateral region 113-116 on each side of the elongated section. The fins 16 and 17 may be perpendicular to the elongated section 13 and the longitudinal direction 14. The fins may also be oriented at an angle of 30-90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 14 in the horizontal plane (x, y).

[0021] A feather may comprise only the second layer 12 of the patch structure. Alternatively, at least one feather may comprise the second layer 12, and at least one other feather may comprise the other layers. Alternatively, a feather may comprise all the layers of the patch structure. The feather may further comprise the entire second layer 12 and partly the first layer 11, as shown in Figures 1a-b. At least two feathers 16-17 and elongated sections 13 in at least one of the at least two layers 11-12 may be fabricated as a continuous and uniform structure. In other words, the feather may be constructed inseparably from the elongated sections 13 in at least the second layer 12.

[0022] The feather may have a substantially rectangular shape. The feather may further have rounded corners. The feather may also have a semi-oval shape, or a curved semi-oval shape.

[0023] The length of the feathers may be defined along the longitudinal direction 14, and the width of the feathers may be defined along the transverse direction 15. The length and / or width of the feathers may differ in different layers of the patch structure. In other words, the length and / or width of the feathers 16-17 in the first layer 11 may differ from those in the second layer 12.

[0024] The length of each blade in the x-direction may be between 20 and 50 mm. The length of each blade in the x-direction may be greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 35 mm, greater than 40 mm, or greater than 45 mm. The length of each blade in the x-direction may be less than 50 mm, less than 43 mm, less than 38 mm, less than 33 mm, less than 28 mm, or less than 23 mm.

[0025] The width of each blade in the y-direction may be between 10 and 50 mm. Specifically, the width of each blade in the y-direction may be greater than 10 mm, greater than 15 mm, greater than 25 mm, greater than 35 mm, or greater than 45 mm. The width of each blade in the y-direction may be less than 50 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, or less than 12 mm.

[0026] At least two of the blades may be configured to be mechanically and detachably connected to a measuring device separate from the patch structure. The blades may be further configured to be electrically and detachably connected to a measuring device separate from the patch structure. Importantly, the patch structure and the blades do not need to have connecting elements or connectors configured to be mechanically or electrically connected to a measuring device separate from the patch structure.

[0027] Folding parts and folding of wings The folding portion 18 is a part of the elongated section 13 between at least two wings 16 and 17. Specifically, the folding portion 18 may extend longitudinally between at least two wings 16 and 17.

[0028] At least two wings 16-17 are configured to fold over the folding portion 18. The wings may also be configured to fold over any additional elements or devices installed on the folding portion 18. Specifically, at least two wings 16-17 may be configured to bend outward from the horizontal plane (x, y) over approximately 180 degrees in both directions. In other words, the unfolded and folded states of at least two wings 16-17 may be at z=0, and during folding, the wings may transition to a temporary folding plane (x, y). At least two wings 16-17 may be further configured to wrap around any additional elements or devices installed on the folding portion 18. Wings bent outward from the horizontal plane and folded over the folding portion may define a folded state.

[0029] conductor The patch structure further comprises at least two electrically isolated conductors 109 and 110. Each conductor extends from the elongated section 13 to one of at least two wings 16-17. At least two conductors 109-110 may extend to the same wing (e.g., 16). Conductors may also extend to different wings. At least two conductors 109-110 may extend from the elongated section 13 beyond the folded portion 18 to at least one of the wings 16-17. In other words, conductors may traverse the folded portion 18.

[0030] The patch structure may have more than two conductors, more than four conductors, more than eight conductors, more than ten conductors, or more than twenty conductors. Each conductor may be electrically isolated from the other conductors.

[0031] At least two conductors 109-110 are located in the second layer 12 of the patch structure 10. Specifically, at least two conductors 109-110 may be located on the top surface of the second layer 12. Since the top surface of the second layer 12 and the bottom surface of the first layer 11 are connected, at least two conductors 109-110 may be partially connected to the bottom surface of the first layer 11. Furthermore, portions of at least two conductors 109-110 in the elongated section 13 may be further covered with a volume of material or combination of materials other than the first layer (not shown in Figures 1a-b). Specifically, the material may be located in several regions on the top surface of the second layer 12. One example of such material may be a hydrogel. A hydrogel is conductive and can transmit electrical signals from the skin to the conductor.

