Flexible Body Temperature Patch with Wireless Data 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 active medical technologies that leverage portable devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, actively-powered temperature data logger patch with a sealed, flexible battery and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, temperature sensor, and wireless communication transmitter, designed to be worn on the body for extended periods, allowing remote data collection and transmission via Bluetooth or NFC protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional body temperature devices are used, then temperature measurement is simple, but only single-point measurement is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the temperature monitoring function into multiple independent temperature sensors positioned at different locations on the patch. This allows simultaneous measurement of temperature at multiple body sites, transforming single-point measurement into multi-point monitoring and enabling continuous temperature logging over time.
2Loss of information
If continuous temperature logging is implemented, then temperature trend data is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple temperature sensors, a microprocessor for data processing, memory for data storage, and wireless communication capabilities into a single integrated patch. This consolidation enables continuous temperature logging and wireless data transmission while maintaining a compact, disposable form factor that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is designed as a self-contained, disposable unit that autonomously performs temperature sensing, data logging, and wireless transmission without requiring external power sources or complex setup. The integrated battery provides power, and the device automatically transmits data to mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If flexible battery is used, then continuous power is provided, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible, thin-film battery that can be conformally integrated into the patch structure. This flexible battery design provides continuous power for extended monitoring periods while maintaining a compact size that does not significantly increase the overall patch volume, allowing the device to conform to curved body surfaces.
4Reliability
If adhesive is applied to skin, then device remains in place, but skin comfort may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patch uses a flexible, thin adhesive layer that conforms to the skin surface, providing reliable adhesion while minimizing skin irritation. The flexible construction allows the patch to move with skin contours and reduces mechanical stress on the adhesive-skin interface, maintaining both reliability and comfort during extended wear.
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 body temperature monitoring with remote data access, providing trend analysis and alerts, while being comfortable and easy to use, with a flexible design that conforms to curved surfaces and maintains adhesion over time.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject
Implementation Method 2
An external computing device is capable of receiving communication from the wireless communication transmitter of the patch via an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery configured to provide continuous electrical power, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna. In one example, the temperature sensor is located at a first end of the patch, and the antenna is located at an opposite, second end of the patch. The patch is configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of receiving communication from the wireless communication transmitter of the patch via an electromagnetic field.