Flexible sensor belt

Abstract

Flexible sensor belt for being worn around an abdominal part of a baby, comprising: - an electrode section including one or more electrodes made of a conductive material protruding outwardly from the flexible sensor belt such as to be in contact with a skin of an abdominal part; - a tail section provided at an end of the sensor belt comprising a locking hole having a passing length defined as the length between two points, preferably opposing ends, of the locking hole; - an end section provided at an end of the flexible sensor belt opposite the tail section, said end section comprising a pair of indents that are concavely curved and provided on opposite sides of the end section in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt; - wherein each indent of the pair of indents comprises an apex; and - wherein the distance between the apices of each indent of the pair of indents is equal to or smaller than the passing length of the locking hole.

Description

[0001] P137946PC00

[0002] Title: Flexible sensor belt

[0003] The invention relates to a flexible sensor belt for being worn around an abdominal part of a baby.

[0004] During care for babies, including babies that are born early, it may be important to measure and monitor their vital signs. Babies that are born early, commonly referred to as preterm babies, are babies that were born after a pregnancy of less than 37 weeks. A part of the vital signs, e.g. ECG, heart rate, respiration and respiratory rate, are commonly measured and monitored using adhesive electrodes adhered to the baby’s body. Such electrodes are adhered to various parts of the body to detect different electrical physiological signals. Adhering of these electrodes is desired to ensure sufficient contact between the electrode and the skin, and to prevent accidental moving of the electrodes from their desired location on the body. While adhering electrodes to the skin of the baby is a relatively reliable method of monitoring a baby, it has a number of downsides. For example, the use of adhesion can be unpleasant and even be harmful for a baby. Removal of the electrodes hurts the baby, causing stress to the baby and / or his or her parents. Such removal occasionally may even damage the skin, causing small wounds and increasing the risk of infection. Since the electrodes need to be replaced often, e.g. once every few days, this may be considered a significant downside.

[0005] Thus it has been proposed to attach the electrodes, preferably non-adhesive electrodes, on a belt, which belt can be worn by the baby. As a result, it is no longer necessary to use adhesion to adhere individual electrodes to the skin of the baby. While belts significantly improve comfort and reduce harmfulness, e.g. by reducing the risk of infection, a belt can still cause some discomfort for a baby which preferably is to be reduced as much as possible. For example, the belt needs to exert sufficient pressure to establish good contact between the skin and the electrodes, which may result in such discomfort and in the worst case even local damage to the skin.

[0006] The invention aims to counteract the above disadvantages, preferably while retaining the advantages. More specifically, the invention aims to provide for a robust flexible sensor belt that allows for reliable monitoring of the vital signs of a baby, preferably a preterm baby, while improving comfort and reducing residual risk.

[0007] Therefore, the invention provides for a flexible sensor belt for being worn around an abdominal part of a baby, in particular the flexible sensor belt according to claim 1. The flexible sensor belt comprises an electrode section including one or more electrodes made of a conductive material arranged to be in contact with a skin of an abdominal part. Optionally, said electrodes may protrude outwardly, from the flexible sensor belt such as to be in contact with a skin of an abdominal part. Preferably, the electrode section is provided towards the middle of the flexible sensor belt, and is sufficiently large enough to cover the abdominal part. As a result, it may be facilitated to provide a plurality of electrodes that are spaced to cover an abdominal part, increasing the reliability of the measurements, e.g. ECG, respiratory rate, etc., performed by the electrodes in use. The flexible belt further comprises a tail section provided at an end of the sensor belt comprising a locking hole having a passing length defined as the length between two points, preferably opposing ends, of the locking hole and an end section provided at an end of the flexible sensor belt opposite the tail section. The passing length is arranged such that the end section, during use, can be inserted into the locking hole without exerting undue force. Undue force may be understood as applying a force when inserting the end section in the locking hole that damages the flexible sensor belt and I or requires significant force by a user. In other words, the end section should be arranged such that it can provided relatively easy in the locking hole by a user, e.g. by providing a sufficiently large passing length.

