Detachable pressure ulcer sensing apparatus

Abstract

This detachable pressure ulcer sensing apparatus comprises: a sensing assembly comprising a pressure ulcer sensing band for sensing pressure ulcers, the pressure ulcer sensing band comprising a fiber substrate made of a fiber material extending in a longitudinal direction and having flexibility and air permeability, and a sensing wire formed on the fiber substrate to transmit a sensing signal sensed from the body of a test subject, and a sensing band connector supporting the pressure ulcer sensing band and comprising a connector upper housing and a connector lower housing; and a main assembly comprising a main substrate receiving the sensing signal from the sensing assembly and analyzing and calculating the sensing signal to determine whether there is a pressure ulcer, and a main assembly housing supporting the main substrate, the main assembly being detachably connected to the sensing band connector.

Description

Detachable pressure ulcer detection device

[0001] A detachable pressure ulcer sensing apparatus is provided.

[0002] Pressure ulcers are ischemic skin ulcers that develop when continuous pressure on a specific part of the body causes impaired blood circulation, leading to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients. The progression of pressure ulcers is classified into four stages; however, since abnormal symptoms in Stage 1 are difficult for doctors to identify visually or for patients to perceive, pressure ulcers are most frequently discovered in Stage 2 or higher. Nevertheless, if a pressure ulcer progresses to Stage 2 or beyond, extensive skin and bone graft surgery is required, and the risk of death from infectious diseases such as sepsis remains high even after surgery; therefore, pressure ulcers can be considered a serious, severe condition. In particular, unlike general skin ulcers, it is very difficult to detect pressure ulcers in their early stages in patients who remain unconscious for extended periods or in the elderly and infirm confined to bed in nursing facilities due to limited mobility. Furthermore, since current preventive measures for pressure ulcers rely primarily on the labor of caregivers who constantly reposition the patient, preventing the condition remains challenging. Furthermore, once a bedsore develops, it progresses very rapidly, increasing the physical and mental suffering of the patient and their caregiver, and causing medical costs to rise rapidly; therefore, bedsores are a disease that urgently requires early detection. Due to these unique characteristics of bedsores, unlike general skin ulcers, early and accurate detection is crucial rather than treatment methods after onset, so research on the early detection of bedsores is currently underway.

[0003] In this regard, Korean Published Patent No. 2022-0133439 discloses a wearable pressure ulcer detection sensor and a pressure ulcer detection system including the same. Such a pressure ulcer detection system enables the early detection of pressure ulcers. However, since the pressure ulcer detection system comes into direct contact with the skin of the buttocks, where pressure ulcers primarily occur, if the pressure ulcer detection system is used for a long time without replacement, the system may become contaminated by contaminants, such as excrement, from a patient lying in bed in a state where mobility is limited. Consequently, the accuracy of early detection of pressure ulcers may decrease.

[0004] One embodiment is intended to improve the reduced accuracy of early detection of bedsores caused by contaminants such as patient excrement.

[0005] In addition to the above-mentioned tasks, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to achieve other tasks not specifically mentioned.

[0006] A detachable pressure ulcer detection device according to one embodiment includes a fibrous substrate of a fiber material that is extended in the longitudinal direction and has flexibility and breathability, and a sensing wiring formed on the fibrous substrate to transmit a sensing signal detected from the body of the subject being examined, a pressure ulcer detection band that detects pressure ulcers, and a sensing band connector that supports the pressure ulcer detection band and is composed of a connector upper housing and a connector lower housing; a main substrate that receives a sensing signal from the sensing assembly, analyzes and calculates the sensing signal to determine whether there is a pressure ulcer, and a main assembly housing that supports the main substrate, and a main assembly that is detachably connected to the sensing band connector.

[0007] The sensing assembly may include a sensing connecting terminal that receives a sensing signal from a pressure ulcer detection band, and the main assembly may include a main connecting terminal that is electrically coupled to the sensing connecting terminal and receives a sensing signal from the sensing connecting terminal.

[0008] The sensing assembly may be installed inside the sensing connector and may include a connector substrate that is electrically connected to the pressure ulcer sensing band. The sensing connection terminal may be installed on the connector substrate.

[0009] The sensing wiring may include impedance sensing wiring that measures the impedance value of a target area of ​​the subject being inspected. The impedance sensing wiring may include a pair of impedance sensing electrodes formed at the ends and facing each other. The impedance sensing wiring may be formed on the outermost side among the sensing wirings.

[0010] The sensing wiring may include pressure sensing wiring that measures pressure at a target area of ​​the subject being inspected. The pressure sensing wiring may include a pair of pressure sensing electrodes formed at the ends and facing each other. The pressure sensing wiring may be formed in the center of the sensing wiring.

