Flexible Skin Patch with Recessed Electrodes for Consistent Impedance Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin monitoring devices are cumbersome and require frequent removal and reapplication, leading to inconsistent measurements and irritation, especially when observing wound healing or cosmetic effects over time.
Innovation Solution
A non-conductive, flexible skin patch with a recess and multiple pairs of diametrically opposite electrodes, connected to an impedance, resistance, or capacitance measuring unit, allowing for continuous monitoring without detachment, ensuring consistent electrode placement and minimizing skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device is applied to the skin for continuous monitoring, then measurement consistency is improved, but skin irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a flexible substrate with multiple discrete electrode pairs arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be distributed across multiple small contact points rather than one large adhesive area, reducing overall skin irritation while maintaining measurement consistency through multiple measurement zones
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a flexible thin film substrate that can conform to the skin surface without creating excessive pressure or irritation. The flexibility allows the device to move with the skin rather than restricting it, reducing irritation while maintaining consistent electrode-skin contact for reliable measurements
2Ease of operation
If the device is removed and reapplied for repeated measurements, then measurement flexibility is improved, but measurement consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with pre-positioned electrode pairs and measurement circuits that are permanently configured on the flexible substrate. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the device is applied, the electrodes are already in optimal positions for consistent measurements, eliminating the variability introduced by manual repositioning during repeated applications
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple pairs of electrodes that can serve different measurement functions or be used in different configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same device to provide consistent measurements across multiple uses without requiring removal and reapplication, as all necessary measurement capabilities are integrated into a single wearable unit
3Reliability
If multiple electrode pairs are arranged on the film surface, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode pairs are merged onto a single flexible substrate with integrated wiring and processing circuits. The electrodes are connected through conductive traces printed or embedded in the flexible substrate, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each electrode pair and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through multiple measurement channels
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible film substrate serves as both the structural support and the electrical connection medium. Conductive patterns are printed or embedded directly into the flexible substrate, integrating the electrical connections with the mechanical structure and reducing the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while supporting multiple electrode pairs for reliable measurements
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 reliable, long-term, and consistent measurement of skin moisture and wound healing progress without disrupting the skin, providing precise data on skin condition changes and wound healing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor of a capacitance measuring device for determining skin moisture contains at least one capacitor. If the head of the device is pressed on the skin, the horny layer of the skin reaches the scattering range of the capacitor field, whereby the relatively high dielectric constant of water in the range of about 80 at 30°C is used.
Implementation Method 2
the relatively high dielectric constant of water in the range of about 80 at 30°C is used. In principle, the dielectric constant of the skin is determined, which is greater when the skin is wetter and vice versa.
Implementation Method 3
measuring the impedance of the resistance and/or the capacity of the skin
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining the state of a persons' skin and is characterized in that, as a flat sheet that can be applied to the skin (9) and can be secured flat thereon, it has a self-adhesive film, in particular skin plaster flat sheet (1) made of a non-conductive film adapting the skin topography, which film has a window-like recess (2) passing transversely through it, in particular for direct application of a cosmetic or medical formulation (91) from outside (as) onto the skin (9), wherein at least two contact electrodes (3; 3') are arranged as sensors on the skin side (hs) of the film, in particular of the skin plaster flat sheet, and can be applied to the skin, in that the electrodes are further connected to an impedance and resistance and/or capacitance measurement unit (5) via a voltage supply unit (4) that can be supplied with current by means of NFC technology, from which a preferably passive communications unit (6) with an antenna loop (7) issuing from it can be supplied with the measurement data, which can be called up as skin resistance and/or capacitance data by means of NFC-capable external communications unit with suitable "App", such as a mobile phone, reader or smartphone.