Personal Health Module Isolation in Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating personal health modules into portable communication devices poses challenges, as it may convert the device into a medical device subject to FDA regulations, and the device's electronics can interfere with the health module's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device design that houses a personal health module within a portable communication device, using an isolation circuit and shielding to electrically and mechanically separate the two, preventing interference and regulatory issues, while managing power consumption to prioritize the health module's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If personal health module is integrated into portable communication device, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and regulatory burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated device into two functionally independent modules: a personal health module and a portable communication device. These modules are electrically isolated from each other, allowing the health module to operate independently without being subject to medical device regulations, while still providing integrated functionality when mounted on the communication device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hermetic seal as an intermediary barrier between the personal health module and the portable communication device. This hermetic seal provides both physical containment and electrical isolation, enabling the two modules to coexist in the same device housing without interfering with each other's operation or regulatory status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If personal health module is integrated into portable communication device, then functionality is improved, but interference with health module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically segments the personal health module from the portable communication device's electronics using a hermetic seal. This segmentation creates distinct electromagnetic environments, preventing radio frequency transmissions and other electronic emissions from the communication device from interfering with the sensitive sensors and electronics of the health module.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic seal acts as an intermediary barrier that blocks electromagnetic interference, heat, and moisture from the portable communication device from reaching the personal health module. This hermetic barrier allows both modules to be housed together while maintaining signal integrity and preventing harmful interactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If personal health module is integrated into portable communication device, then portability is improved, but heat and moisture interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic seal serves as a protective intermediary that creates a barrier against environmental factors including heat and moisture. By sealing the personal health module within its own hermetically sealed compartment, the patent prevents heat generated by the communication device's battery and electronics, as well as moisture from the environment, from interfering with the health module's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic seal can be implemented using flexible sealing materials and thin film barriers that provide effective protection against heat and moisture while maintaining the compact, portable form factor of the integrated device. These sealing structures allow the device to remain portable while protecting the sensitive health monitoring components.
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 solution allows for the integration of personal health modules with portable communication devices without converting them into medical devices, ensuring the health module's functionality is preserved and power is efficiently managed to maintain operation, thus addressing the interference and regulatory concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The personal health module is electrically connected to the portable communication device through an isolation circuit that electrically isolates the personal health module from the portable communication device
Implementation Method 2
The shielding, as explained below, may be electromagnetic shielding to inhibit the radio frequency transmissions from interfering with the personal health module
Implementation Method 3
The shielding, as explained below, may be heat shielding to reduce the impact of beat generation from interfering with the personal health module
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless device (100) is provided. The wireless device (100) includes a portable communication device (102) and a personal health module (104). The wireless device (100) further includes means for receiving a signal relating to an operating condition of the wireless device (100) that influences operation of the personal health module (104), means for determining whether the operating condition is outside an operating range, and means for disabling components of the wireless device (100). If it is determined that the operating condition is outside the operating range, one or more components of the wireless device (100) will be disabled until the operating condition is within the operating range.