Conductive Element Biomedical Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological sensors face challenges in maintaining accurate contact with the body, particularly due to rigidity and contamination issues, which affect measurement accuracy and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an insulating support with a compliant contact surface and a mounting fixture for a rigid sensor, using conductive elements to determine physiological properties without direct contact, allowing for improved positioning and reduced contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sensor is used to maintain stable positioning, then measurement stability is improved, but comfort and adaptability to body movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a rigid sensor module that maintains stable positioning and a flexible support structure that adapts to body movement. The rigid sensor is mounted on a flexible band or clothing item, allowing the sensor to remain stable relative to the body while the support structure flexes with movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the flexibility requirement from the sensor itself to the mounting support structure. By separating the sensor from its support, the system achieves stability in one dimension (sensor positioning) while gaining flexibility in another dimension (support structure adaptation to body movement).
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed in direct contact with skin to ensure effective contact, then measurement accuracy is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive gel or intermediate material is introduced between the electrode and skin surface. This intermediary maintains electrical conductivity for accurate measurements while creating a protective barrier that reduces contamination of the electrode by skin oils, sweat, and other bodily substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable adhesive patches or wraps that contain the electrodes. These single-use components are discarded after a certain period or number of uses, eliminating the need to clean and recalibrate reusable electrodes, thereby preventing contamination accumulation and maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
This solution enables accurate and comfortable physiological monitoring by maintaining sensor position and reducing contamination, leading to more reliable and consistent data collection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductive element arranged at least partly on or over the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining a physiological property of a body includes an insulating support having a compliant contact surface with a conductive element to contact the body. A mounting fixture disposed over a mounting surface of the support removably holds a rigid sensor spaced apart from the body and coupled to the conductive element to determine the physiological property via that element. A method for enabling a physiological parameter to be measured without direct contact between an active device and the body includes arranging a conductive element over an inner surface of an insulating circumferential band. A sensor with the active device is attached to the exterior of the band and thus coupled to the element. A system includes the sensor having a mounting connector, and sensor carriers with respective supports, mounting fixtures, and conductive elements. The sensor mounted on a carrier determines the property via the respective conductive element.