Battery-Free Biomedical Patch Sensing via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable sensors with integrated wireless transmission modules require batteries, leading to bulkiness, discomfort, and high manufacturing costs, making them unsuitable for disposable designs and posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A battery-free biomedical sensing system utilizing electromagnetic induction for signal transmission between a patch reading device and a biomedical sensing patch, which includes a flexible film substrate and electrodes to sense biomedical parameters without active circuitry or batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wireless sensors utilize integrated wireless transmission modules for wireless transmission and communication, then wireless transmission capability is achieved, but the sensors become bulky and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless transmission module from the sensor itself and places it in a separate reading device. The sensor only contains passive sensing elements (electrodes on a substrate) that detect biomedical parameters, while the active wireless communication function is relocated to the external reading device. This separation eliminates the need for batteries and complex circuitry in the wearable sensor, making it lightweight and comfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic coupling field as an intermediary between the sensor and the reading device. The sensor modulates electromagnetic signals passively in response to detected biomedical parameters, and the reading device wirelessly receives these modulated signals through electromagnetic induction. This intermediary field enables wireless communication without requiring direct electrical connections or power sources in the sensor.
2Reliability
If wearable sensors are equipped with batteries and transmission modules, then wireless transmission is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase and disposable designs become unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive active electronics (batteries, transmission modules, processors) from the sensor and relocates them to a reusable reading device. The sensor itself is reduced to a simple passive structure with electrodes on a flexible substrate, which can be manufactured at very low cost using conventional printing or deposition techniques. This makes disposable sensor designs economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the sensor to be a disposable, single-use component by eliminating all expensive and complex electronic elements. The sensor consists only of inexpensive materials such as conductive traces on a flexible substrate, which can be easily manufactured, discarded after use, and replaced without concern for cost or environmental impact. The reusable reading device handles all complex functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors are designed with simple configurations to reduce manufacturing costs, then cost-effectiveness improves, but the ability to perform wireless transmission and communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless transmission and communication functions into a separate reading device that is reused across multiple sensing applications. The reading device contains the wireless module, processor, and power source, while the simple sensor provides only the sensing function. This consolidation allows the complex functions to be performed by a single device rather than requiring each sensor to be self-contained.
4Reliability
If batteries and complex circuitry are included in wearable sensors, then wireless transmission is achieved, but safety risks associated with medical devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes batteries and complex circuitry from the wearable sensor, eliminating the primary sources of safety risks such as battery leakage, overheating, and electrical shocks. The sensor becomes a passive device with no power source, significantly reducing safety concerns. The active electronics are confined to the external reading device, which is not in direct contact with the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables disposable sensor designs that eliminate long-term safety concerns associated with reusable components containing batteries. Each sensor is used once and then discarded, preventing issues related to battery degradation, material fatigue, and contamination over time. This is particularly valuable in medical applications where sterility and reliability are critical.
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 provides a lightweight, comfortable, and cost-effective solution for wearable sensors, enabling disposable designs with reduced manufacturing costs and enhanced safety by eliminating the need for batteries and complex circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode is configured to receive a first electromagnetic signal and generates a second electromagnetic signal in response to receiving the first electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
The biomedical sensing system includes a biomedical sensing patch and a patch reading device. The biomedical sensing patch includes a first film and an electrode. The electrode is disposed on the first film. The electrodes are configured to receive a first electromagnetic signal and generates a second electromagnetic signal in response to receiving the first electromagnetic signal. The patch reading device includes a transmission module and a reading module. The transmission module is configured to emit the first electromagnetic signal. The reading module is configured to read the second electromagnetic signal.