Wearable device

Abstract

An adapter (100) comprises a base part (101), a first connector (103a), a second connector (103b), a first biological electrode (104a), a second biological electrode (104b), a first wire (105a), a second wire (105b), and an adjustment part (101a). The adjustment part (101a) is provided to the base part (101) between the first connector (103a) and the second connector (103b). The adjustment part (101a) is configured such that the distance between the first connector (103a) and the second connector (103b) is variable.

Description

Wearable device

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device.

[0002] The number of heart disease patients is increasing year by year. For early detection, continuous electrocardiogram waveform measurement for a long time in daily life is necessary. Therefore, the development of wearable devices that can measure electrocardiogram waveforms not only in hospitals and facilities but also in patients' daily lives at home is in progress. For example, a Holter electrocardiograph such as Non-Patent Document 1 is commercially available (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such an electrocardiograph can perform stable measurement even when the wearer moves the body and is suitable for long-term measurement. However, since a Holter electrocardiograph requires wiring to be routed and a plurality of electrodes to be attached at correct positions, it is troublesome for the user and at the same time there is a problem with the wearing feeling. In addition, since the price is also in the hundreds of thousands of yen, there is also an issue in terms of cost.

[0004] The above problems can be improved by making the electrocardiograph into a patch-type configuration consisting of a terminal and an adapter with electrodes. An example of a patch-type electrocardiograph is shown in FIG. 8. The patch-type electrocardiograph is composed of a measuring device 130 that measures a biological signal and an adapter 200. The measuring device 130 processes the measured biological signal and wirelessly transmits it to an external device.

[0005] The adapter 200 includes a base 201 made of a flexible material, a first connector 203a and a second connector 203b provided in an inner region, and a first electrode 204a and a second electrode 204b formed on a surface of the base 201 on the side that contacts the human body 131 in an outer region. The first connector 203a and the second connector 203b are paired with the connectors of the measuring device 130 respectively and are detachable. Examples of the first connector 203a and the second connector 203b include snap buttons (such as American snaps). In addition, an adhesive sheet 202 is provided at a location where it contacts the human body 131. The adhesive sheet 202 is a double-sided adhesive sheet for living bodies.

[0006] These small electrode-equipped adapters can be mass-produced and disposable, which can help reduce the cost of wearable devices. Furthermore, since the electrode-equipped adapters are simply attached to a part of the body, they are easy to use and improve user convenience.

[0007] promed, "Holter ECG", Promed Technology Co., Ltd., [Retrieved October 30, 2020], (https: / / www.promed-tech.com / a / products / lm1 / 169.html).

[0008] Incidentally, due to manufacturing tolerances and other factors, the distance between the first connector 203a and the second connector 203b may vary slightly. If the distance between the first connector 203a and the second connector 203b differs slightly from the distance between the two connectors of the measuring device 130, it may become difficult to attach or detach the measuring device 130. In this case, the adapter becomes a defective product, leading to a decrease in manufacturing yield, which affects cost reduction and also leads to a decrease in usability.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to make it easier to attach and detach the measuring device to the adapter even if the spacing between each connector is slightly different.

[0010] The wearable device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a flexible material, a first connector and a second connector formed on the surface of the base in the inner region of the base, a first biomedical electrode and a second biomedical electrode formed on the back surface of the base in the outer region of the base, a first wiring connecting the first connector and the first biomedical electrode, and a second wiring connecting the second connector and the second biomedical electrode, wherein the base between the first connector and the second connector is provided with an adjustment part that makes the distance between the first connector and the second connector variable.

[0011] The wearable device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a flexible material, a first connector and a second connector formed on the surface of the base in the inner region of the base, a third connector and a fourth connector formed on the back surface of the base in the outer region of the base, a first wiring connecting the first connector and the third connector, and a second wiring connecting the second connector and the fourth connector, wherein the base between the first connector and the second connector includes an adjustment part that makes the distance between the first connector and the second connector variable.

[0012] As described above, according to the present invention, since an adjustment part is provided at the base between the first connector and the second connector, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter more easily even if the spacing between each connector is slightly different.

[0013] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a wearable device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of a wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of a wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of another wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of another wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional wearable device.

