Flexible Respiratory Sensor with Air Layer for Sleep Apnea Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory sensing devices for diagnosing sleep apnea are uncomfortable for users due to the need to wear multiple sensors during sleep, leading to inaccurate test results due to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory sensing device with a flexible substrate and a housing that includes a structure with measuring electronics, featuring a plurality of respiration sensor electrodes and an adhesive member with an air layer between the electrodes and the skin to detect changes in capacitance due to breathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are attached to the user's skin for respiratory monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (respiratory sensing, ECG monitoring, and positioning) into a single integrated wearable device. The housing contains measuring electronics, battery, and multiple electrodes that work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for users to wear separate sensors and improving comfort while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors respiratory rate through capacitance changes, detects ECG signals through electrodes, and tracks user position and movement. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single device structure, reducing the number of separate sensors needed and improving user comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the device structure is made flexible and lightweight, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible substrate as its structural base, allowing the housing and electrodes to conform to the user's body contours. This flexible film structure enables comfortable wear while integrating multiple components (electronics, battery, electrodes) into a unified flexible package, managing complexity through flexible integration rather than rigid assembly.
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 device effectively detects changes in capacitance due to breathing, providing accurate respiratory information while being more comfortable for users due to its flexible design and reduced direct skin contact.
Implementation Method 1
detect a change in capacitance due to expansion or contraction of the abdomen, chest, or the like according to breathing
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory sensing device includes a housing including a structure in an inner space thereof, wherein a battery is provided in the structure, a flexible substrate, wherein the housing is disposed on and connected to one surface of the flexible substrate and a plurality of respiration sensor electrodes are disposed on the flexible substrate, and an adhesive member having a predetermined thickness, including an opening portion through which the plurality of respiration sensor electrodes are exposed, disposed on another surface of the flexible substrate, and configured to attach the flexible substrate to skin.