[0032] Each conductor may be configured to measure biosignals from the skin. Specifically, the conductor may be configured to measure bioelectric potential. Each conductor may be connected to the skin and a measuring device separate from the patch structure.

[0033] At least two wings 16-17 are configured to overlap the folding portion 18. Therefore, in the folded state, at least two conductors 109-110 may face the opposite side from the folding portion 18.

[0034] Patch example The skin patch structure of the present disclosure, wherein the first and second layers may be located in an elongated section, and the second layer may be located in a wing.

[0035] In any embodiment of this disclosure, at least the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 may be located in the elongated section 13, and at least the second layer 12 may be located in the blades 16-17. Specifically, the patch structure 10 may comprise only the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 in the elongated section 13, and only the second layer 12 in the blades 16-17, as shown in Figures 2a-c. [Examples]

[0036] "Example 1" Each conductor of the patch structure of this disclosure may further comprise a sensing region in an elongated section and a contact region in one of the fins.

[0037] The first layer of the patch structure of this disclosure may further comprise openings above each of the detection regions.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2a, each conductor in the patch structure may have sensing regions 21-22 in an elongated section and contact regions 23-24 in one of at least two fins 16-17. The sensing regions 21-22 may be in contact with skin, and the contact regions 23-24 may be in contact with a measuring device other than the patch structure. Specifically, the contact regions 23-24 may be flat. In other words, the contact regions 23-24 may have the same thickness as the other regions 105-110 of the conductor.

[0039] The contact regions 23-24 may be located symmetrically with respect to the y-axis and equidistant from the elongated section 18 when placed on one blade, as shown in Figure 2a. Alternatively, the contact regions 23-24 may be located at the nominal center of the blade when placed on different blades, as shown in Figure 2b. Alternatively, the contact regions 23-24, 214 may be located at the nominal end of the blade furthest from the elongated member when placed on different blades, as shown in Figure 2c.

[0040] In the folded state, the conductors 109-110 in the elongated section and the contact areas 23-24 in the blade 16 may be located in the folded portion 18.

[0041] Furthermore, the first layer may have at least two openings 25-26 above each of the detection areas. The first layer 11 may also have openings 27-28 above each of the contact areas.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2a, the patch structure may comprise at least two wings 16-17, each extending into both regions 113-116 on each side of the elongated section. Each of at least two conductors 109-110 may extend from the elongated section 13 to one of the wings 16-17.

[0043] In any embodiment, the first layer 11 may be located only in at least partially elongated section 13. Alternatively, the first layer 11 may be located in at least partially elongated section 13 and at least partially on at least one of the feathers (e.g., 16 in Figure 2a). Furthermore, the first layer 11 may be located in at least partially elongated section 13 and at least partially on all of at least two of the feathers 16-17.

[0044] Example 2 As shown in Figure 2b, the patch structure 10 of another embodiment may have at least one fin 16-17 on each side of the elongated section, with at least one fin each extending into one of the four lateral regions 113-116. Specifically, the first fin 16 may extend into the first region 113, and the second fin 17 may extend into the fourth region 116. The first conductor 109 may extend from the elongated portion 13 to the first fin 16, and the second conductor 110 may extend from the elongated portion 13 to the second fin 110. Furthermore, the patch structure 10 may have more fins extending into the other two regions of the four (for example, into regions 114-115).

[0045] As shown in Figure 2b, the first layer 11 in the elongated section 13 may be shorter than the second layer 12. At least two detection regions 21-22 may each be covered with a volume portion of material 29-210 other than the material of the first layer 11.

[0046] "Example 3" The patch structure of the embodiment in Figure 2c may have more than two blades. Specifically, the patch structure may have three blades 16, 17, and 212. Two blades 16 and 212 may be located on one side of the elongated section 13, and one blade 17 may be located on the opposite side of the elongated section 13. The two blades 16 and 212 may be located in two different lateral regions on one side of the elongated section 13, and one blade 17 may be located in both lateral regions on the opposite sides of the elongated section 13. Alternatively, one blade 17 may be located in one lateral region on the opposite side of the elongated section 13. The blades 16, 17, and 212 may be oriented at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees with respect to the elongated section 13 in the horizontal plane (14, 15). Some of the three blades 16, 17, and 212 may each have contact areas (23, 214, 24). Alternatively, all three blades 16, 17, and 212 may each have contact areas (23, 214, 24). The first layer may partially cover at least three of the blades 16, 17, and 212.