[0008] The end section comprises a pair of indents that are concavely curved and provided on opposite sides of the end section in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt. In the context of the invention, concavely curved may be understood as the edges of the indents always have an angle of at least 22.5 degrees relative to an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt. In other words, the angle formed by the edge of an indent relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexible sensor belt is at all times equal to or smaller than 67.5 degrees. Due to this prescribe concave shape, the radius of the concave shape, may be relatively large to the thickness of the flexible sensor belt at the locking holes, e.g. at least 2 or 3 times as large as the thickness of the flexible sensor belt. Thus, the indents may be considered relatively flat compared to indents known from the state of the art. The edges of such indents of known belts form smaller angles relative to the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sensor belt, in order to facilitate a tight locking of the belt. As a result, the end section of such a known belt may not move relative to the tail section of a known belt. The flexible sensor belt according to the invention allows some measure of movement while still ensuring a sufficient tight fit for the belt measure signals of the preborn infant due to the concavely curved indents, that are relatively flat. Allowing some measure of movement may reduce wear and may increase comfort for a preborn infant wearing said belt.

[0009] Preferably, the end section comprises a number of pair of indents, e.g. 10 pairs of indents. Each indent of the pair of indents comprises an apex and the distance between the apices of each indent of the pair of indents is equal to or smaller than the passing length of the locking hole. The distance between the apices of each indent of a pair of indents may be a predetermined percentage of the total width of the flexible sensor belt, e.g. 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%. The two points that define the passing length may depend on the shape of the locking hole and the cross- sectional shape of the end section. In an example, the locking hole has a circular shape and the end section has a cross-sectional shape between the apices of each indent that is a rectangle. The passing length is then defined by opposing points on the circular locking hole. To ensure that the rectangular shape of the end section can be inserted in the locking hole, the passing length is equal to or larger than a length from one corner of the rectangular shape to the diagonally opposed corner of said rectangular shape between the apices of both indents of the pair of indents. It will be clear to the skilled person that the locking hole and cross-sectional shape of the end section may be any other shape that is considered advantageous.

[0010] During use, the flexible sensor belt may be provided around an abdomen. The end section may be inserted in to the locking hole. The flexible sensor belt may be adjusted such that it has the correct tightness around the baby by pulling the end section further through the locking hole. Once the correct tightness has been achieved, e.g. a tightness in which the flexible sensor belt fits around the abdomen of the baby such that the electrodes are firmly pressed against the skin, without being too tight, the end section directly adjacent to both sides of the indents abuts the locking opening and prevents the flexible sensor belt from loosening. Due to the shape of the flexible sensor belt, i.e. by having indents, and by being a flexible belt that may elastically deform, the end section will be provided in the locking hole such that a pair of indents aligns with the locking hole. It is found that by providing indents that are concavely curved, instead of indents formed by angles, e.g. acute angles, the pressure on the skin may be alleviated, and thus the comfort of wearing the belt is increased and risk of damaging the skin is reduced when the belt is worn. Furthermore, by providing concavely curved indents, forces exerted on the flexible sensor belt are more gradually distributed and thus reducing the risk of damaging the flexible sensor belt due to wear. It has been found that a belt having indents formed by angles, such as acute angles, is more prone to tearing at the indents due to wear.

[0011] The apices of the pair of indents can be aligned in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt. By aligning the apices it may be facilitated that the belt can be circularly shaped in a plane, i.e. wherein a longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt forms a circle when the end section is provided in the locking hole, specifically when the pair of indents is provided in the locking hole. This may improve comfort when wearing the belt and may facilitate positioning and keeping the electrodes at a predetermined position on the abdomen of a baby.

