Biomedical Sensor Bi-Stable Electrochromic Ink Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomedical sensors face challenges in identifying loose contacts, especially in wireless single-use sensors, due to non-standard electrode locations and the lack of conventional monitoring systems, leading to complex naming conventions and increased infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable printed electrochromic ink indicator is integrated into the sensors, which changes color to indicate loose contacts, consuming minimal power and remaining visible even when the battery runs out, allowing for clear identification without additional semiconductor components or complex wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring systems with complex naming conventions are used to identify electrodes, then signal quality monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing indicators (e.g., colorimetric pads or LED lights) that directly change color to indicate poor electrode contact. This eliminates the need for complex naming conventions and digital displays, providing intuitive visual feedback that is immediately understandable by users regardless of their familiarity with electrode naming systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring systems with simple optical or chemical indicators. Instead of using microprocessors, display screens, and complex software to indicate poor contact, the system uses passive color-changing materials or simple optical sensors that provide direct visual feedback, significantly reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless sensors are used to reduce cable clutter, then ease of operation improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring loose contacts worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates color-changing indicators directly onto the wireless sensor or electrode surface. When poor contact is detected, the indicator changes color, providing immediate visual feedback without requiring complex electronics or display systems. This maintains the simplicity of wireless sensors while solving the identification problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-diagnosis through automatic detection of loose contacts and self-indication through color-changing elements. The system does not require external monitoring equipment or complex processing to identify problems - the indicator automatically changes state based on contact quality, making the system self-sufficient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable sensors are used to prevent infection, then reliability of infection control improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple colorimetric indicators that can be manufactured using conventional printing or coating techniques on disposable sensor materials. These passive optical indicators are inexpensive to produce and can be integrated into single-use sensors without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost, while providing valuable feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embraces the disposable nature of the sensor by incorporating simple, inexpensive color-changing materials that are suitable for single-use applications. The indicator system is designed to be integrated into disposable sensors with minimal additional cost, accepting that the indicator will be discarded with the sensor after single use.
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable method to indicate loose contacts, reducing infection risks and improving usability by minimizing power consumption and manufacturing costs while maintaining visibility of the indicator.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-stable printed electrochromic ink indicator provided on the biomedical sheet sensor and configured to indicate a loose contact of a bio-potential electrode operation by switching the color of the bi-stable indicator from a first color to a second color when a loose contact is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A biomedical sensor is provided. The biomedical sensor comprises a printed bio-potential electrode on the biomedical sheet sensor configured to provide an electrical contact with a surface to be measured, and a bi-stable printed electronic ink indicator provided on the biomedical sheet sensor and configured to indicate a loose contact of a bio-potential electrode operation by switching the color of the bi-stable indicator from a first color to a second color when a loose contact is detected.