Axillary Temperature Probe with Body-Attached Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for continuous monitoring of vital signs in patients are intrusive, difficult to perform on a continuous basis, and often require manual intervention, leading to potential errors and increased workload for healthcare professionals.
Innovation Solution
A patient monitoring system comprising a vital-signs monitor patch with integrated sensors, a bridge for communication, and a surveillance server that enables wireless transmission of data for continuous monitoring of vital signs like body temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate, allowing for reduced interference with patient mobility and activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual vital sign measurements are performed at regular intervals, then patient condition can be monitored, but nurse workload increases and patient disturbance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically measuring and transmitting vital signs without requiring nurse intervention. The patch worn by the patient continuously monitors temperature, pulse, and respiration, and the system automatically detects and reports abnormal conditions, eliminating the need for manual measurements and reducing nurse workload while maintaining reliable patient monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of nurses taking vital signs is replaced by an automated electronic monitoring system. The system uses sensors to detect physiological parameters, processes the data automatically, and transmits alerts when abnormal conditions are detected, substituting the mechanical manual measurement process with an automated electronic system
2Reliability
If manual vital sign measurements are performed frequently, then patient condition can be monitored continuously, but measurement errors may occur and patient disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual vital sign measurements are replaced by automated sensor-based detection. The system continuously measures temperature, pulse, and respiration using electronic sensors that eliminate human error in reading and recording measurements. The automated system processes signals electronically and detects abnormalities objectively, improving measurement precision while enabling continuous monitoring without patient disturbance
3Extent of automation
If automated vital sign monitoring is implemented, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a wearable patch containing sensors for vital sign detection, a communication module for data transmission, and a processing system for analyzing signals and generating alerts. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while achieving continuous automated monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functionality to reduce complexity. The same patch and communication infrastructure are used to monitor multiple vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration) simultaneously. The system can detect various abnormal conditions and generate appropriate alerts, providing universal monitoring capability across different physiological parameters without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for continuous, accurate, and non-invasive monitoring of vital signs, reducing the need for frequent manual measurements and minimizing errors, thereby enhancing patient care and reducing the workload for healthcare professionals.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensing element configured to provide a signal responsive to a change in body temperature of the person
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of monitoring the axillary temperature of a person are disclosed. A portion of a temperature probe is provided within the axilla of the person. The temperature probe includes a wiring portion and a body connection portion and a sensing portion between the wiring and body connection portions. The sensing portion comprises a temperature sensing element. The wiring portion is coupled to a monitoring device and comprises a conductor having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the temperature sensing element, and the second end connected to the monitoring device. At least a portion of the body connection portion is attached to a second body portion of the person, such that the sensing portion is retained within the axilla.