[0014] The following describes a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] First, a wearable device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. This wearable device includes an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a base 101, a first connector 103a, a second connector 103b, a first bioelectrode 104a, a second bioelectrode 104b, a first wiring 105a, a second wiring 105b, and an adjustment unit 101a.

[0016] The base portion 101 is made of a flexible sheet-like material. The base portion 101 can be made of an elastically deformable material such as silicone rubber, polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, polyimide, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). In addition, an adhesive sheet 102 can be provided on the back surface of the base portion 101 where it comes into contact with the human body. The adhesive sheet 102 can be a double-sided adhesive sheet for biocompatible use.

[0017] The first connector 103a and the second connector 103b are formed on the surface of the base 101 in the inner region 151 of the base 101. The first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be made of, for example, snap buttons (such as American snaps) or magnetic hooks.

[0018] The first bioelectrode 104a and the second bioelectrode 104b are formed on the back surface of the base 101 in the outer region 152 of the base 101. The first bioelectrode 104a and the second bioelectrode 104b are used to measure biological signals.

[0019] The first wiring 105a connects the first connector 103a to the first biomedical electrode 104a, and the second wiring 105b connects the second connector 103b to the second biomedical electrode 104b. The first wiring 105a and the second wiring 105b can be made from, for example, an Ag / AgCl sheet, silver paste, copper foil, conductive fabric, etc.

[0020] The adjustment section 101a is provided on the base 101 between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. The adjustment section 101a is structured to allow the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b to be varied.

[0021] In Embodiment 1, the shape of the adjustment portion 101a in a plan view, as seen from the direction normal to the plane of the base portion 101, is narrower in width than other areas of the base portion 101. In this way, the adjustment portion 101a is shaped to be expandable in the direction that changes the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b of the adjustment portion 101a with less force compared to other areas of the base portion 101, allowing it to be expanded and contracted with less force compared to other areas. As a result, by providing the adjustment portion 101a, the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be changed more easily. Even if the distance between each connector is slightly different, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter 100 more easily.

[0022] Furthermore, by providing the narrower adjustment section 101a between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b, for example, as shown in Figure 2(b), it becomes easier to bend the left and right portions of the base 101 within the plane of the base 101, with the center of gravity 101' of the adjustment section 101a as the center of gravity in a plan view. For example, the base 101 can be made of a flexible material such as paper. In this case, the adjustment section 101a does not have much elasticity. Even in such a case, the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be adjusted (reduced) by bending it as shown in Figure 2(b). If the design value of the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b is made slightly larger than the distance between the two connectors of the measuring device, the above adjustment will make it easier to attach and detach the measuring device to the adapter 100.

[0023] [Embodiment 2] Next, a wearable device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3. This wearable device includes an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a base 101, a first connector 103a, a second connector 103b, a first bioelectrode 104a, a second bioelectrode 104b, a first wiring 105a, a second wiring 105b, and an adjustment unit 101b. The base 101, the first connector 103a, the second connector 103b, the first bioelectrode 104a, the second bioelectrode 104b, the first wiring 105a, and the second wiring 105b are the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0024] In Embodiment 2, the adjustment unit 101b is provided on the base 101 between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. The adjustment unit 101b is structured to make the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b variable.

[0025] In the second embodiment, the shape of the adjustment portion 101b in a plan view, as seen from the direction normal to the plane of the base portion 101, is narrower in width than other areas of the base portion 101. Furthermore, the position of the centroid 101' of the shape of the adjustment portion 101b in a plan view, as seen from the direction normal to the plane of the base portion 101, is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the line segment connecting the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. The shape of the adjustment portion 101b in a plan view is both narrower in width and curved.

[0026] In the second embodiment as well, the narrower adjustment portion 101b is provided between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. By making the adjustment portion 101b so that it can be stretched in the direction that changes the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b with less force compared to the base portion 101 in other areas, the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be changed more easily.

[0027] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 2, in a plan view, the left and right portions of the base 101 can be bent in both directions within the plane of the base 101, with the center of gravity 101' of the adjustment portion 101a as the center, along a straight line passing through the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. As a result, even if the spacing between each connector is slightly different, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter 100 more easily.

