Device for measuring a temperature on the human body

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of the skin, comprising a flexible covering layer, a thermally insulating layer, an electronic unit, a first electrically insulating layer, and an adhesive layer. The covering layer faces away from the skin and is elastic in at least one direction, the thermally insulating layer consists of a nonwoven which is provided between the covering layer and the electronic unit, the electronic unit comprises a temperature sensor and a communication unit and is mounted on a substrate, the first electrically insulating layer is situated between the electronic unit and the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is placed on the skin side and is designed to fasten the device to the skin.

Description

[0001] Ref. 93240827-WO-PCT - July 29, 2025

[0002] Title: Device for measuring temperature on the human body

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of the human body. The measurement is taken via the skin.

[0005] Body temperature is usually measured using a handheld thermometer, which requires direct contact with the body being measured or must be brought close to the body.

[0006] Conventional methods for measuring body temperature therefore usually lead to an interruption of daily activities. Recording body temperature can thus be difficult, especially in children or when overnight temperature monitoring is desired. Measurements using methods such as infrared thermometers can also be inaccurate, as it is impossible to guarantee identical conditions for repeated measurements. For example, it may not be possible to measure at the same location in the ear, leading to inaccuracies.

[0007] To facilitate repeated measurements, temperature sensors are attached directly to the body. Such a device remains on the user's body for, say, a week. Thermometer patches are known in the prior art. These patches can also improve measurement accuracy, as the position of the temperature sensor on the body does not change.

[0008] For example, EP2412306 B1 discloses a sensor arrangement that can be attached to the surface of a human or animal body by means of an adhesive element. Various components of this device are detachably connected to the adhesive element. This allows, for example, the power supply to be replaced.

[0009] These types of thermometer patches have low breathability. This occlusive effect can trigger irritating reactions on the user's skin. This can damage the skin barrier, causing the thermometer patch to irritate the skin.

[0010] The technical challenge, therefore, is to provide a convenient device for monitoring body temperature.

[0011] This problem is solved by a device for measuring skin temperature comprising: a. a flexible cover layer, which is arranged facing away from the skin and which is elastic in at least one direction; b. a thermally insulating layer of nonwoven fabric, which is arranged between an electronic unit and the cover layer; c. the electronic unit comprising a temperature sensor and a communication unit, wherein the electronic unit is arranged on a substrate, and wherein the electronic unit and the substrate are arranged between a first electrically insulating layer and the thermally insulating layer; d. the first electrically insulating layer, which is arranged between the electronic unit and an adhesive layer; e. the adhesive layer, which is arranged on the skin side and which is designed to attach the device to the skin.

[0012] Layers a to e are arranged in the specified sequence, and further layers and / or components of the device may be arranged between the listed layers. The flexible cover layer comprises a textile or a film. Preferably, it is a flexible textile cover layer.

[0013] The arrangement is characterized by its breathability. Breathability is primarily determined by the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). This is defined in the standard EN 13726-2. An MVTR of at least 300, and in particular at least 500, is considered breathable. 2 -Day

[0014] The breathability prevents sweat from accumulating against the skin. This reduces the risk of skin irritation, especially during prolonged wear of the skin temperature measuring device. The use of textile layers also allows for greater flexibility, making it easier to attach to the user's body. This improved adaptability to the shape of the surface being attached also enhances wearing comfort.

[0015] The flexible covering layer comprises a textile or a film. Preferably, the textile or film covers the entire surface, so that the underlying components of the device are protected from external influences, and in particular from moisture. "Full surface" here means that all other components of the device are covered (in a top view). The remaining components of the device are thus optimally protected by the flexible covering layer.

[0016] If the flexible cover layer is designed as a textile, flexible cover layer, the textile can preferably be a nonwoven, woven, knitted, or crocheted fabric. Alternatively, other textile surfaces obtainable through common textile production processes can also be used. The flexible cover layer has an elongation of at least 20% of its relaxed length, preferably at least 30% of its relaxed length, and particularly preferably at least 40% of its relaxed length.

