Electrocardiograph Wireless Sensor and Disposable Chest Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocardiographs face discomfort due to wired connections, high energy consumption, and complexity in long-term monitoring, particularly in Holter devices, which require improved interaction and energy management.
Innovation Solution
An electrocardiograph with a chest assembly and an electronic unit featuring a Hall-effect magnetic sensor for wireless data transmission, energy optimization, and modular design for sterility, including wireless charging and a removable unit for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect electrodes to the recording unit, then data transmission is reliable, but patient comfort deteriorates due to wires resting on the body and requiring careful arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The electronic unit communicates with the remote recording unit via wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency), eliminating the need for physical wires that cause discomfort. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability while significantly improving patient comfort by removing the mechanical constraint of wires resting on the body.
2Ease of operation
If wireless data transmission is implemented, then patient comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling the electronic unit to operate in alternating modes: wireless transmission mode for real-time monitoring and low-power mode for data storage. The unit can store ECG data locally in its memory and transmit batches periodically when energy is available or when connected to a power source, rather than maintaining continuous wireless transmission. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining patient comfort through wireless operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If Holter devices are designed for long-term monitoring, then monitoring duration is extended, but device complexity increases due to energy management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring system into two independent parts: a simple disposable chest assembly with electrodes and a reusable electronic unit with power management. The chest assembly can be replaced frequently at low cost, while the electronic unit with the battery and complex electronics is retained. This segmentation allows long-term monitoring by simply replacing the chest assembly, avoiding the need for complex rechargeable battery systems in the portable unit, thus reducing overall device complexity while extending monitoring duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the disposable principle by making the chest assembly (electrodes, wires, and connector) a disposable component. After use, the entire chest assembly is discarded and replaced with a new one, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance of the electrode components. This approach simplifies the design of the reusable electronic unit and enables long-term monitoring by allowing frequent, inexpensive replacement of the consumable chest assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If electrodes and wires are reused, then cost is reduced, but sterility and hygiene are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the disposable principle by making the chest assembly (electrodes, wires, and connector) a disposable component. After use, the entire chest assembly is discarded and replaced with a new one, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance of the electrode components. This approach ensures sterility and hygiene for each patient while keeping costs low through the use of inexpensive disposable materials, resolving the contradiction between cost efficiency and sterility maintenance.
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
Enhances patient interaction, optimizes energy consumption, and ensures sterility and hygiene by allowing wireless data transmission, reducing battery drain, and enabling both real-time and long-term monitoring with a modular, disposable design.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic unit (300) mounted on the chest assembly and electrically connected to electrodes through a connector, provided with a Hall-effect magnetic sensor configured to selectively start and stop recording of an ECG
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrocardiograph (100) comprising a chest assembly (200) intended to be applied to the body of a patient in the chest region and an electronic unit (300) provided with a recording module and with a wireless transceiver module, wherein said chest assembly (200) comprises a plurality of electrodes (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) configured to be connected to the body of a patient for the recording of an electrocardiogram and respective electrical wires (211, 212, 213, 214, 215) connecting each electrode to said electronic unit (300). The chest assembly (200) further comprises a housing (220) to which said electrical wires (21 1, 212, 213, 214, 215) are respectively fixed. The electronic unit (300) comprises a Hall-effect magnetic sensor configured to selectively allow it to mark an electrocardiogram, to start and stop recording of an electrocardiogram and/or to send a record of an electrocardiogram to a telecommunications network, and the electrocardiograph (100) further comprises a magnet (400) for the activation of said Hall-effect magnetic sensor, said magnet (400) being mounted on a supporting member (410) configured to be worn by a patient.