Mechanochromic Array Patch for Continuous Skin Strain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable elements for musculoskeletal movement analysis are limited by their inability to provide continuous information due to physical differences from human skin, restricted to unidirectional joint movements, and fail to accurately reflect strain distribution across the skin surface.
Innovation Solution
A mechanochromic array patch featuring stretchable color-changing parts arranged in a two-dimensional array, connected by a polymer with a higher elastic modulus, and a water-insoluble support, which changes color in response to strain rates, allowing for continuous monitoring of musculoskeletal movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable element is applied to the skin surface, then musculoskeletal movement information can be obtained, but the element cannot provide continuous information due to physical differences from human skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into multiple independent mechanochromic color-changing parts arranged in a two-dimensional array, with each part independently responding to local strain. This segmentation allows the patch to conform to skin curvature and movement patterns, enabling continuous monitoring while maintaining skin integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch utilizes mechanochromic materials that change color in response to applied mechanical strain. This parameter change (color) directly reflects the strain state of the skin, allowing continuous monitoring of musculoskeletal movement without requiring additional sensors or power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wearable element is designed to reflect strain, then movement information can be obtained, but the element is restricted to unidirectional large movement of a joint
Solution Approach 1:
The array of color-changing parts allows the patch to detect strain in multiple directions and locations simultaneously. Each part responds to local deformation, enabling the system to capture complex multi-directional movements while maintaining measurement precision through localized strain detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mechanochromic color-changing part is designed to respond specifically to local strain conditions. This local quality approach allows the patch to accurately measure strain in different directions and magnitudes at different locations, overcoming the limitation of unidirectional detection.
3Measurement precision
If a wearable element is applied to detect strain, then movement information can be obtained, but the element reflects strain of the film itself rather than skin strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patch uses mechanochromic materials that undergo color changes in response to mechanical strain applied to the skin. This direct parameter change (color) caused by skin strain eliminates the need for complex strain transmission mechanisms, ensuring accurate measurement of skin strain rather than film strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch incorporates a water-insoluble support part that acts as an intermediary between the skin and the mechanochromic color-changing parts. This support structure ensures that strain is effectively transmitted from the skin to the color-changing materials while maintaining patch integrity and preventing direct contact between skin and the measurement elements.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple color-changing parts are arranged in an array, then coverage area is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is manufactured by first forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate, then forming the polymer connection parts and mechanochromic color-changing parts on the sacrificial layer. This preliminary action allows for precise positioning and integration of multiple components in a single manufacturing process, reducing overall complexity despite the array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-insoluble support part serves as an intermediary structure that holds the mechanochromic color-changing parts in their array configuration. This support structure simplifies manufacturing by providing a stable framework that can be formed in a single step, and can be removed after the array is properly positioned and secured.
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 continuous and accurate monitoring of musculoskeletal movements by displaying color changes corresponding to strain rates, improving sensitivity and functionality without distortion, and integrating well with skin flexure for localized strain analysis.
Implementation Method 1
each of the mechanochromic color-changing parts may be configured to change in color according to a strain rate
Implementation Method 2
the polymer connection part may have a higher elastic modulus compared to the mechanochromic color-changing parts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mechanochromic array patch that implements, as a color change, a strain applied to a skin surface due to musculoskeletal movement. The mechanochromic array patch may include stretchable mechanochromic color-changing parts, a polymer connection part that connects the mechanochromic color-changing parts, and a water-insoluble support part. The polymer connection part may have a higher elastic modulus compared to the mechanochromic color-changing parts.