Chest-Worn Patch Sensor for Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physiological monitoring systems for patients require multiple machines and invasive methods, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort, particularly in continuously measuring vital signs and hemodynamic parameters over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A chest-worn patch sensor that non-invasively measures heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and hemodynamic parameters like stroke volume and cardiac output, using disposable electrodes, light-emitting diodes, and a heating element to improve signal quality, while minimizing motion artifacts and transmitting data wirelessly for integration with existing healthcare systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multiple machines and invasive methods are used for physiological monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple physiological sensing functions (ECG, PPG, impedance, temperature) into a single integrated patch device. The patch integrates electrodes, optical sensors, heating elements, and signal processing circuits all in one wearable unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate machines while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patch device performs multiple physiological monitoring functions simultaneously - measuring heart rate via ECG, blood oxygen saturation via PPG, respiratory rate via impedance changes, and body temperature via thermal sensors. This multi-functional approach replaces several specialized devices with one universal monitoring platform
2Measurement precision
If traditional multiple machines and invasive methods are used for physiological monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cuff-based blood pressure measurement with optical and electrical sensing methods. The PPG optical sensor and impedance electrodes detect physiological parameters non-invasively without requiring manual cuff inflation or stethoscope placement, enabling automatic continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patch device automatically performs sensor placement optimization through heating element activation, which enhances blood flow and improves signal quality without manual intervention. The device also autonomously processes raw signals into physiological parameters and wirelessly transmits data, eliminating the need for operator involvement in measurement procedures
3Measurement precision
If disposable electrodes with heating element are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element temporarily changes the thermal parameter of the skin-tissue interface, increasing local blood flow and perfusion. This parameter change enhances the optical absorption signal for PPG measurements and improves electrode-skin contact quality, enabling more accurate readings during the monitoring period
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 patch sensor simplifies monitoring by reducing the need for multiple devices, providing continuous and accurate measurements with reduced patient discomfort, enabling timely interventions and long-term compliance, and allowing remote patient monitoring with improved accuracy and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element attached to a bottom surface of the housing so that, during use, it contacts and heats an area of the patient's chest
Implementation Method 2
a light source that generates optical radiation that irradiates an area of the patient's chest disposed underneath the housing
Implementation Method 3
A photodetector detects the reflected radiation in the different spectral ranges to generate analog red-PPG and infrared-PPG waveforms
Implementation Method 4
a conductive hydrogel that contacts the patient; ii) a Ag/AgCl-coated eyelet that contacts the hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a body-worn patch sensor for simultaneously measuring a blood pressure (BP), pulse oximetry (SpO2), and other vital signs and hemodynamic parameters from a patient. The patch sensor features a sensing portion having a flexible housing that is worn entirely on the patient's chest and encloses a battery, wireless transmitter, and all the sensor's sensing and electronic components. It measures electrocardiogram (ECG), impedance plethysmogram (IPG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and phonocardiogram (PCG) waveforms, and collectively processes these to determine the vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. The sensor that measures PPG waveforms also includes a heating element to increase perfusion of tissue on the chest.