[0017] Preferably, the textile used for the flexible cover layer is hydrophobic (water-repellent). Hydrophobic properties can be achieved through the choice of fiber types. For example, the fiber material of the cover layer can include or consist of polyester. Polyester is inherently water-repellent. Other water-repellent textiles, such as chemically or physically treated, finished, and / or coated textiles (e.g., using plasma), can also be used for the cover layer. The textile can be coated or enriched with a hydrophobic substance. Examples of hydrophobic substances include fluorocarbons (FCs), paraffin wax, fatty acid resin, polyurethane, polyacrylate, acrylic, a polysiloxane, or a mixture of at least two of the aforementioned substances. Furthermore, the flexible cover layer can also be coated with a water-repellent film or laminated with a foil.Such a coating can, for example, contain or consist of PU or acrylic. If only one side of the flexible cover layer is hydrophobic, this hydrophobic side can face either outwards or inwards towards the insulating layer. Preferably, the hydrophobic flexible cover layer is not only hydrophobic but also waterproof according to the standard DIN EN 13726:2023 Annex J, so that the flexible cover layer remains impermeable to water at a water pressure of 50 mbar for a period of 300 ± 10 seconds. Waterproofness can be achieved by applying one or more of the methods described herein. For example, a larger quantity of a hydrophobic substance can be applied to the textile, or a waterproof film can be laminated onto it.

[0018] Furthermore, the cover layer in the area of ​​the textile, film, or laminate can be provided with a label and / or pictorial representation visible to the user. These can be designed in such a way as to facilitate use for the user. For example, the top side of the device can be marked as such in this way to distinguish it from the underside, which is in contact with the skin.

[0019] If the covering layer is a film, this film is water-repellent or waterproof. The film can be made of at least one of the following compounds: polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The film can also consist exclusively of one of the aforementioned compounds (e.g., PU film).

[0020] The thermally insulating layer can, for example, contain a nonwoven fabric composed of multifilaments or bicomponent fibers. Alternatively, the nonwoven fabric can also consist of single fibers. The nonwoven fabric of the thermally insulating layer can be a polyester fiber (PES) nonwoven. Preferably, the nonwoven fabric is a bulky, thermally bonded nonwoven fabric made of polyester staple fibers.

[0021] The electronic unit includes the temperature sensor and the communication unit.

[0022] The temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the human body and convert it into electrical signals. The temperature sensor can measure a temperature range of 30°C to 50°C, preferably 32°C to 45°C, and particularly 34°C to 42°C. As specified in DIN EN ISO 80601-2-56, the measurement accuracy for a thermometer for measuring body temperature is at least ±0.3°C, and the temperature sensor has a measurement resolution of 0.1°C. In a preferred embodiment, the communication unit comprises a communication interface through which the temperature data is transmitted to a receiver unit via the antenna, and the antenna itself, which is configured to send data from the electronic unit to a data processing unit.

[0023] The receiver unit can be a portable receiver unit such as a smartphone.

[0024] The antenna in question is specifically a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna. Such antennas require less energy than, for example, Bluetooth or WLAN antennas, as they can only transmit and receive over a shorter range.

[0025] The antenna of the communication unit can also serve to power the device. The present invention preferably utilizes a passive electronic unit that generates energy by means of electromagnetic induction. The passive electronic unit has no power source of its own. The magnetic field of the active, portable receiver unit induces a voltage in the passive electronic unit and thus couples it inductively. By eliminating the need for a battery, the electronic unit can be designed to be particularly compact and flexible. This results in increased wearing comfort, as the device can adapt to the body's surface. Furthermore, the absence of a battery also promotes the breathability of the device.

[0026] The antenna can be designed in such a way that it can simultaneously be used as an NFC antenna. Preferably, the antenna is designed for a frequency of 13.56 MHz.

[0027] Alternatively, a passive transponder designed to ensure bidirectional communication can be used. Instead of a single antenna, multiple antennas can also be used.