[0047] Furthermore, an elongated section may have more than two ends. Specifically, an elongated section may have at least two ends 119, 118, and 217. In other words, one of the physical ends of an elongated section 13 may be divided into at least two sections (e.g., 118 and 217 in Figure 2c). The number of conductors may correspond to the number of blades. For example, each of at least three conductors 109, 110, and 216 may extend to each of at least three blades 16, 17, and 212.

[0048] Fixed opening in patch The patch structure may further have at least one fixed opening (such as 31 and 35) on each of the blades, as shown in Figures 3a-b. Fixed openings 31-35 may be located in the second layer 12. Fixed openings may also be located in the first layer 11. Fixed openings may also be located in the third layer 36. Each blade may have two openings (such as 31-32 and 33-34). Each blade may have more than two openings. One blade may have more openings than the others. The fixed openings may be arranged, for example, as shown in Figures 3a-b. Openings 33 and 35 on the first blade 16 may be aligned with the corresponding contact regions 23-24 along the y-axis. Furthermore, openings 33 and 35 may be located further away from the elongated section 13 than the contact regions 23-24 along the y-axis. Alternatively, the openings 31, 32, 33, and 35 may be located equidistant from the elongated section 13 on opposing sides of the blades 16-17. Another opening, such as a fixed opening 34, may be located at the nominal center of the blades 16-17. Specifically, the opening such as the fixed opening 34 may be located between the contact areas 23-24. The fixed opening may be configured to mechanically secure the blades to a measuring device separate from the patch structure.

[0049] "Example 4" The skin patch structure of the present disclosure may further comprise a third layer, in which case the second layer may be located between the first layer and the third layer.

[0050] A skin patch structure according to the present disclosure, wherein at least one fixed opening may be located on each of the wings.

[0051] As shown in another embodiment in Figures 3a-b, the patch structure may further comprise a third layer 36. The second layer 12 may be located between the first layer 11 and the third layer 36. In other words, as shown in Figure 3a, the second layer 12, which includes conductors 109-110, may be laminated between the first layer 11 and the third layer 36. The first layer 11 and the third layer 36 may be at least partially embedded in the second layer 12. The first layer 11 may have openings 25-26 above the sensing and contact areas. The first layer 11 may be located at least partially on all of at least two of the vanes 16-17. The first layer 11 may also be located only on the elongated section 13 or on one of at least two of the vanes 16-17.

[0052] The folding of the wings 16-17 may be outward from the horizontal plane (x, y), as indicated by the arrow 37 in Figure 3b. In other words, the wings 16-17 may be configured to fold around the third layer 36 in the folding portion 18.

[0053] The patch structure may further include at least one fixed opening on each of at least two vanes 16-17. As shown in Figures 3a-b, three openings (33-35) may be located on the first vane 16, and two openings (31 and 32) may be located on the second vane 17. Openings may also be located on the second layer 12. Openings may also be located on the first layer 11 and the third layer 36.

[0054] Materials and properties of patch structures The patch structure may be flexible. Specifically, the elongated sections and wings may bend outward from the horizontal plane and be easily folded without breaking. The small thickness of the patch structure and the selection of appropriate materials contribute to its flexibility.

[0055] The patch structure may be disposable. All materials of the patch structure may be disposed of under the same waste classification. Therefore, the patch structure may be disposed of without disassembly. This simplifies waste management and reduces costs.

[0056] The materials of at least the first and second layers may be derived from a bio-based group, such as corn or sugarcane-based biopolymers. The materials of at least the first and second layers may be cellulose. The materials of at least the first and second layers may be cellulose derivatives.

[0057] The first layer 11 and the second layer 12 may be attached to each other by an adhesive. The adhesive may be bio-based. The adhesive may be hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) or nanocellulose. The first and second layers may be attached to each other by bonding. The bonding agent may be acrylic-based or silicone-based. Alternatively, bonding may be achieved by heating the first and second layers and pressing them together when heated. In other words, bonding may be achieved using a thermal lamination process.

