Band-like Garment for Physiological Monitoring with Adjustable Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological monitoring garments are not suitable for strenuous activities and may not fit all body sizes, as they are often bulky and difficult to adjust.
Innovation Solution
The development of band-like or strap-like garments that encircle the torso, incorporating respiratory inductive plethysmographic sensors and ECG electrodes, with adjustable straps and mechanically isolated electronics for improved stability and comfort, allowing for easy use and fitting across various body sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional clothing items are used for physiological monitoring, then coverage area is sufficient, but comfort and suitability for strenuous activity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from traditional full-body clothing and concentrates it into a localized band garment. This band covers only the necessary area for physiological sensors (chest/abdomen) while eliminating unnecessary fabric that would cause discomfort during strenuous activity. The extraction principle allows the garment to be lightweight, breathable, and suitable for athletic use while still providing adequate sensor placement for monitoring.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional clothing garments are used, then monitoring coverage is adequate, but adaptability to different body sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through adjustable straps and elastic components that allow the band to adapt to different body circumferences. The garment transitions from a fixed-size traditional clothing item to a dynamic fitting solution where users can adjust the tension and position to achieve proper fit across various body types while maintaining adequate sensor coverage area.
3Reliability
If electronics are integrated into the band garment, then monitoring function is improved, but garment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional components: the band garment containing sensors, separate electronics module, and optional vest. This segmentation allows the garment itself to remain simple and stable while monitoring functions are distributed to dedicated components that can be positioned independently, preventing electronics from compromising garment stability during physical activity.
4Ease of operation
If band-like garments are used instead of traditional clothing, then comfort and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple sensor types (respiratory sensors, ECG electrodes, accelerometers, temperature sensors) into a single band garment platform. This universal design allows one garment structure to serve multiple monitoring purposes, reducing the need for separate devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of use through a unified, comfortable form factor.
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
These garments provide reliable physiological monitoring during strenuous activities while accommodating different body sizes and shapes, offering a comfortable and unobtrusive solution for ambulatory monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
RIP is the preferred technology for sensing respiratory function. A garment can directly incorporate RIP sensor conductors into the materials of which it is constructed or can support a material in which these conductors are incorporated.
Implementation Method 2
ECG sensor can be conductive electrodes in direct contact with the subject that have such physical, conductive and moisture handling properties so as to obtain sufficient electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a physiological monitoring garment having a band-like configuration and incorporating respiratory, cardiac and temperature sensors. The garment is designed so that it is easily constructed from a few number of separate elements, and so that one garment design can be adjusted to subjects of a range of sizes and shapes. The design is further adapted to require little on no wearer effort during donning or wearer attention during use.