[0028] [Embodiment 3] Next, a wearable device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. This wearable device includes an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a base 101, a first connector 103a, a second connector 103b, a first bioelectrode 104a, a second bioelectrode 104b, a first wiring 105a, a second wiring 105b, and an adjustment unit 101c. The base 101, the first connector 103a, the second connector 103b, the first bioelectrode 104a, the second bioelectrode 104b, the first wiring 105a, and the second wiring 105b are the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0029] In Embodiment 3, the adjustment section 101c is provided on the base 101 between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. The adjustment section 101c is structured to make the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b variable. In Embodiment 3, the shape of the adjustment section 101c in a plan view, as seen from the direction normal to the plane of the base 101, is narrower in width than other areas of the base 101.

[0030] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, similar to Embodiment 2 described above, the centroid 101' of the shape of the adjustment section 101c in a plan view as seen from the normal direction of the plane of the base 101 is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the line segment connecting the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. Moreover, in Embodiment 3, the adjustment section 101c is located inside the extension region of the base 101 other than the adjustment section 101a in a plan view as seen from the normal direction of the plane of the base 101. In Embodiment 3, the width of the adjustment section 101c is even smaller than in Embodiment 2 described above.

[0031] In Embodiment 3, since the adjustment section 101c, which is even narrower in width, is provided between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b, the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be changed even more easily.

[0032] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 3, in a plan view, the left and right portions of the base 101 can be bent in both directions within the plane of the base 101, with the center of gravity 101' of the adjustment portion 101a as the boundary, along a straight line passing through the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. According to Embodiment 3, the width of the adjustment portion 101c is further narrowed, making it easier to bend compared to Embodiment 2. As a result, even if the spacing between each connector is slightly different, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter 100 more easily.

[0033] [Embodiment 4] Next, a wearable device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. This wearable device includes an adapter 100. The adapter 100 includes a base 101, a first connector 103a, a second connector 103b, a first bioelectrode 104a, a second bioelectrode 104b, a first wiring 105a, a second wiring 105b, and an adjustment unit 101d. The base 101, the first connector 103a, the second connector 103b, the first bioelectrode 104a, the second bioelectrode 104b, the first wiring 105a, and the second wiring 105b are the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0034] In Embodiment 4, the adjustment section 101d is provided on the base 101 between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b. The adjustment section 101d is structured to make the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b variable. In Embodiment 4, the shape of the adjustment section 101d in a plan view as seen from the direction normal to the plane of the base 101 is curved in a direction parallel to the plane of the base 101.

[0035] In this way, by making the adjustment section 101d shaped to be expandable in the direction that changes the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b of the adjustment section 101d with less force compared to the base section 101 of other areas, it can be expanded and contracted with less force compared to other areas. As a result, by providing the adjustment section 101d, the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be changed more easily. Even if the distance between each connector is slightly different, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter 100 more easily.

[0036] Furthermore, by providing the narrower adjustment section 101d between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b, it becomes easier to bend the left and right portions of the base 101 within the plane of the base 101, with the center of gravity 101' of the adjustment section 101d as the center of gravity. By bending in this way, the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b can be adjusted (reduced). If the design value of the distance between the first connector 103a and the second connector 103b is made slightly larger than the distance between the two connectors of the measuring device, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter 100 more easily by making the above adjustment.

[0037] Incidentally, as mentioned above, the distance between the first and second connectors can be changed more easily by appropriately selecting the material of the base, regardless of the shape of the adjustment part in plan view. The base can be constructed from an elastic material having a predetermined modulus of elasticity that can be deformed by hand so that the amount of adjustment of the distance between the first and second connectors becomes the desired value.

[0038] For example, the base material can be a mesh material, an elastomer such as silicone rubber, polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

[0039] The materials mentioned above have varying degrees of elasticity, and the tensile elongation rate, which is generally published as a physical property constant, is a value under standard test conditions and may not be reproducible in actual usage environments. Therefore, it is necessary to select the material used for the base considering the tensile elongation rate in actual usage environments. Specifically, a base material can be selected such that the adjustment amount for the connector distance, calculated from "the distance between connectors when the adapter is placed naturally on a flat surface" and "the tensile elongation rate of the base in actual usage environments," is the desired value. For example, if the distance between connectors is 3 cm and the desired adjustment amount is 3 mm, a tensile elongation rate of 10% of the base is sufficient. However, if the distance between connectors becomes 2 cm using the same manufacturing process, the required adjustment amount is still 3 mm, and a tensile elongation rate of 10% or more of the base is required.

