Disposable ECG Patch with Wireless Cradle for Skin Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long-term ECG monitoring systems are uncomfortable and prone to skin irritation, with complex electrode placement and prolonged use leading to patient discomfort, and existing wearable solutions lack seamless interchangeability and extended wear capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A biometric monitoring system comprising a patch with electrodes and a flexible printed circuit, integrated with a cradle for wireless communication, designed for extended wear without external wires, featuring a non-woven adhesive and foam layers for comfort and a notch configuration for easy removal, allowing for single or double-channel monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrodes with strong adhesive are used for long-term monitoring, then electrode stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to skin irritation and pain during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into separate components: a reusable electrode body and a disposable adhesive patch. The adhesive patch is applied to the skin, and the electrode body is attached to the patch, allowing easy removal without pulling directly on the skin while maintaining stable electrical contact during monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch is designed as a disposable component that is applied to the skin for the duration of monitoring and then discarded. This eliminates the need to remove adhesive from the skin, preventing irritation and pain, while the expensive electrode body can be reused.
2Reliability
If wires are connected to electrodes for signal transmission, then electrical communication is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to risk of pulling electrodes off and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wire connection system is replaced with a wireless communication system. The electrode body contains a wireless transmitter that communicates ECG signals to an external receiver, eliminating the need for wires that could pull on electrodes or restrict patient movement.
3Reliability
If gel is applied to improve electrode-skin conductivity, then electrical conductance is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to prolonged exposure irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch is designed as a disposable component that incorporates all necessary conductive materials and adhesive properties. It is applied to the skin for the duration of monitoring and then discarded, eliminating prolonged exposure to potentially irritating substances while maintaining good electrical contact.
4Measurement precision
If complex electrode placement procedures are used for accurate monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch is pre-positioned and pre-configured with the electrode body already attached in the correct orientation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex placement procedures during patient application, while still ensuring accurate electrode positioning for precise ECG signal acquisition.
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 comfortable and extended wear without skin irritation, enabling seamless interchangeability and efficient biometric data collection, addressing the limitations of traditional ECG monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
The patch may have a first side adapted to adhere to a patient's skin
Implementation Method 2
featuring a non-woven adhesive and foam layers for comfort
Implementation Method 3
The trace may be located on the front side and adapted to provide electrical communication between one of the plurality of electrodes and the electrical pad
Data Source
AI summary
A system for biometric monitoring may include a patch, a plurality of electrodes, a flexible printed circuit, and a cradle. The patch may be adapted to adhere to a patient's skin. The plurality of electrodes may be carried by the patch. The flexible printed circuit may be carried by the patch and include an electrical pad and a trace adapted to provide electrical communication between the plurality of electrodes and the electrical pads. The cradle may be affixed to the patch. A back side of the flexible printed circuit directly opposing the electrical pad may be affixed to the front surface of the cradle. The electrical pad may be adapted to electrically engage an electrical contact located on a biometric monitoring device carried by the cradle.