Garment-Mounted Physiological Sensor Using Magnetic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological sensors attached directly to the body are uncomfortable and prone to dislodgment, leading to inaccurate readings due to pressure sores and movement.
Innovation Solution
A physiological sensor system that is removably connected to a garment using magnetic rings or hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for secure attachment and continuous monitoring without direct skin contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are attached directly to the body using clips or elastic bands, then the sensor can detect physiological conditions, but the sensor becomes uncomfortable and prone to dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a garment as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the body. The sensor attaches to the garment rather than directly to the skin, eliminating direct skin contact while maintaining stable positioning. The garment serves as a mediator that distributes the sensor's weight and attachment forces across a larger area, improving both comfort and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the sensor, the garment with window, and the connector mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the sensor for physiological detection, the garment for comfort and stability, and the connector for secure attachment. The modular design enables the sensor to be removed and repositioned on different garments.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are attached directly to the skin, then physiological conditions can be monitored, but the sensor becomes dislodged during movement affecting reading accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The garment acts as a stable intermediary platform that maintains the sensor's position during patient movement. Instead of the sensor being directly exposed to body movements that cause dislodgment, the garment provides a consistent reference frame that keeps the sensor in the correct position relative to the body part being monitored.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment material and connector design provide beforehand cushioning and stabilization for the sensor attachment. The connector mechanism (magnetic rings, hook-and-loop, or snaps) is designed to maintain secure attachment before movement occurs, preventing dislodgment during subsequent patient movement and ensuring continuous accurate readings.
3Reliability
If sensors are secured tightly to the body, then the sensor remains in position, but pressure sores and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The garment serves as a pressure-distributing intermediary between the sensor attachment system and the skin. Instead of concentrated pressure points from direct skin attachment, the garment material distributes forces across a larger surface area, reducing pressure density and preventing pressure sores while maintaining sensor stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is constructed from flexible materials that can conform to the body while providing a cushioning layer. This flexible shell approach allows the sensor to be securely attached without creating concentrated pressure points on the skin, as the flexible material absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses.
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 system provides comfortable and reliable long-term monitoring of physiological conditions like oxygen levels and pulse rate, maintaining accurate readings even during movement.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a connector such as a magnetic ring or hook-and-loop fastener to removably connect the sensor to the garment
Implementation Method 2
The garment may include a window through which a light beam from the sensor may pass to illuminate the underlying body and sense various conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological sensor system for removably securing a physiological sensor to a garment. The physiological sensor system generally includes a physiological sensor adapted to be removably connected to a garment. The sensor may be adapted to detect a physiological condition, such as oxygen level or pulse rate. The sensor may include a connector such as a magnetic ring or hook-and-loop fastener to removably connect the sensor to the garment. The garment may include a window through which a light beam from the sensor may pass to illuminate the underlying body and sense various conditions. A control unit may be provided for controlling the sensor and processing data received therefrom.