Flexible Battery Patch for Continuous Body Temperature Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body temperature devices can only measure temperature at a single point in time, whereas there is a growing need for continuous, long-term temperature logging and monitoring, especially in medical applications where multiple temperature readings and other physiological parameters need to be tracked.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, actively-powered temperature data logger patch with a flexible battery and microprocessor, integrated with a temperature sensor and antenna, allowing for continuous data collection and transmission via Bluetooth or NFC protocols, and housed in an auxiliary sleeve for secure and flexible attachment to the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional body temperature devices are used, then temperature measurement is simple and device structure is basic, but temperature can only be measured at a single point in time and continuous monitoring is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (temperature sensor, microprocessor, flexible battery, wireless transmitter, and adhesive layer) into an integrated patch device. This merging enables continuous temperature monitoring while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be applied directly to the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch device serves multiple functions: temperature sensing, data processing, wireless communication, and body attachment. This multi-functionality allows a single device to achieve continuous monitoring without requiring multiple separate components, thus managing complexity while extending monitoring duration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temperature readings and physiological parameters are tracked, then medical monitoring capability is enhanced, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible battery provides continuous power supply enabling the device to continuously collect and transmit temperature data without interruption. This continuous operation supports enhanced monitoring capabilities while the battery's sustained energy output manages power consumption requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor acts as an intermediary that processes temperature readings and manages data transmission. It coordinates between the temperature sensor and wireless transmitter, enabling multiple parameter tracking while optimizing power usage through intelligent data handling and transmission scheduling.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a flexible battery is used to enable continuous power supply, then duration of action is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases compared to conventional batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible battery with a thin-film structure that can be integrated into the patch. This flexible design extends the battery's operational duration while allowing it to be manufactured using printing or lamination processes on flexible substrates, reducing assembly complexity compared to rigid battery formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible battery utilizes composite material structures combining flexible substrates with electrochemical components. This composite approach enables extended operation duration while facilitating manufacturing through integrated printing or lamination processes, simplifying the overall assembly process.
4Loss of information
If wireless communication transmitter and antenna are integrated, then data transmission capability is improved, but device area and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is positioned at the periphery of the patch, utilizing the edge area efficiently. This spatial arrangement enables wireless communication functionality while minimizing the impact on the overall patch area, as the antenna operates effectively from the boundary region rather than requiring central space.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is localized to a specific region at the periphery of the patch, concentrating the wireless communication function in a discrete area. This local placement allows data transmission capability while keeping the overall device area minimal, as only a portion of the patch is dedicated to antenna functions.
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
Enables continuous, long-term temperature monitoring and data collection, allowing for remote reading and analysis of temperature trends, along with other physiological parameters, enhancing medical monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject
Implementation Method 2
wireless data communication... a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna
Implementation Method 3
The sealed flexible battery is configured to provide continuous electrical power via first and second battery contacts
Data Source
AI summary
An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, a non-adhesive release layer, and an electronics inlay disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The electronics inlay includes a sealed, flexible battery, and a flexible circuit having a temperature sensor. An outer face of the non-adhesive release layer is has release properties. A replaceable adhesive includes a carrier substrate, a structural adhesive coated on a first face and attached to the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer, and a skin-contact approved adhesive coated on a second opposite face. In another example, an auxiliary sleeve having an exterior surface with an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a subject, may partially enclose the temperature data logger patch in an internal compartment.