[0012] The locking hole can be substantially C-shaped. In addition, the locking hole can be provided such that a middle section of the C-shape is provided parallel to the direction transverse of the longitudinal direction. Additionally, the ends of the locking hole defining the passing length can be opposing ends of the middle section of the C-shape of the locking hole in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Thus, when the end section of the flexible sensor belt is inserted in the locking hole the user may need to elastically deform the end section such that it corresponds to the C- shape, for example by bending the end section such that it has the same width as the distance between the two apices of a pair of indents. Once the end section is no longer deformed by the user, the flexible sensor belt returns to its original shape and thus locking the flexible sensor belt in a circular shape, viewed from the top. A C-shape is advantageous over other shaped locking holes, such as a slot, as the forces acting upon the flexible sensor belt are distributed more efficiently thereby further reducing wear in increasing the functional lifetime of the flexible sensor belt, e.g. the time before the flexible sensor belt is damaged due to wear. The locking hole can further comprise a notch in an edge forming the locking hole. The end section can comprise a protrusion arranged to cooperate with the notch when the end section is in the locking hole. The notch and protrusion may allow the end section to be inserted in the locking hole in a single configuration only. This may prevent that a user incorrectly inserts the end section in the locking hole, e.g. by accidently twisting the end section. A twisted flexible sensor belt may reduce comfort of the baby and I or may damage the skin of the baby wearing the belt and I or may reduce contact between the electrodes and the skin, thereby reducing the accuracy of the measurements taken by the sensor belt.

[0013] The flexible sensor belt can further comprise a further locking hole provided adjacent to the locking hole in the longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt. The further locking hole can have a shape that is mirrored to the shape of the locking hole in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. A further locking hole, in particular if mirrored to a first locking hole, e.g. the previously described locking hole, may further ensure that the flexible sensor belt remains tightly locked when the end section is present in both the locking hole and the further locking hole while simultaneously distributing the forces evenly over the flexible sensor belt and further increasing durability of the flexible sensor belt as it may endure less wear.

[0014] The electrode section can comprise a non-adhesive sticky layer arranged to non-adhesively stick the electrode section to the skin of the abdominal part during use. A non-adhesive sticky layer may prevent moving of the electrodes over the skin of the baby when the belt is worn during use. In the context of the invention, non-adhesive sticky should be understood as a relatively high friction acting between the electrode and the skin of the baby when the flexible sensor belt is worn, not being caused by an adhesive layer. This may be achieved by providing a coating, forming a non-adhesive sticky layer, or by making the electrode section out of a material that sticks to the skin. As stated before, it will be clear to the skilled person that nonadhesive sticky material and adhesive material are not the same. A nonadhesive sticky material may release from the skin of the baby without use of significant force, for example by gravity only while an adhesive layer is stronger and may form a more durable connection. While an adhesive layer may form a stronger connection, there is also a significantly higher possibility of injuring the baby as the skin of the baby may be damaged when the belt is removed. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible sensor belt can be made out of a flexible and non-adhesive sticky material, preferably an elastomeric composition, more preferably silicone. The tail section and the end section can be coated provided with a surface that is non-sticky, e.g. by using a coating. By making the belt out of one material, a non-adhesive sticky material, while coating the outsides of the belt such that a person applying the belt does not come in to contact with the non- adhesive sticky material, may be an advantageous production process. For example, this process may be cheaper and more cost efficient. Furthermore, by making the electrode section out of a non-adhesive sticky material instead of coating the electrode section with a non-adhesive sticky material, the non-adhesive sticky properties of the flexible sensor belt may be ensured, as a coating may be accidently removed or may wear down over time. Alternatively, the surface of the tail section and end section can be at least partially processed so as to be non-sticky, such as by having a surface roughness different from a surface roughness of the electrode section or by providing the tail section and end section with a non-sticky inlay part.

[0015] The tail section comprises a belt connector arranged to be operably connected to a wireless communication unit such that data collected by the electrodes can be transferred to a controller connected to the communication unit during use. Thus the data collected by the flexible sensor belt, via its electrodes, may be transferred to a remotely located controller, e.g. a computer. Providing a wireless connection, as opposed to a conventionally used wired connection, allows for more convenient carrying and treating of the baby as the caretaker, e.g. a parent or nurse, is not hindered by any wiring.

[0016] The flexible sensor belt can further comprise a guiding hole provided in the tail section. The guiding hole can comprise a passing length defined as the length between two points, preferably opposing ends, of the guiding hole. The passing length of the guiding hole can preferably be equal to or larger than, the passing length of the locking hole. The guiding hole may thus facilitate the end section is led away from the baby, while keeping the end section close to the tail section of the flexible sensor belt. This may prevent the baby from laying on top of the end section, which may discomfort or injure the baby, and may also prevent a caretaker from being hindered by multiple loose ends of the flexible sensor belt as the guiding hole effectively bundles two separate loose ends to a single loose end.