[0028] The electronic unit is arranged on a substrate. The substrate is preferably fluid-impermeable. Particularly if the electronic unit includes an antenna, it is advantageous if the substrate does not affect the shape of the antenna, as otherwise the transmission performance would be negatively affected. The substrate is preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit can have an integrated power source and / or a data storage device. If the electronic unit includes an integrated power source and a data storage device, automated, sequential temperature measurements are possible without requiring the user to manually supply the necessary electrical energy externally, for example, by induction. This is particularly useful for the automated or semi-automated generation of measurement curves, such as fever curves, which provide additional information about the development of body temperature and the physiological or pathological condition of a patient. An advantage here is that the measurement points can also be recorded at night without disturbing sleep.

[0030] Automated measurements can be performed at regular intervals, for example, one to three measurements per hour. Ideally, these measurements should be taken at intervals of at least 20 minutes, preferably 10 minutes, and even better, 5 minutes. This prevents rapid, successive induction measurements from accumulating heat and distorting subsequent readings—that is, from being too high. The measured values ​​are stored in the data memory and can be retrieved later. During the measurements, the necessary components, such as the memory, temperature sensor, and microcontroller, are powered by the integrated power supply.

[0031] The storage medium is a non-volatile memory that supports both read and write operations. Flash memory, for example, is suitable.

[0032] The integrated power source can be a battery. Examples of suitable battery types are lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and zinc-carbon. The battery can be rechargeable. Furthermore, the battery can be detached from or removed from the device to facilitate proper disposal after use.

[0033] The invention further comprises a method for the automated recording of temperature measurements comprising the following steps: a) providing the device described herein, comprising an integrated power source and a data storage device; b) attaching the device to a person's skin; c) performing a temperature measurement on the person's skin, preferably an automated temperature measurement; d) storing the temperature measurement obtained in step c) in the data storage device; e) repeating steps c) and d) at least once; f) reading the temperature measurements contained in the data storage device.

[0034] The repetition according to step e) at least once can also be performed at least twice, at least three times, at least ten times or at least thirty times.

[0035] The period of automated recording can be at least 2 h, at least 4 h, at least 8 h, at least 12 h, at least 24 h, at least 48 h or at least 72 h within the framework of the procedure set out, where this period is the interval between the first and the last measurement.

[0036] The first electrically insulating layer can, on the one hand, protect the electronic unit from liquids and, on the other hand, prevent the user's skin from coming into contact with substances contained in the electronic unit and from electrical currents reaching the user's skin.

[0037] The first electrically insulating layer can be insulating tape. The insulating tape can be applied, at least partially, to the exposed structures of the electronic unit, on the side of the electronic unit facing away from the substrate. In particular, the insulating tape can be applied to the exposed structures of the temperature sensor and the antenna. Preferably, all electronic structures of the electronic unit are covered and thus insulated.

[0038] The first electrically insulating layer preferably consists of polyester, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or PET. The first electrically insulating layer is preferably biocompatible. A material is considered biocompatible if it has no adverse effects on the human or animal body. The first electrically insulating layer may include an adhesive layer facing the electronic unit, which allows the first insulating layer to be attached to the electronic unit. This adhesive layer may consist of acrylic adhesive.

[0039] In one embodiment, the device comprises a second electrically insulating layer. The first and second electrically insulating layers enclose the electronic unit. This allows the electronic unit, particularly the temperature sensor and antenna, to be completely encapsulated between electrically insulating layers. This can prevent contact between non-biocompatible components, such as the substrate material, and the user's skin. Likewise, in this embodiment, exposed structures of the electronic unit, which may be located on either side of the substrate, can be isolated.

[0040] The device includes an adhesive layer designed to attach the device to the skin and is therefore positioned on the skin side when the device is in use.

[0041] The adhesive layer can comprise at least one adhesive substance or consist of an adhesive material. The adhesive layer can comprise a carrier layer, which is then coated with at least one adhesive substance.

[0042] The adhesive layer can comprise at least two adhesive substances with different adhesive properties. The adhesive layer can exhibit varying adhesive strengths at different locations on the skin-facing surface to ensure better adhesion to the skin. For example, the adhesive strength of the layer may be greater at its edges, encompassing an area of ​​lower adhesive strength. The adhesive layer in contact with the skin must consist of biocompatible adhesive substances.

