Hydrothermal Sensing Device for Heat Stroke Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing health monitoring devices fail to effectively detect approaching heat stroke and dehydration in users, especially in extreme temperatures, and lack a mechanism to alert the user or third parties to these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydrothermal sensing device comprising a reflective, mesh, and wicking layer with integrated sensing modules and a communication module that monitors temperature, pulse rate, and acceleration, transmitting data to a portable computing device to alert users or third parties if thresholds are exceeded, using Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing health monitoring devices are used, then basic monitoring function is provided, but the ability to detect approaching heat stroke and dehydration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modules (thermal sensor, pulse meter, accelerometer) into a single head covering device to comprehensively monitor vital signs. This integration enables simultaneous detection of temperature, pulse rate, and movement data, allowing the system to accurately assess heat stroke and dehydration risk by analyzing multiple parameters together rather than relying on a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The head covering serves multiple functions: it provides UV protection through the reflective layer, enables evaporative cooling via the wicking layer, and performs health monitoring through integrated sensors. This multi-functionality allows the device to both prevent heat-related illnesses through passive cooling and actively detect approaching heat stroke through sensor monitoring, addressing both prevention and detection needs.
2Loss of information
If existing monitoring devices are used, then basic data collection is possible, but alerting capability to user or third party is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vital signs and automatically comparing readings against threshold values. When temperature exceeds 102°F or pulse rate increases by 20 bpm above baseline, the system triggers an alert through the communications module. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures timely notification of dangerous conditions without requiring manual intervention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications module acts as an intermediary between the sensing modules and external devices. It receives data from the sensors, processes alerts based on threshold comparisons, and transmits notifications to portable computing devices or emergency contacts. This intermediary function enables reliable information transmission from the wearable device to external parties without requiring direct user interaction.
3Temperature
If wicking materials are used, then evaporative cooling is achieved, but active monitoring and alerting capability is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive cooling functionality (wicking layer) with active monitoring functionality (sensors and communications module) into a single integrated head covering. The wicking layer provides evaporative cooling while the embedded sensors monitor vital signs, and the communications module transmits alerts. This combination allows the device to simultaneously cool the user and monitor for heat stroke without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The head covering integrates multiple functions: UV protection through the reflective layer, evaporative cooling via the wicking layer, and health monitoring through sensors. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices (cooling hat, health monitor, communication device) into a single wearable unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities.
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 monitors vital signs and alerts users or third parties if temperature exceeds 102°F or pulse rate increases by 20 beats per minute, providing timely warnings to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective layer can be attached to the mesh layer
Implementation Method 2
The wicking layer can retain fluid and wick away fluid from the user's body
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensing module can be a thermal sensor, an accelerometer, and a pulse meter
Data Source
AI summary
An hydrothermal sensing device wherein the hydrothermal sensing device comprises at least one layer wherein the at least one layer is a reflective layer, a mesh layer, a semi-rigid layer and a wicking layer wherein the reflective layer can be attached to the mesh layer, and the mesh layer can be attached to the semi-rigid layer and the wicking layer can be removably attached to the semi-rigid layer. The semi-rigid layer can further comprise a band wherein the band can comprise a printed circuit board having at least one sensing module, a microcontroller, a communications module, and power source. The reflective layer is porous and UV resistant.