[0017] The end section can be void of electronics such that the end section can be severed from the rest of the flexible sensor belt. Specifically, electronics relating to the electrodes and an optional wireless communication unit are only present in the tail section and electrode section of the flexible sensor belt. This may facilitate the ability of a person to sever, e.g. cut or rip, the flexible sensor belt open in case of an emergency without short-circuiting the flexible sensor belt and I or exposing the electronics such that they may come in to contact with the skin of a baby. Thus, by making the tail section void of electronics, the belt may be safely removed in case of an emergency when the caretaker deems there is not sufficient room or time to conventionally remove the end section from the tail section.

[0018] Further advantageous aspects of the invention are set out in the description and appended claims.

[0019] The technical features described in the paragraphs and sentences above can be isolated from the context, and the isolated technical features from the different paragraphs and sentences can be combined. Such combinations are herewith specifically disclosed in this description.

[0020] The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration of the invention.

[0021] In the drawings:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an example of a flexible sensor belt; and

[0023] Figs 2A-2D show various examples of details of the flexible sensor belt of Fig 1.

[0024] It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations that are given by way of non-limited examples. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0025] Fig. 1 depicts an example of a flexible sensor belt 1 for being worn around an abdominal part of a baby. The flexible sensor belt 1 comprises an electrode section 10 comprising one or more electrodes 11 that are made of a conductive material. In the shown example, a plurality of electrodes 11 are provided, wherein each electrode 11 protrudes outwardly such as to be in contact with a skin of an abdominal part during use. In the shown example, the flexible sensor belt comprises three electrodes 11. The flexible sensor belt 1 further has a tail section 20 provided at an end of the sensor belt 1. The tail section 20 comprises a locking hole 21 having a passing length P defined as the length between two opposing ends of the locking hole 21. The tail section 20 has a belt connector 25 arranged to be operably connected to a wireless communication unit (not depicted) such that data collected by the electrodes 11 can be transferred to a controller connected to the wireless communication unit during use.

[0026] The flexible sensor belt 1 has an end section 30 provided at an end of the flexible sensor belt 1 opposite the tail section 20. The end section 30 comprises a pair of indents 31 that are concavely curved and are provided on opposite sides of the end section 30 in a direction transverse T to a longitudinal direction L of the flexible sensor belt 1. In the shown example, the flexible sensor belt 1 comprises a large number of pair of indents 31. This may facilitate locking the flexible sensor belt 1 during use in a large number of possible configurations, each distance corresponding to a specific diameter of the circularly shaped belt, when viewed from the top. Each indent 31 of the pair of indents comprises an apex 32. The distance D between apices 32 of each indent 31 of the pair of indents is equal to, or smaller than, the passing length P of the locking hole 21. The apices 32 of the indents 31 that make up a pair of indents are aligned in the direction transverse T to the longitudinal direction L of the flexible sensor belt 1. When the flexible sensor belt 1 is used, the end section 30 is provided in the locking holes 21 such that for each locking hole 21 one of the pair of indents 31 is provided. Since the indents 31 the distance D between the apices 32 of the indents is equal to the passing length P the sections of the flexible sensor belt 1 that are not the apices 32 of the indents 31 are more broad that the passing length P. Thus, when the indents 31 are provided in the locking holes 21, the flexible sensor belt 1 is fixed in a corresponding position having a predetermined diameter.

[0027] In the example, the electrode section 10 comprises a non-adhesive sticky layer arranged to non- adhesively stick the electrode section 10 to the skin of the abdominal part during use. Specifically, the flexible sensor belt 1 is made of a flexible and non-adhesive sticky material elastomeric composition, , e.g. silicone, with the exception of belt connector 25. The electronic components of the flexible sensor belt 1, e.g. the wiring for the electrodes 11 and belt connector 25 are encapsulated by the silicone. Using silicone, a non-adhesive sticky material once in contact with a skin of a person, e.g. the skin of a baby, it may be facilitated that the electrodes 11 do not move relative to their original position on the abdomen of the baby, without adhering the electrodes to the skin of the baby. The tail section 20 and the end section 30 are coated such that the tail section 20 and the end section 30 are not sticky, such that a caretaker is not inconvenienced by the non-adhesive sticky property of the flexible sensor belt 1 and such that no external material, e.g. dust, sticks to the flexible sensor belt 1. In the example, the end section 30 of the flexible sensor belt 1 is void of electronics such that the end section 30 can be severed from the rest of the flexible sensor belt 1, without short-circuiting the flexible sensor belt 1. Since the end section 30 is also made of silicone, it can easily be cut by a user, e.g. using a pair of scissors. Details A, B, C and D will be discussed more in detail below.

