Disposable Multi-Parameter Sensors for Autonomous Remote Patient Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote patient monitoring systems are limited by bulky and costly sensors that can only monitor one parameter at a time, lack real-time information processing, and require patient proactive involvement, restricting their applicability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system of micro-scale to millimeter-scale sensors configured in a home environment, connected via a wireless network, allowing for multi-parameter monitoring, real-time data processing, and clinician-reconfigurable settings, enabling autonomous and portable monitoring with integrated information from multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bulky sensors are used for remote patient monitoring, then monitoring capability is achieved, but portability and patient comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sensors that are inexpensive enough to be discarded after use, eliminating the need for bulky, expensive, reusable equipment. These disposable sensors maintain adequate monitoring capability while being small and comfortable for patients, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from using large, expensive, reusable sensors to small, inexpensive, disposable sensors by changing key parameters including size, cost, and reusability. This parameter transformation enables the sensors to be both reliable for monitoring and portable for patient comfort.
2Device complexity
If each sensor monitors only one parameter, then sensor design is simplified, but system adaptability and comprehensive monitoring are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal sensors that can monitor multiple physiological parameters (such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor to provide comprehensive health monitoring data, greatly enhancing system adaptability and versatility while maintaining manageable design complexity through standardized sensor platforms.
3Device complexity
If sensors are not autonomous and require patient activation, then system complexity is reduced, but patient compliance and monitoring continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous sensors that automatically activate, monitor, and transmit data without requiring patient intervention. The sensors self-regulate their operation, automatically detecting physiological parameters and transmitting data to the monitoring system, thereby eliminating the need for patient activation while maintaining simple overall system architecture. This self-service capability dramatically improves patient compliance and ensures continuous monitoring.
4Reliability
If medical care requires in-person appointments, then direct patient-provider interaction is ensured, but time efficiency and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telemonitoring system as an intermediary between patients and providers. This intermediary continuously collects and transmits physiological data to healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and reducing the need for frequent in-person appointments. The system maintains reliable patient-provider interaction through digital communication channels while dramatically reducing time loss associated with scheduling and traveling for appointments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system and method of remote patient monitoring to allow a patient to initiate and activate sensing systems. In the system and method, standard parameters can be sensed, and the information can then be processed and sent to the physician or clinician. The clinician then has the ability to remotely configure or reconfigure the parameters of the sensing system so as to probe for more targeted information based on the initial sensed data.