[0040] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 6, the adapter 110 can be configured. The adapter 110 includes a first base 111, a second base 112, a first connector 113a, a second connector 113b, a third connector 114a, a fourth connector 114b, a first wiring 115a, and a second wiring 115b. The adjustment section 112a is provided on the first base 111 and the second base 112 between the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b. The adjustment section 112a is structured to make the distance between the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b variable.

[0041] The adjustment section 112a can make the shape of the first base 111 and second base 112 in a plan view, as seen from the normal direction of the plane, narrower in width than other areas. The adjustment section 112a can also make the position of the centroid of the shape of the first base 111 and second base 112 in a plan view, as seen from the normal direction of the plane, shifted from the line segment connecting the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b in a direction perpendicular to this line segment. Furthermore, the adjustment section 112a can be positioned inside the extended areas of the first base 111 and second base 112 other than the adjustment section 112a in a plan view, as seen from the normal direction of the plane of the first base 111 and second base 112. Furthermore, the adjustment section 112a can be made to have a shape in a plan view, as seen from the direction normal to the planes of the first base 111 and the second base 112, that is curved in a direction parallel to the planes of the first base 111 and the second base 112.

[0042] Further, the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112 are made of a material that elastically deform, and the adjustment portion 112a can have a shape that can extend in a direction in which the distance between the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b of the adjustment portion 112a changes with a smaller force compared to the base portions in other regions. For example, the shape in a plan view seen from the normal direction of the plane of the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112 of the adjustment portion 112a can be narrower in width than other regions, or can be curved in a direction parallel to the plane of the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112.

[0043] The first base portion 111 is made of a flexible sheet-like material. The second base portion 112 is made of a flexible sheet-like material and is formed on the first base portion 111 along the surface shape of the first base portion 111.

[0044] The third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b are formed on the outer surface of the first base portion 111 in the outer region 152. The third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b are formed on the outer surface of the first base portion 111 on the side facing the human body 131 to be worn. The first connector 113a and the second connector 113b are formed on the outer surface of the second base portion 112 in the inner region 151.

[0045] The first wiring 115a is formed between the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112 and connects the third connector 114a and the first connector 113a. The second wiring 115b is formed between the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112 and connects the fourth connector 114b and the second connector 113b.

[0046] For example, holes are formed in the first base portion 111 at the locations where the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b are provided, and the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b are fitted into the formed holes so as to be connected to the first wiring 115a and the second wiring 115b. Similarly, holes are formed in the second base portion 112 at the locations where the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b are provided, and the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b are fitted into the formed holes so as to be connected to the first wiring 115a and the second wiring 115b.

[0047] For example, in a plan view seen from the normal direction of the surface of the first base 111 in the inner region 151, the third connector 114a, the fourth connector 114b, the first connector 113a, and the second connector 113b can be arranged in a straight line. Also, the distance between the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b is larger than the distance between the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b. For example, the distance between the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b can be about 10 cm, and the distance between the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b can be about 5 cm.

[0048] The first base 111 and the second base 112 can be made of, for example, silicone rubber, polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, polyimide, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), etc. The third connector 114a, the fourth connector 114b, the first connector 113a, and the second connector 113b can be made of, for example, snap buttons (such as American snaps) or magnet hooks. The first wiring 115a and the second wiring 115b can be made of, for example, Ag / AgCl sheets, silver paste, copper foil, conductive fabrics, etc.

[0049] A biological electrode 120 is connected to the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b. The biological electrode 120 includes an electrode 122 for measuring a biological signal, a connector 123 for connecting to the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b, and an adhesive base 124 for closely adhering to the skin of the human body 131. These are supported by a support 121. As the biological electrode 120, a commercially available conductive gel electrode can be used.

[0050] A measuring device 130 for measuring a biological signal having a size that can be accommodated in the inner region 151 is connected to the first connector 113a and the second connector 113b. The measuring device 130 is arranged in the inner region 151. The measuring device 130 processes the biological signal measured by the biological electrode 120 and wirelessly transmits it to an external device.