[0058] The conductor material may be a metal such as silver, copper, or aluminum.

[0059] Alternatively, the skin patch structure of this disclosure may not contain metal. In other words, the first layer, the second layer, and the conductor of the patch structure may not contain any metal elements.

[0060] The conductive material may not contain metal. The conductive material may be bio-based. The conductive material may also be conductive. The conductive material may be carbon. The carbon may be derived from tree sources, animal sources, and fossil-based sources. The conductive material may be graphene.

[0061] The material of the first layer may be nonconductive. The material of the first layer may also be an adhesive. The nonconductive and adhesive properties of the first layer enable partial insulation of the conductor in the second layer and good adhesion to the skin for biosignal measurement.

[0062] The materials of the first and second layers may be polymers. Alternatively, the patch structure may not contain polymers. In other words, the first layer, the second layer, and the conductor of the patch structure may not contain any polymer elements.

[0063] Measuring devices This disclosure further describes a portable miniature measuring device for measuring biological signals. The measuring device comprises: a first insulated lid having a top and bottom side, the top side including at least two bottom magnets; a measuring electronics board having a top and bottom side, the bottom side including at least two top magnets, and including an electronics circuit, the electronics circuit being connected to the top magnets, and each of the top magnets being configured to align with one of the bottom magnets; and a second insulated lid configured to be detachably attached to the first lid, the second lid and the first lid being configured to form an enclosure around the measuring electronics board.

[0064] First lid As shown in Figure 4a, the portable measuring device 40 of the present disclosure comprises a first lid 41. The first lid comprises an outer surface and an inner surface (as seen in Figures 4a-b). The first lid further comprises at least two bottom magnets 42 and 43 on its inner surface. The first lid 41 may also comprise more than two magnets.

[0065] The first cover 41 may be configured to be mechanically detachably connected to a patch structure 10 separate from the measuring device 40. Each of the at least two magnets 42 and 43 may be configured to align with one of the contact areas of the patch structure 10 separate from the measuring device.

[0066] Electronics board A portable measuring device 40 for measuring biological signals further comprises a measuring electronics board 44 having a top side (as seen in Figures 4a-b) and a bottom side. The measuring electronics board 44 has at least two top magnets 45-46 on the bottom side of the electronics board 44. The measuring electronics board may have three magnets on the bottom side. The measuring electronics board 44 may have more than three magnets on the bottom side. Each of the top magnets 45-46 is configured to align with one of the bottom magnets 42-43 in the first lid 41.

[0067] The measuring electronics board 44 includes an electronics circuit 47, which is mechanically and electrically connected to top magnets 45-46. The electronics circuit 47 may be located on the top side of the measuring electronics board 44. The electronics circuit 47 may be located on the bottom side of the measuring electronics board 44.

[0068] The width of the electronics board 44 may be 5 to 30 mm. The width of the electronics board 44 may be greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, or greater than 25 mm. The width of the electronics board 44 may be less than 30 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 15 mm, or less than 8 mm. The length of the electronics board 44 may be 10 to 40 mm. The length of the electronics board 44 may be greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, or greater than 30 mm. The length of the electronics board 44 may be less than 40 mm, less than 35 mm, less than 25 mm, or less than 15 mm.

[0069] The thickness of the electronics board 44 may be significantly less than its width and length. The thickness of the electronics board 44 may be 0.1 to 3 mm. The thickness of the electronics board 44 may be greater than 0.1 mm, greater than 0.3 mm, greater than 0.8 mm, greater than 1.2 mm, greater than 1.6 mm, or greater than 2.5 mm. The thickness of the electronics board 44 may be less than 0.5 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 3 mm.

[0070] magnet The wings 16-17 of the skin patch structure 10 may be configured to fold over the first cover 41 such that each of the contact areas 23-24 in the patch is in direct contact with one of the bottom magnets 42-43. An electronics board 44 including top magnets 45-46 may be mounted on the folded wings 16-17. Each of the top magnets 45-46 may be configured to connect to one of the bottom magnets 42-43 and grip one of the contact areas 23-24 between them, so that the folded wings 16-17 are mounted between the top magnets 45-46 and the bottom magnets 42-43.