[0028] Fig. 2 A shows a detail A of an example of the sensor belt 1, specifically the flexible sensor belt 1 of Fig. 1. The sensor belt 1 comprises a guiding hole 26 provided in the tail section 20. The guiding hole 26 has a passing length P2 defined as the length between two opposing ends of the guiding hole 26. In the example, the passing length P2 of the guiding hole 26 is equal to, or larger than, the width of the end section 30 of the flexible sensor belt 1 adjacent to the apices 32, i.e. regions of the end section 30 other than the apices 32. The passing length P2 of the guiding hole may be differently sized, as long as the end section 30 can be conveniently provided in both the guiding hole 26 and the locking hole 21. The guiding hole 26 is used, when the flexible sensor belt 1 is worn by a baby, to combine both loose ends of the flexible sensor belt 1, i.e. the end of the tail section 20 and the end of the end section 30, are combined to a single strand.

[0029] Turning to Fig. 2B, a detail of a locking hole 21 according to an example of the invention has been shown. The locking hole 21 is substantially C-shaped and is provided such that a middle section 22 of the C-shape is provided parallel to the direction transverse T to the longitudinal direction L. In the shown example, the ends of the locking hole 21 defining the passing length P are opposing ends of the middle section 22 of the C- shape of the locking hole in a direction transverse T to the longitudinal direction L. As an example, a further locking hole 24 is provided adjacent the locking hole 21 in the longitudinal direction L of the flexible sensor belt 1. The further locking hole 24 has a shape that is mirrored to the shape of the locking hole 21 in a transverse direction T, i.e. the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction L. The C-shape of the locking holes 21, and by providing two locking holes 21, it is simultaneously facilitated that the end section 30 is firmly locked in the locking holes 21 while distributing the resulting forces as equally as possible throughout the flexible sensor belt 1 such as to reduce wear. Furthermore, the rounded shapes of the C-shape, and the round shaped indents is found to improve comfort of the baby wearing the flexible sensor belt 1 while reducing the risk of damaging skin.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 2A, 2B and 2D it can be seen that, as an example, the locking hole 21 comprises a notch 23 in an edge that forms the locking hole 21 and that the end section 30 has a protrusion 33 that is arranged to cooperate with the notch 23 when the end section 30 is in the locking hole 21. The notch 23 in both locking holes 21 and in the guiding hole 26 are during use aligned such that the protrusion 33 can cooperate with all notches 23. This however limits inserting the end section 30 in only one configuration in the locking holes 21 and guiding hole 26, thereby helping the user of closing the flexible sensor belt 1 without twisting said belt.

[0031] Turning to Fig. 2C, a detail of the indents 31 are shown. It can be seen that the distance D between the apices 32 of the indents 31 are less than the width of the flexible sensor belt 1, not at the apices 32, i.e. regions other than the apices 32. Furthermore, it is shown that the indents 31 are concavely curved. The example shown in Fig. 2C shows that concavely curved in the context of the invention means that radius of the concave shape is significantly larger than the thickness of the flexible sensor belt 1 near the locking holes 21. This allows for the end section 30, once provided in locking hole 23 in a locked configuration, to move slightly relative tail section 20. The allowed movement, in combination with use of a flexible material for the flexible sensor belt 1, reduces the wear on the belt and increases comfort for a preborn wearing the flexible sensor belt 1.