[0051] With the biomedical electrodes 120 connected to the third connector 114a and the fourth connector 114b, the outer surface 101a of the first base portion 111 of the inner region 151 is made contact with the human body 131 to be attached.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the adapter 100 can be configured. The adapter 100a comprises a first base portion 111, a second base portion 112, a first connector 103a, a second connector 103b, a first biomedical electrode 104a, a second biomedical electrode 104b, a first wiring 105a, and a second wiring 105b. The first connector 103a, the second connector 103b, the first biomedical electrode 104a, the second biomedical electrode 104b, the first wiring 105a, and the second wiring 105b are the same as those in the previously described embodiment 1.

[0053] The first base portion 111 is made of a flexible sheet-like material. The second base portion 112 is made of a flexible sheet-like material and is formed on the first base portion 111 along the surface shape of the first base portion 111. The first wiring 105a is formed between the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112 and connects the first biomedical electrode 104a and the first connector 103a. The second wiring 105b is formed between the first base portion 111 and the second base portion 112 and connects the second biomedical electrode 104b and the second connector 103b.

[0054] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since an adjustment part is provided at the base between the first connector and the second connector, the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter more easily even if the distance between each connector is slightly different.

[0055] Since measuring devices are often made of rigid materials to maintain robustness, the manufacturing tolerance issues mentioned above must be absorbed by the adapter. To solve this, it is easy to consider using a flexible base, but the flexibility of the base varies, and the tensile elongation rate, which is generally published as a physical property constant, is a value under standard test conditions and may not be reproducible under actual usage conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to select a base considering the tensile elongation rate under actual usage conditions.

[0056] Furthermore, while paper is a low-cost, easily mass-produced, and disposable base material, it has limited elasticity and may tear if pulled. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to adjust the distance between connectors without resorting to pulling, even if the paper has limited elasticity.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned problems are resolved, and the measuring device can be attached to and detached from the adapter more easily, even if the spacing between each connector is slightly different.

[0058] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is clear that many modifications and combinations can be implemented within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art.

[0059] 100...Adapter, 101...Base, 101a...Adjustment part, 102...Adhesive sheet, 103a...First connector, 103b...Second connector, 104a...First biomedical electrode, 104b...Second biomedical electrode, 105a...First wiring, 105b...Second wiring, 151...Inner region, 152...Outer region.

Claims

1. A wearable device comprising: a base made of a flexible material; a first connector and a second connector formed on the surface of the base in the inner region of the base; a first biomedical electrode and a second biomedical electrode formed on the back surface of the base in the outer region of the base; a first wiring connecting the first connector and the first biomedical electrode; and a second wiring connecting the second connector and the second biomedical electrode, wherein the base between the first connector and the second connector is provided with an adjustment section for varying the distance between the first connector and the second connector.

2. A wearable device comprising: a base made of a flexible material; a first connector and a second connector formed on the surface of the base in the inner region of the base; a third connector and a fourth connector formed on the back surface of the base in the outer region of the base; a first wiring connecting the first connector and the third connector; and a second wiring connecting the second connector and the fourth connector, wherein the base between the first connector and the second connector has an adjustment section for varying the distance between the first connector and the second connector.

3. A wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the adjustment portion in a plan view as seen from the normal direction of the plane of the base portion is narrower in width than other areas.

4. A wearable device according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment portion is a wearable device in which the position of the center of gravity of the shape of the base as viewed from the normal direction of the plane of the base is shifted from the line segment connecting the first connector and the second connector in a direction perpendicular to the line segment.

5. A wearable device according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment portion is located inside the extension region of the base other than the adjustment portion, in a plan view taken from the direction normal to the plane of the base.

6. A wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment portion has a shape in plan view as seen from the normal direction of the plane of the base, which is curved in a direction parallel to the plane of the base.

7. A wearable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base is made of an elastically deformable material, and the adjustment portion is shaped to be stretchable in a direction that changes the distance between the first connector and the second connector of the adjustment portion with a smaller force compared to the base in other areas.

8. A wearable device according to claim 7, wherein the shape of the adjustment portion in a plan view as seen from the direction normal to the plane of the base portion is narrower in width than other areas, or curved in a direction parallel to the plane of the base portion.

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