[0071] The top magnet and bottom magnet may be permanent magnets. Alternatively, the material of the top magnet or bottom magnet may be magnetic. In other words, the top magnet may be a permanent magnet, and the material of the bottom magnet may be magnetic. Alternatively, the bottom magnet may be a permanent magnet, and the material of the top magnet may be magnetic.

[0072] The material of the permanent magnet may be a "hard" ferromagnetic material. A "hard" ferromagnetic material is characterized by being constantly magnetized and generating its own magnetic field. Specifically, the material of the permanent magnet may be, for example, ceramic, neodymium, ferrite, or samarium-cobalt.

[0073] The magnetic material may be a "soft" ferromagnetic material. A "soft" ferromagnetic material can be easily magnetized when placed in an external magnetic field and easily demagnetized when removed from the external magnetic field. The magnetic material may be, for example, iron, nickel, or steel.

[0074] Alternatively, the magnets may be formed by depositing magnetic ink. The magnetic ink may be deposited on the electronics board 44 to form top magnets 45-46. The magnetic ink may be deposited on the first lid 41 to form bottom magnets 42-43. The magnetic ink may be deposited using, for example, printing. The magnetic ink may contain iron oxide magnets.

[0075] Second lid The measuring device 40 further comprises a second lid 48. The second lid comprises an outer surface (shown in Figure 4a) and an inner surface (shown in Figure 4b). The second lid may be configured to mechanically connect to the first lid in a detachable manner to enclose a separate patch structure of fins from the measuring device.

[0076] Lid dimensions The first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may have a substantially rectangular shape. The rectangular shape may have rounded corners. Alternatively, the lid may have an oval shape.

[0077] The widths of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be 5 to 40 mm. The widths of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be greater than 5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, or greater than 30 mm. The widths of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be less than 35 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 24 mm, less than 17 mm, or less than 9 mm. The length of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be 10 to 50 mm. The length of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 30 mm, or greater than 40 mm. The length of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be less than 50 mm, less than 45 mm, less than 35 mm, less than 25 mm, or less than 15 mm.

[0078] The thickness of the lids may be significantly less than their width and length. The thickness of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be 0.1 to 5 mm. The thickness of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be greater than 0.1 mm, greater than 0.5 mm, greater than 1.5 mm, greater than 2.5 mm, greater than 3.5 mm, or greater than 4.5 mm. The thickness of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may be less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, or less than 0.7 mm.

[0079] Each lid may further comprise at least one side wall 414-415 on the edge of its inner surface (shown in Figures 4a-4b). The side walls 414-415 may come into contact when lids 41 and 48 are connected. In other words, an enclosure space may be formed when the lids 414-415 of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 are attached to each other. Furthermore, the side walls may be located only on two opposing edges of the inner surface of at least the first lid 41 (not shown). The side walls may be located along the entire edge of the second lid 48, and may be recessed on two opposing sides of the first lid 41 so that the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 form an enclosure with openings on two opposing sides (not shown). The openings on the opposing sides of the enclosure may be configured to accommodate a patch fin separate from the measuring device and bring it inside the enclosure. The height of the walls may be 0.5-3 mm. The wall height may be greater than 0.5 mm, greater than 1 mm, or greater than 2 mm. The wall height may be less than 3 mm, less than 2.5 mm, less than 1.5 mm, or less than 0.8 mm.

[0080] Lid material The materials of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 are electrically insulated. The materials of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48 may also be thermally insulated.

[0081] The lid material may be plastic. Specifically, the lid material may be, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the lid material may be bio-based. The lid material may be polylactic acid (PLA) based on sugarcane or corn.

[0082] Examples of measuring devices The portable measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the measuring electronics board can be mechanically fixed to a second lid in a manner that prevents separation.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4b, the second lid 48 and the electronics board 44 of the measuring device 40 may be inseparably connected. In other words, the electronics board 44 may form part of the inner surface of the second lid 48. The electronics circuit 47 and at least two magnets 45-46 may be located on the bottom side of the electronics board 44. The second lid 48, including the electronics board 44, may be connected to the first lid 41, but the second lid 48 may be rotated upside down in the direction of arrow 416 to enclose the electronics board 44 in between.

[0084] A portable measuring device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first lid may be provided with at least two fixing pins.