[0011] The sensing wiring may include temperature sensing wiring for measuring the temperature of a target area of ​​the subject being inspected. The temperature sensing wiring may include a pair of temperature sensing electrodes formed at the ends and facing each other. The temperature sensing wiring may be formed between the impedance sensing wiring and the pressure sensing wiring.

[0012] According to one embodiment, by configuring a detachable pressure ulcer detection device and quickly and easily replacing the pressure ulcer detection part, the accuracy of early detection of pressure ulcers caused by contaminants such as patient excrement can be improved, and accordingly, not only the suffering and costs of the patient and family but also social costs can be reduced.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a removable pressure ulcer detection device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the connection part of a removable pressure ulcer detection device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a pressure ulcer sensing band according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a sensing assembly according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a sensing assembly according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a substrate of a sensing assembly according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a main assembly according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a main assembly with a waterproof structure applied according to one embodiment.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the invention, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification. Furthermore, specific descriptions of widely known prior art are omitted.

[0022] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0023] Throughout the specification, expressions written in the singular form may be interpreted as singular or plural unless explicit expressions such as "one" or "singular" are used.

[0024] Throughout the specification, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by terms including ordinal numbers. Terms including ordinal numbers are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0025] Throughout the specification, terms such as "...part," "...unit," and "...module" refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] Throughout the specification, the devices are composed of hardware including at least one processor, a memory device, a communication device, etc., and a program or software that is executed in combination with the hardware is stored in a designated location. The hardware has a configuration and performance capable of executing a method according to one embodiment. The program or software includes instructions that implement a method of operation according to one embodiment described with reference to the drawings, and executes one embodiment in combination with hardware such as a processor and a memory device.

[0027] Throughout the specification, "transmission or provision" may include not only direct transmission or provision but also indirect transmission or provision through other devices or by using an alternative route.

[0028] In the drawing, the thickness is enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "immediately above" another part, but also the case where there is another part in between. On the other hand, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "immediately below" another part, but also the case where there is another part in between. On the other hand, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it means that there is no other part in between.

[0029] Then, a removable pressure ulcer detection device according to one embodiment will be described in detail.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a removable pressure ulcer detection device according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connecting part of a removable pressure ulcer detection device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a pressure ulcer detection band according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the detachable pressure ulcer detection device (1) includes a sensing assembly (100) comprising a pressure ulcer sensing band (110) for detecting pressure ulcers, and a main assembly (200) comprising a part for determining pressure ulcers. The main assembly (200) is detachably connected to the sensing assembly (100) through a sensing band connector (120) that supports the pressure ulcer sensing band (110) of the sensing assembly (100). Accordingly, by quickly and easily detaching the sensing assembly (100) from the main assembly (200), the accuracy of early detection of pressure ulcers can be improved by replacing the sensing assembly (100) contaminated by contaminants such as excrement from a patient lying in a hospital bed in a state of limited mobility. In addition, not only the suffering and costs of the patient and family but also social costs can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to a conventional pressure ulcer detection device formed as a single unit, the detachable pressure ulcer detection device (1) according to one embodiment has a very low replacement cost and can further reduce environmental pollution.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a sensing connecting terminal (190) installed in a sensing assembly (100) receives a sensing signal from a bedsore detection band (110). A main connecting terminal (290) installed in a main assembly (200) is electrically connected to the sensing connecting terminal (190) and receives a sensing signal from the sensing connecting terminal (190). For example, the sensing connecting terminal (190) and the main connecting terminal (290) may be USB communication terminals such as USB-a, USB-b, USB-c, etc.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the pressure ulcer detection band (110) is extended in the longitudinal direction and is composed of a fibrous substrate (111) of a fiber material that is flexible, breathable, and has a soft touch. Accordingly, when the pressure ulcer detection band (110) comes into contact with the body, discomfort and unpleasantness may not occur to the subject being examined. Additionally, the pressure ulcer detection band (110) includes a sensing wiring (112) formed on the fibrous substrate (111) to transmit signals detected from the subject's body. For example, the sensing wiring (112) may be formed along the longitudinal direction of the pressure ulcer detection band (110) by printing on the fibrous substrate (111) using a conductive material and may be covered by a passivation layer. However, the ends (112a, 112b) of the sensing wiring (112) may be exposed so as to be in direct contact with the body to detect signals.

[0034] For example, the sensing wiring (112) may include one or more conductive polymer materials, conductive metal nanowires, or carbon nanomaterials. Additionally, the sensing wiring (112) may be a composite containing an insulating elastomer including a siloxane resin, an olefin resin, a urethane resin, etc., along with the conductive material, and the use of such a composite enables accurate signal transmission without causing discomfort or inconvenience to the subject being examined. Additionally, the protective film may be composed of a moisturizing polymer material that contains moisture and has biocompatibility, and accordingly, it can absorb secretions such as sweat from the subject being examined, thereby allowing the subject to maintain comfort for a longer period.