[0043] Preferably, at least one of the adhesive substances contains, or consists of, a silicone, an acrylate, or PU. An adhesive acrylate-based substance is particularly preferred due to its long-lasting bonding properties.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer and the cover layer completely enclose the other components of the device. The adhesive layer may contain an adhesive substance with greater adhesive strength on its side facing away from the skin. This higher-strength adhesive substance permanently bonds the cover layer to the adhesive layer, ensuring good structural stability of the device. The skin-facing surface of the adhesive layer may contain an adhesive with lower adhesive strength, which serves to attach the device to the skin. Due to the different adhesive strengths, the device can be easily removed from the skin without the layers separating from each other.

[0045] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer can comprise a carrier layer and two adhesive substances. A first adhesive substance is applied to the side facing away from the skin, and a second adhesive substance is applied to the side facing the skin. In this embodiment, the second adhesive substance is biocompatible. Preferably, the first adhesive substance is also biocompatible. The carrier layer can be a film designed to prevent the first adhesive substance from coming into contact with the skin.

[0046] The adhesive layer can be designed as a continuous surface without holes or recesses. At least one of the adhesive substances is preferably an acrylic or polyurethane-based adhesive. The thickness of the adhesive layer is selected, in particular, to maintain the breathability of the device.

[0047] Alternatively, the adhesive layer can be at least partially perforated or punched.

[0048] The adhesive layer can comprise holes arranged in a regular pattern. A hole size of 0.05 mm to 5 mm is preferred, more preferably 0.1 mm to 4 mm, and particularly 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0049] In another alternative embodiment, the adhesive layer can include at least one recess. Preferably, the recess is arranged in the center of the adhesive layer such that fluids can escape through it without directly contacting the electronic unit. This recess can, for example, be a circular recess enclosed by the antenna of the electronic unit, with other electronic components, such as the temperature sensor, arranged outside the recess so that fluids escaping from the skin do not come into contact with the electronic components. Simultaneously, the temperature sensor and the layers beneath the temperature sensor are attached to the skin by means of the adhesive layer in such a way that the temperature sensor lies as close to the skin as possible. This design prevents distortions of the temperature reading caused by any air pockets between the temperature sensor and the skin.

[0050] The substrate of the electronic unit can also be at least partially perforated or punched. Preferably, the substrate has at least one recess. Preferably, the recess is located in the center of the substrate and / or above the optional recess of the adhesive layer, so that fluids can escape through the recess without directly contacting the electronic unit. Like the recess of the adhesive layer, the recess in the substrate can, for example, be a circular recess enclosed by the antenna of the electronic unit, with other electronic components, such as the temperature sensor, located outside the circular recess.

[0051] The recess in the substrate of the electronic unit and the recess in the adhesive layer can also have other shapes, such as any rectangle. Preferably, the shape of the recess is adapted to the shape of the antenna. Electronic components of the electronic unit are preferably not arranged above the recess. To avoid impairing the breathability of the device, the surface area of ​​the substrate is kept as small as possible. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the substrate is preferably matched to the shape of the electronic unit.

[0052] Further layers, such as the first and second electrically insulating layers, can also be at least partially perforated or punched and include a recess. The recesses of the various layers are shaped to allow for optimal fluid escape. Preferably, the design of the recesses in the various layers enables complete encapsulation of the exposed structures of the electronic unit, such as the temperature sensor and antenna, either between the substrate of the electronic unit and the first electrically insulating layer or between the first and second electrically insulating layers.

[0053] The device may include an adhesive component. The adhesive component is then positioned between the electronic unit and the thermally insulating layer and / or between the thermally insulating layer and the cover layer. In one embodiment, the adhesive component bonds the two adjacent layers together across the entire surface of the electronic unit and / or the thermally insulating layer. Alternatively, the adhesive component may only partially cover the surface of the electronic unit and / or the thermally insulating layer. Likewise, the adhesive component may cover the surface of the cover layer completely or only partially. Furthermore, the adhesive component may also be in the form of a double-sided adhesive strip. An example of suitable adhesives are acrylic-based adhesives.

