Modular Physiological Patch Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote physiological monitoring systems are hindered by cumbersome sensors and wires, leading to discomfort and complexity in use, especially when batteries need replacement or recharging, which can be difficult for untrained individuals.

Innovation Solution

A modular holder or patch system for wireless physiological sensing devices, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of a removable electronics package with disposable or rechargeable batteries, reducing user effort and minimizing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless physiological sensing devices use personalized electronics packages with batteries, then the device can be customized for individual users, but battery replacement and recharging becomes difficult and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidbattery management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separable components: a reusable personalized electronics package and a disposable sensor patch. This segmentation allows the electronics package to be retained and reused while only the consumable patch needs replacement, eliminating the need for battery management by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor patch is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the expensive personalized electronics package is reused. This approach eliminates battery replacement needs since the patch contains its own power source and is discarded rather than recharged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of information

If sensor devices include external wires for connectivity, then data transmission can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical wire-based connection is replaced with wireless communication technology. The sensor patch communicates with the electronics package wirelessly, eliminating physical wires and improving user comfort while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If sensor devices use reusable components, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the device requires complex battery management and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidbattery management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery management complexity is extracted from the reusable electronics package and placed into the disposable patch. Each patch is pre-configured with its own power source and operational parameters, allowing the main electronics package to remain simple and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If sensor devices are designed as integrated units, then device reliability is improved, but replacement and maintenance become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9795299B2Modular physiological sensing patch

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A modular holder or patch is described that may be used with or as part of a wireless physiological sensing device. The wireless physiological sensing device may include a holder or patch, first and second electrodes, and an electronics package that may be removably coupled with the holder or patch and which may be in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes. The electronics package may include a housing, a wireless transceiver and electronic circuitry configured to process signals received via the first and second electrodes and the wireless transceiver.