Modular Adhesive Sensor Hub With Detachable Pods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless adhesive biomedical sensors face challenges such as reliability, connection quality, data security, integration of diverse sensor technologies, real-time measurement delays, comfort, longevity, and cost complexity due to large size, limited battery life, and the need for multiple sensors for various biometric parameters.
Innovation Solution
An integrated adhesive sensor array with a central hub and detachable sensor pods, where the pods can be docked or placed on the body for measurement, communicating via wired or wireless links, and featuring indicators for proper placement and connection confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple large sensors are used to monitor different biometric quantities, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and wearer comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into a central hub and multiple detachable sensor pods. Each pod can be independently attached or detached from the hub, allowing the user to select only the pods needed for specific measurements. This segmentation enables monitoring of multiple biometric parameters without requiring all sensors to be present simultaneously, thus reducing the overall device area while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The central hub is designed with universal docking areas that can accommodate different types of sensor pods. The hub provides common functionality including wireless communication, power management, and data processing, while the pods provide specialized sensing capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single hub to support various measurement types through interchangeable pods, reducing the need for multiple complete sensor units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors from different vendors are used for various biometric parameters, then measurement specialization is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hub incorporates a universal interface and communication protocol that can work with sensor pods from different manufacturers. The hub's processor and wireless transceiver are designed to handle diverse sensor types through a standardized connection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate network support configurations for each sensor type and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub acts as an intermediary between the external wireless network and the various sensor pods. It consolidates communication tasks by providing a single wireless interface to the network while managing multiple pod connections internally. This mediator role simplifies network support requirements while maintaining compatibility with specialized sensors from different vendors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive sensors are made larger to include more functionality, then measurement capability is improved, but wearer comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into a central hub and multiple detachable sensor pods. Each pod can be independently attached or detached from the hub, allowing the user to select only the pods needed for specific measurements. This segmentation enables monitoring of multiple biometric parameters without requiring all sensors to be present simultaneously, thus reducing the overall device area while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor configuration is made dynamic through the detachable pod design. Users can adjust the sensor setup by attaching or removing pods based on their specific monitoring needs and comfort requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same hub to adapt to different measurement scenarios and wearability preferences, balancing functionality with comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of measuring a physical or physiological parameter using an integrated adhesive sensor array including a sensor hub and a detachable sensor pod are presented. In one example, a method comprises: establishing a first communication link between the sensor hub and a wireless receiver; attaching at least the sensor hub directly to a body; establishing a second communication link between the detachable sensor pod and the sensor hub; sensing a physical or physiological parameter by the detachable sensor pod; transmitting sensor data of the physical or physiological parameter from the detachable sensor pod to the sensor hub via the second communication link; and transmitting the sensor data from the sensor hub to the wireless receiver via the first communication link.