[0085] As further shown in Figure 4b, the first lid 41 may have at least two retaining pins on its inner surface (at least two of 49-411). The retaining pins 49-411 may be configured to mechanically connect the fins 16-17 of a patch structure 10 separate from the measuring device 40. The retaining openings 31-35 of the patch structure 10 may be connected to the retaining pins 49-411 of the first lid 41. The first lid 41 may have more than two retaining pins.

[0086] Lid lock Each of the lids may further comprise at least one locking element on its inner surface, as shown in Figure 4b. The at least one locking element may be located on the sidewalls of the first lid 41 and the second lid 48, respectively. The locking elements may be, for example, a locking pin 412 in the first lid 41 and a locking opening 413 in the second lid 48. The locking elements 412 and 413 may be configured to align and connect with each other. Specifically, the locking pin 412 may be pressed into the locking opening 413. In other words, the locking elements may be configured to secure the lids so that they can be separated from each other.

[0087] The second lid 48, which includes the electronics board 44, may further be permanently connected to the first lid 41 at one connection point. The connection point may be, for example, a hinge element attached to the inner surface of the first lid 41 and the inner surface of the second lid 48 (not shown in the figure). The connection point may be configured to reversibly separate the lids. In other words, the lids may be configured to open while connected at one point.

[0088] Functions of the measurement device The measuring device may be configured to enclose at least the first fins 16 and second fins 17 (shown in Figures 5a-b) of the patch structure 10, and to grip each of at least two contact areas 23-24 between one of the bottom magnets 42-43 and one of the top magnets 45-46. The gripping provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the contact areas 23-24 of the patch structure 10, separate from the measuring device 40, and an electronic circuit 47 connected to the top magnets 45-46, for the transmission of biopotential signals from the patch structure 10 to the measuring device 40.

[0089] The measuring device 40 is modular. The measuring device 40 is configured to be reversibly assembled by attaching the first lid 41 to the second lid 48, which includes the electronics board 44, when connected to the patch structure 10. The measuring device 40 is also configured to be reversibly disassembled when the patch structure 10 is separated. In other words, the measuring device may be configured to enclose the fins of one patch and release the fins by separating the first lid, the electronics board, and the second lid, and to enclose the fins of another patch by reconnecting the first lid, the electronics board, and the second lid.

[0090] Wearable biosensor The wearable biosensors shown in Figures 5a and 5b are - At least two superimposed layers, wherein the second layer 12 is located on top of the first layer 11, - An elongated section 13 comprising at least two superimposed layers 11-12, wherein the first layer 11 in the elongated section 13 is configured to adhere to the skin, - At least two wings 16-17 extending laterally from an elongated section 13 such that the first wing 16 and the second wing 17 are located opposite the elongated section 13, and a folding portion 18 is located between the wings 16-17 on the elongated section 13, and the wings 16-17 are configured to fold over the folding portion 18, and, - At least two electrically isolated conductors 109-110, each conductor extending from an elongated section 13 to one of at least two wings 16-17 and located in the second layer 12. (a) a skin patch structure 10, - An insulated first lid 41 having a top side and a bottom side, the first lid 41 including at least two bottom magnets 42-43 on the top side, - A measuring electronics board 44 having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side including at least two top magnets 45-46, including an electronics circuit 47, the electronics circuit 47 being connected to the top magnets 45-46, and each of the top magnets 45-46 being configured to align with one of the bottom magnets 42-43, and, - An insulated second lid 48, configured to be detachably attached to the first lid 41, wherein the second lid 48 and the first lid 41 are configured to form an enclosure around the measuring electronics board 44. (b) a portable miniature measuring device 40 for measuring biological signals, They may be provided, The wings 16-17 of the skin patch structure may be configured to extend into an enclosure formed by the first lid 41 and the second lid 48, and the wings 16-17 may be further configured to extend over the bottom magnets 42-43 such that the conductors 109-110 form electrical and mechanical contact with the top magnets 45-46 and the electronic circuit 47. Importantly, the wings 16-17 of the skin patch may be configured to connect directly to the magnets of the measuring device. Specifically, no additional connectors or connecting elements in the skin patch are required.