[0035] The sensing wiring (112) includes an impedance sensing wiring (1121) that measures the impedance value of a target area, such as the buttocks of a subject being examined. The impedance sensing wiring (1121) includes a pair of impedance sensing electrodes (1121a, 1121b) formed at the end and facing each other. The impedance sensing wiring (1121) is formed on the outermost side of the sensing wiring (112), and thus the impedance value of a wider target area can be measured, thereby increasing the accuracy of pressure ulcer detection. Additionally, the size of the electrode area can be adjusted according to the area of ​​the target area, thus increasing the degree of design freedom. For example, by forming the planar area of ​​a pair of impedance sensing electrodes (1121a, 1121b) to be the largest among the ends (112a, 112b) of the sensing wiring (112), the accuracy of pressure ulcer detection can be further increased.

[0036] The sensing wiring (112) includes pressure sensing wiring (1123) for measuring pressure on a target area, such as the buttocks of a subject being examined. The pressure sensing wiring (1123) includes a pair of pressure sensing electrodes (1123a, 1123b) formed at the ends and facing each other. Referring to FIG. 3, the pair of pressure sensing electrodes (1123a, 1123b) are electrically connected to a pressure sensor (115). Since the pressure sensor (115) must be located in the center of the target area to accurately measure the pressure applied to the target area, the pressure sensing wiring (1123) is formed in the center of the sensing wiring (112), thereby increasing the accuracy of pressure ulcer detection.

[0037] The sensing wiring (112) includes a temperature sensing wiring (1122) for measuring the temperature of a target area, such as the buttocks of a subject being examined. The temperature sensing wiring (1122) includes a pair of temperature sensing electrodes (1122a, 1122b) formed at the ends and facing each other. Referring to FIG. 3, the pair of temperature sensing electrodes (1122a, 1122b) are electrically connected to a pressure sensor (116). The temperature sensing wiring (1122) is formed between the impedance sensing wiring (1121) and the pressure sensing wiring (1123).

[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a sensing assembly according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of a sensing assembly according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a substrate of a sensing assembly according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sensing assembly (100) includes a sensing connector (120) that supports a pressure ulcer detection band (110). The sensing connector (120) consists of a connector upper housing (121) and a connector lower housing (122). The sensing assembly (100) includes a connector substrate (130) located inside the sensing connector (120) and electrically connected to the pressure ulcer detection band (110). After receiving a sensing signal from the pressure ulcer detection band (110), the connector substrate (130) transmits the sensing signal to a sensing connection terminal (190). The connector substrate (130) may be fixed inside the sensing connector (120) by a connection screw (150). One end of the pressure ulcer detection band (110) is positioned in contact between the connection substrate (130) and the connection member (140) and can be fixed inside the detection connection (120) by a connection screw (150). For example, the connection screw (150) can simultaneously fix the connection substrate (130), the pressure ulcer detection band (110), and the connection member (140) inside the detection connection (120).

[0040] The sensing assembly (100) includes a band supporting sheet (160) that secures the pressure ulcer detection band (110) inside the sensing connector (120). Accordingly, the alignment of the electrically connected pressure ulcer detection band (110) and the connector substrate (130) is prevented from shaking left and right, thereby increasing the reliability of the detection signal transmission. For example, the band supporting sheet (160) is formed in a shape that surrounds the connector substrate (130), and at the same time, a protrusion (125) formed inside the sensing connector (120) is inserted into a supporting sheet hole (160a) formed in the band supporting sheet (160). Accordingly, the pressure ulcer detection band (110) can be firmly secured to the sensing connector (120) so that the alignment of the pressure ulcer detection band (110) and the connector substrate (130) does not shake. In addition, since the band support sheet (160) covers the detection wiring (112) of the pressure ulcer detection band (110) over a large area, it is possible to prevent the pressure ulcer detection band (110) from being folded and damaged at one end of the connector substrate (130) due to the movement of the subject being examined.

[0041] The band support sheet (160) consists of an upper sheet (161) and a lower sheet (162) that respectively fix the upper and lower surfaces of the pressure ulcer detection band (110). The upper sheet (161) has a shape that surrounds the connector substrate (130) in a C shape, and one end and the other end are formed extending in one direction, and an upper sheet hole (161a) is formed in the extended portion. Additionally, the lower sheet (162) also has one end and the other end formed extending in one direction, and a lower sheet hole (162a) is formed in the extended portion. At the position where the upper sheet hole (161a) and the lower sheet hole (162a) overlap each other, the upper sheet (161) and the lower sheet (162) support the pressure ulcer detection band (110).