[0032] More generally, it is observed when looking at Fig. 2C that the edge of the flexible sensor belt 1 in the indents 31 always has at least a 22.5- degree angle with an axis transverse to longitudinal axis of the flexible belt 1. Starting at an apex 32, the angle between the edge of the flexible sensor belt 1 relative to the transverse axis is 90 degrees. Following the edge, this angle decreases to 22.5 degrees, at which point the edge starts to deflect and the outwardly extending curved protrusions 34 start. In an example without such outwardly extending curved protrusions 34, the edge of the belt 1 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the belt 1 and is thus no longer part of an indent 31. Belts known as state of the art commonly have angles smaller than 22.5 degrees relative to the transverse axis for significant portions of the corresponding indents to ensure a firm locking.

[0033] It will be clear to the skilled person that the exact shape of the concavely curved indents 31 may be different, e.g. having a larger or smaller radius as long as significant movement between the end section 30 and tail section 20 is allowed once the end section 30 is provided in the locking holes 23. The number of indents 31 provided on the end section 30 may vary. In the shown example, the end section 30 also comprises outwardly extending curved protrusions 34 however these are for aesthetic purposes only and do not serve a technical purpose. Without departing from the described novel and non-obvious concept, in alternative designs the outwardly extending sections 34 may be shaped differently, or may even be absent and replaced by a more straight edge between the indents 31.

[0034] Many variations will be apparent to the skilled person in the art. For example, the material of the flexible sensor belt may be any type of material that is suitable for use on by preterm baby and while still remaining flexible. Additionally, the belt may be of a slightly different shape, for example the belt may be more wide to further spread the force acting upon the baby by the belt during use.

Claims

Claims1. Flexible sensor belt for being worn around an abdominal part of a baby, comprising:- an electrode section including one or more electrodes made of a conductive material arranged to be in contact with a skin of an abdominal part;- a tail section provided at an end of the sensor belt comprising a locking hole having a passing length defined as the length between two points, preferably opposing ends, of the locking hole;- an end section provided at an end of the flexible sensor belt opposite the tail section, said end section comprising a pair of indents that are concavely curved and provided on opposite sides of the end section in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt;- wherein each indent of the pair of indents comprises an apex; and- wherein the distance between the apices of each indent of the pair of indents is equal to or smaller than the passing length of the locking hole.

2. Flexible sensor belt according to claim 1, wherein the apices of the pair of indents are aligned in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt.

3. Flexible sensor belt according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking hole is substantially C-shaped4. Flexible sensor belt according to claim 3, wherein the locking hole is provided such that a middle section of the C-shape is provided parallel to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

5. Flexible sensor belt according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the ends of the locking hole defining the passing length are opposing ends of the middle section of the C-shape of the locking hole in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

6. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking hole further comprises a notch in an edge forming the locking hole and wherein the end section comprises a protrusion arranged to cooperate with the notch when the end section is in the locking hole.

7. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a further locking hole provided adjacent to the locking hole in the longitudinal direction of the flexible sensor belt.

8. Flexible sensor belt according to claim 7 wherein the further locking hole has a shape that is mirrored to the shape of the locking hole in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

9. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode section comprises a non-adhesive sticky layer arranged to non-adhesively stick the electrode section to the skin of the abdominal part during use.

10. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible sensor belt is made out of a flexible and non-adhesive sticky material, preferably an elastomeric composition, more preferably silicone, and wherein the tail section and end section are provided with a surface that is non-sticky.

11. Flexible sensor belt according to claim 10, wherein at least one of:the tail section and end section are coated such that the tail section and the end section are non-sticky; or the surface of the tail section and end section is at least partially processed so as to be non-sticky, such as by having a surface roughness different from a surface roughness of the electrode section or by providing the tail section and end section with a non-sticky inlay part.

12. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tail section comprises a belt connector arranged to be operably connected to a wireless communication unit such that data collected by the electrodes can be transferred to a controller connected to the wireless communication unit during use.

13. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a guiding hole provided in the tail section, said guiding hole comprising a passing length defined as the length between two points, preferably opposing ends, of the guiding hole and wherein the passing length of the guiding hole is preferably equal to, or larger than, the width of the section of the flexible sensor belt adjacent to the apices.

14. Flexible sensor belt according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end section is void of electronics such that the end section can be severed from the rest of the flexible sensor belt.

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