[0054] The adhesive component can improve the structural integrity of the device. This is advantageous, for example, when layers, such as the substrate of the electronic unit, have large cutouts to improve the device's breathability. Furthermore, the adhesive component can offer a crucial advantage by significantly reducing the likelihood of unintentional displacement of the cover layer and the insulating layer during the production process. The electronic unit can also include a control unit, which can be a microcontroller. The control unit manages the acquisition of temperature data via the temperature sensor. The electronic components of the electronic unit, such as the control unit, the antenna, and the temperature sensor, can be integrated onto a single chip.

[0055] Images:

[0056] Figure 1a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 1b is a three-dimensional view of the same embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention comprising an adhesive component. Figure 2b is a three-dimensional view of the same embodiment.

[0058] Figure 3a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention comprising a second electrically insulating layer. Figure 3b is a three-dimensional view of the same embodiment.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of one embodiment of the electronic unit.

[0060] Figures 1a and 1b show an embodiment of the invention. The device 100 can be a thermometer patch consisting of a textile, flexible cover layer 200, a thermally insulating layer 300, an electronic unit 400 comprising a temperature sensor, microcontroller, communication interface and an antenna, a first electrically insulating layer 500 and an adhesive layer 600. The electronic unit 400 is applied to a substrate, which is not shown here.

[0061] The cover layer 200 consists of a flexible textile covering material, which ensures good applicability of the device 100 while simultaneously offering good air permeability. The cover layer can be a polyester fabric.

[0062] The thermally insulating layer 300 consists of a fleece.

[0063] The electronic unit 400 is mounted on a substrate made of PET.

[0064] The temperature sensor of the electronic unit 400 can measure temperatures from 34°C to 42°C with an accuracy of ±0.3°C. The measurement resolution is 0.1°C. This means the temperature sensor complies with DIN EN ISO 80601-2-56, which specifies the safety and performance characteristics of medical thermometers.

[0065] The antenna of electronic unit 400 is designed to simultaneously transmit information and serve as a power source. The antenna is an NFC antenna. Due to the short range of NFC transmission, only a small amount of energy is required for data transfer. Therefore, the NFC antenna can be used to send temperature data to the reader and also to generate the necessary energy to operate the sensor and transmit data. At the same time, the compact design of the NFC antenna allows the device 100 to remain flexible.

[0066] The microcontroller of the electronic unit 400 serves as the control unit. The antenna, the temperature sensor, the microcontroller, and the communication interface are mounted on a substrate.

[0067] The microcontroller, communication interface, antenna and temperature sensor are integrated into a single chip.

[0068] The biocompatible substrate and the electronic components on it are enclosed by the thermally insulating layer 300 and the first electrically insulating layer 500. The temperature sensor and the antenna are also enclosed between the first electrically insulating layer 500 and the substrate. The thermally insulating layer 300 is positioned on the substrate side so that it does not come into contact with the electronic components.

[0069] The first electrically insulating layer 500 is an electrically insulating tape applied to the electronic components of the electronic unit 400 to protect them from liquids such as sweat. It also ensures that no substances leaching from the electronic unit come into contact with the user's skin. The electrically insulating tape can be made of polyester, PU, ​​TPU, or PET with acrylic adhesive.

[0070] The adhesive layer 600 is applied to the body-facing layer of the electrically insulating layer 500 during use.

[0071] The adhesive layer 600 comprises at least one adhesive substance, for example, an acrylic-based adhesive. The acrylic-based adhesive can be applied as a layer to the electrically insulating layer 500. This layer allows the device 100 to be detachably attached to the user's skin. The adhesive layer is perforated to increase the fluid permeability of the device 100. However, the adhesive layer can also be implemented using a silicone- or polyurethane-based adhesive, which is not perforated. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate another embodiment of the device 100. In addition to the textile, flexible cover layer 200, the thermally insulating layer 300, the electronic unit 400 with substrate, and the first electrically insulating layer 500, the device 100 comprises an adhesive component 700.The adhesive component 700 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that provides additional cohesion to the individual layers, thus improving the stability of the device 100. The adhesive is therefore applied primarily between the electronic unit 400 and the thermally insulating layer 300 where there is a risk of the two layers separating. This could be, for example, in the center of the surface of the thermally insulating layer 300. This allows the device 100 to be easily removed from the skin without the layers separating. Optionally, another adhesive component 700 (not shown) is located between the cover layer 200 and the insulating layer 300.