[0042] The band support sheet (160) can be made of a polymer material such as PET that is flexible yet rigidly fixed.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, a signal sensing member (131) is formed on one surface of a connector substrate (130). The signal sensing member (131) is formed protruding from the surface of the connector substrate (130). Accordingly, the signal sensing member (131) is in close contact with a soft, low-hardness pressure ulcer detection band (110), thereby increasing the sensitivity of the pressure ulcer detection band (110) for detecting pressure ulcers and minimizing the loss rate of the detection signal transmitted through the detection wiring (112) of the pressure ulcer detection band (110). Additionally, no separate component, such as a harness, is required to electrically connect the pressure ulcer detection band (110) to the connector substrate (130).

[0044] A connecting wiring (132) is formed on a connecting board (130), and the connecting wiring (132) electrically connects a signal sensing member (131) and a sensing connection terminal (190) to transmit a sensing signal.

[0045] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a main assembly according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a main assembly with a waterproof structure applied according to one embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the main assembly (200) includes a main substrate (210) that receives a detection signal from the detection assembly (100), analyzes and calculates the detection signal, and determines whether there is a bedsore. For example, the main substrate (210) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). Circuit elements, such as IC chips, that perform the function of determining whether there is a bedsore, control, and communicate are installed or mounted on the main substrate (210). An LED light source (230) that indicates the status of the bedsore detection device (1) is installed on the main substrate (210), and a power button (240) that turns the power of the bedsore detection device (1) on and off is installed. A battery (280) that supplies power is connected to the main substrate (210), and the battery (280) can receive power from the outside through a charging port installed on the main substrate (210). A main connection terminal (290) is installed on the main substrate (210) to receive a detection signal from a detection connection terminal (190).

[0047] The main assembly (200) includes a main assembly housing (220) that supports a main substrate (210). The main assembly housing (220) consists of an upper assembly housing (221), a lower assembly housing (222), and a front assembly housing (223). The main substrate (210) is fixed to the main assembly housing (220) via a fixing screw (250). Additionally, the front assembly housing (223) is fixed to the upper assembly housing (221) via a fixing member (260) and a screw.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 8, the main assembly (200) includes a waterproof member (270), so that the main assembly housing (220) can be waterproofed and simultaneously assembled firmly. The waterproof member (270) may have both waterproofing and adhesive functions. For example, the waterproof member (270) may include a first waterproof double-sided tape (271), a second waterproof double-sided tape (272), and a third waterproof double-sided tape (273). The front assembly housing (223) and the upper assembly housing (221) can be waterproofed while being bonded through the first waterproof double-sided tape (271). Additionally, the upper assembly housing (221) and the lower assembly housing (222) can be waterproofed while being bonded through the second waterproof double-sided tape (272). A third waterproof double-sided tape (273) is attached to the hole portion where the LED light source (230) is joined to the upper assembly housing (221), so that the hole portion of the upper assembly housing (221) can be waterproofed.

[0049] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure ulcer sensing band comprising a fibrous substrate of a fiber material that is extended in the longitudinal direction and has flexibility and breathability, and sensing wiring formed on the fibrous substrate to transmit a sensing signal detected from the body of the subject being examined, and a pressure ulcer sensing band that detects pressure ulcers; and A sensing band connector that supports the above-mentioned pressure ulcer sensing band and is composed of a connector upper housing and a connector lower housing. A sensing assembly including, and A main assembly comprising a main substrate that receives a detection signal from the above-mentioned detection assembly, analyzes and calculates the detection signal to determine the presence of a bedsore, and a main assembly housing that supports the main substrate, and is detachably connected to the detection band connector. A removable pressure ulcer detection device including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing assembly includes a sensing connecting terminal that receives a sensing signal from the bedsore detection band, and A removable pressure ulcer detection device comprising a main connecting terminal that is electrically coupled to the sensing connection terminal and receives a sensing signal from the sensing connection terminal.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above sensing assembly includes a connector substrate installed inside the sensing connector and electrically connected to the pressure ulcer sensing band, and The above-mentioned sensing connection terminal is a detachable bedsore detection device installed on the above-mentioned connector board.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing wiring includes impedance sensing wiring that measures the impedance value of a target area of ​​the subject being inspected, and The above impedance sensing wiring is formed at the end portion and includes a pair of impedance sensing electrodes facing each other, and The above impedance sensing wiring is a detachable bedsore detection device formed on the outermost side among the above sensing wirings.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above sensing wiring includes pressure sensing wiring that measures pressure in a target area of ​​the subject being inspected, and The pressure sensing wiring described above is formed at the end and includes a pair of pressure sensing electrodes facing each other. The above pressure sensing wiring is a detachable pressure ulcer detection device formed in the center among the above sensing wirings.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above sensing wiring includes temperature sensing wiring that measures the temperature of a target area of ​​the subject being inspected, and The above temperature sensing wiring is formed at the end and includes a pair of temperature sensing electrodes facing each other. A removable bedsore detection device in which the temperature sensing wiring is formed between the impedance sensing wiring and the pressure sensing wiring.

Images