[0091] In other words, the wearable sensor of this disclosure may be configured to combine an interconnected skin patch structure 10 and a measuring device 40, as shown in Figures 5a-b. The wings 16-17 of the patch structure 10 may be configured to fold over a first lid 41 located on a folding portion 18. Conductors 109-110 in the wings 16-17 of the patch structure 10 may be configured to align with bottom magnets 43-43 on the first lid 41. Conductors 109-110 in the wings 16-17 may also be configured to align with top magnets 45-46 of the electronics board 44 to form both mechanical and electrical connections with the top magnets 45-46. Since the top magnets 45-46 and the electronics circuit 47 are electrically connected, conductors 109-110 may be configured to form an electrical connection with the electronics board 44. Specifically, the contact areas 23-24 may be configured to align with the bottom magnets 42-43 to form an electrical connection with the electronics circuit 47. Both the first cover 41 and the second cover 48 may be configured to enclose the fins 16-17 of the patch structure 10 and the electronics board 44 between them. Importantly, the patch fins do not necessarily have to include additional connecting elements configured to connect to the measuring device. Furthermore, the fins may be configured to connect to the measuring device without using a separate connector.

[0092] How to connect a skin patch to a measuring device The method for connecting the skin patch structure 10 and the measuring device 40 shown in Figures 5a-b is as follows: a) A step of placing the outer surface of the first lid 41 on the folding portion 18, b) The step of folding one of the wings 17 onto the inner surface of the first lid 41, c) The step of aligning each of the conductors 109 to 110 with one of the bottom magnets 42 to 43, d) The step of folding the other wing 16 onto the inner surface of the first lid 41, e) The step of aligning each of the conductors 109 to 110 with one of the bottom magnets 42 to 43 of the first lid 41, f) The step of attaching the electronics board 44 by aligning the bottom magnets 42-43 of the first lid 41 and the top magnets 45-46 of the electronics board 44 and gripping the conductors 109-110 between them. It may include.

[0093] Furthermore, the method is, g) The step of attaching the second lid 48 and sealing the vanes 16-17, including the conductors 109-110, between the lids 41-48. It may include.

[0094] Specifically, steps c), e), f), and g) of the method may relate to the contact areas 23-24 of the conductors 109-110.

[0095] The method may further include the step of mechanically attaching each opening in the vane (e.g., 33-35 in Figure 3b) to each of the pins on the top side of the first lid 41 (e.g., 49-411 in Figure 4b) in a separable manner (not shown in Figures 5a-b).

Claims

1. - At least two superimposed layers, wherein the second layer is located on top of the first layer, - An elongated section comprising at least two superimposed layers, wherein the first layer in the elongated section is configured to adhere to the skin, - At least two wings extending laterally from the elongated section such that a first wing and a second wing are located opposite the elongated section, wherein a folding portion is located between the wings on the elongated section, and the wings are configured to fold over the folding portion, - At least two electrically isolated conductors, each conductor extending from the elongated section to one of the at least two wings, and located in the second layer, and A skin patch structure equipped with the following features.

2. The skin patch structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the conductors comprises a detection region in the elongated section and a contact region in one of the feathers.

3. The skin patch structure according to claim 2, wherein the first layer has an opening above each of the detection areas.

4. A skin patch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first layer and the second layer are located in the elongated section, and the second layer is located in the wing.

5. A skin patch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third layer, wherein the second layer is located between the first layer and the third layer.

6. A skin patch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one fixed opening is located on each of the wings.

7. A skin patch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which does not contain metal.

8. A skin patch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the length of the feather is 20 to 50 mm and the width of the feather is 10 to 50 mm.

9. A portable, compact measuring device for measuring biological signals, - An insulated first lid having a top side and a bottom side, the first lid having at least two bottom magnets on the top side, - A measuring electronics board having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side includes at least two top magnets and an electronics circuit, the electronics circuit being connected to the top magnets and configured such that each of the top magnets is aligned with one of the bottom magnets, - An insulated second lid, configured to be detachably attached to the first lid, wherein the second lid and the first lid are configured to form an enclosure around the measuring electronics board. A portable, compact measuring device equipped with [specific features / features].

10. The portable measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the measuring electronics board is mechanically fixed to the second lid in a manner that prevents separation.

11. The portable measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first lid further comprises at least two fixing pins.

12. A skin patch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A portable miniature measuring device according to any one of claims 9 to 11 A wearable biosensor equipped with [feature / feature].

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