Ear-Worn Physiological Sensor for Automated Triage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring techniques for vital signs are costly, labor-intensive, and ineffective for ambulatory patients, especially in mass casualty scenarios, and are not suitable for environments with contaminants like mud and blood, leading to delayed treatment and increased risk of death.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising monitoring devices with physiological sensors deployed on the ear, which include pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and motion sensors, transmitting data to a mobile communication and display device for real-time triage prioritization, enabling accurate and efficient decision-making in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple physiological monitoring functions (pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG, respiration, temperature) into a single wearable device that can be deployed on various body parts. This multi-functional approach maintains measurement precision across different vital signs while reducing the need for multiple separate complex devices, thereby addressing the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a disposable wearable monitoring device that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, reusable equipment with sterilization requirements. This disposable approach maintains adequate measurement precision for triage purposes while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated monitoring equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable monitoring device is designed to be self-adhering to the patient's body and automatically begins monitoring physiological parameters without requiring manual attachment or configuration by medical personnel. The device autonomously collects and transmits data, eliminating complex operational steps while maintaining measurement precision, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions, data processing, wireless communication, and power management into a single integrated wearable unit. This consolidation simplifies the operational process for medical personnel who only need to apply one device rather than manage multiple separate equipment pieces, while preserving comprehensive physiological monitoring accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring techniques are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable monitoring device provides continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological parameters without interruption or need for repositioning, unlike conventional equipment that requires periodic attachment and removal. This continuous monitoring capability maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity by enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple patients with minimal personnel intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual, mechanical monitoring processes with automated electronic sensing and wireless data transmission. The device automatically collects physiological data and transmits it to remote monitoring systems, eliminating the need for continuous manual measurement and recording, thereby maintaining accuracy while significantly improving monitoring efficiency and productivity.
4Reliability
If conventional monitoring equipment is used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable monitoring device is designed to operate reliably across varying environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, motion) by incorporating sensors and processing algorithms that compensate for these parameter changes. The device maintains measurement reliability while adapting to different body locations, patient movements, and environmental factors, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places monitoring sensors at specific body locations (such as the ear) where physiological signals are most reliable and least affected by motion or environmental contaminants. This localized placement strategy ensures reliable measurements while adapting to the specific anatomical and environmental conditions of each patient, addressing both reliability and adaptability requirements.
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 real-time, continuous monitoring and dynamic triage prioritization, significantly reducing treatment delays and improving patient outcomes in emergency and mass casualty scenarios by providing accurate and efficient data to first responders and medical personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse oximetry sensor including an emitter configured to emit light in a direction toward the concha and a receptor configured to receive light reflected from one or more sources in the direction
Implementation Method 2
a blood pressure sensor including an electrocardiograph sensor configured to monitor an electrical potential at the ear surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and computer-implemented methods of automated triage prioritization including a mobile communication and display device with a communications interface configured to receive, from a plurality of monitoring devices, electronic signals corresponding to a plurality of real-time physiological parameters, location, and orientation, of a plurality of subjects, and one or more respective environmental parameters. The device also includes program code executable by a processor for generating respective machine and human readable values indicative of the plurality of physiological parameters, location, and orientation, for each subject, generating respective severity scores for each of the plurality of physiological parameters, orientation, and location, generating a prognosis score for each subject, generating a triage prioritization order for the subjects, and displaying the generated respective human readable values for at least two subjects on respective portions of the user interface based on the generated triage prioritization order.