[0072] Figures 3a and 3b show an embodiment of the device 100 comprising a first electrically insulating layer 501 and a second electrically insulating layer 502. The electronic unit 400 is located between these two electrically insulating layers. The substrate of the electronic unit 400, not shown separately here, therefore does not necessarily have to be biocompatible.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the arrangement of the electronic unit (reference numeral 400 in Figures 1 to 3) on the substrate 403. The design of the substrate 403 can also be used in embodiments other than the one shown here. The recess is located in the center of the substrate 403. It is adapted to the shape of the electronic unit and, in particular, the antenna. Here, a circular recess is shown. The antenna 402 of the electronic unit encloses the recess. Electronic components, such as the temperature sensor 401, the control unit 404, and the communication interface 405, are also arranged outside the circular recess. If the electronic components are components of a chip, this chip is arranged outside the recess.The temperature sensor is fixed as close to the skin as possible using the adhesive layer in order to minimize systematic measurement errors, such as those caused by air inclusions.

[0074] The recess and the arrangement of the electronic components allow fluids to escape without coming into direct contact with the electronic components of the electronic unit.

Claims

Claims 1. Device (100) for measuring the temperature of the skin comprising a. a flexible cover layer (200) which is arranged facing away from the skin and which is elastic in at least one direction, b. a thermally insulating layer (300) made of nonwoven fabric, c. an electronic unit (400) comprising a temperature sensor (401) and a communication unit, wherein the electronic unit (400) is arranged on a substrate (403), d. a first electrically insulating layer (500, 501), e. an adhesive layer (600) which is arranged on the skin side and which is designed to attach the device (100) to the skin, wherein the layers a to e are present in the aforementioned sequence and wherein the flexible cover layer (200) comprises either a textile or a film.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit comprises an antenna (402) which is configured to send data from the electronic unit (400) to a data processing unit.

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the antenna (402) is an NFC antenna.

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer (600) consists of an adhesive material or comprises an adhesive substance.

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer (600) comprises at least two adhesive substances with different adhesive properties.

6. Device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the adhesive substances is silicone-, acrylate- or PU-based.

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer (600) is at least partially perforated.

8. Device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive layer (600) and the covering layer (200) completely enclose the other components of the device (100).

9. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) comprises an adhesive component (700), and wherein the adhesive component (700) is arranged between the electronic unit (400) and the thermally insulating layer (300) and / or between the thermally insulating layer (300) and the cover layer (200).

10. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) comprises a second electrically insulating layer, and wherein the first electrically insulating layer (500, 501) and the second electrically insulating layer (502) enclose the electronic unit (400).

11. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermally insulating layer (300) is a nonwoven fabric comprising fibers which include or consist of at least one of the following materials: PES, PP, PET, PA, PE and PLA.

12. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit of the electronic unit (400) is configured to be supplied with power via an antenna (402), wherein the antenna (402) may be the antenna according to claim 2 or 3.

13. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible, textile cover layer (200) is a fabric.

14. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (403) is at least partially perforated and / or punched.

15. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate (403) is designed to be adapted to the shape of the electronic unit so that the surface area of ​​the substrate is kept as small as possible.

16. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible cover layer (200) is a textile, wherein the textile is a) a textile coated, equipped or enriched with a hydrophobic substance, b) a textile hydrophobic as a result of plasma treatment or c) a textile equipped with a laminated film it.

17. Device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the flexible cover layer (200) is a textile which is coated, equipped or enriched with a hydrophobic substance and wherein the hydrophobic substance is fluorocarbon, paraffin wax, fatty acid resin, polyurethane, polyacrylate, polyurethane, acrylic, a polysiloxane or a mixture of at least two of the aforementioned substances.

18. Device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises an integrated power source and a data storage device.

Images