Modular Sensor Base Body for Wireless Biomedical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomedical Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN) are 'closed' systems, limiting user flexibility as End Devices are designed for specific functions and cannot be easily modified or repurposed to measure different physiological parameters, leading to poor device utilization and high long-term costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular support device for sensors and actuators that integrates multiple components in a single node, allowing for easy assembly and reconfiguration, with a scalable architecture that enables the addition of new functionalities and minimizes invasiveness, using a base body with multiple connection faces, a control unit, storage, and wireless communication, along with adapter and bridge interface elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If End Devices are designed for specific functions with dedicated sensors/actuators, then the device reliability and measurement precision are improved, but the adaptability and versatility deteriorate as the system becomes closed and cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The End Device is divided into separate functional modules: a base body containing control unit and communication means, and interchangeable sensor/actuator modules. Each module can be independently selected, replaced, or upgraded without affecting the core device structure, enabling both reliability through specialized components and adaptability through modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple types of sensors and actuators through standardized interfaces. This allows a single base unit to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached sensor/actuator module, resolving the contradiction between specialized functionality and system versatility.
2Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated devices are used for different physiological parameters, then the measurement precision for each parameter is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor modules that would traditionally require separate dedicated devices are merged into a single End Device platform. The base body integrates control unit, power management, and wireless communication, while supporting multiple sensor modules simultaneously or interchangeably, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through specialized sensors.
3Reliability
If wired connections are used between sensors and portable device, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as patient movements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wired connection system is replaced with wireless communication technology. The base body incorporates wireless communication means that enable data transmission without physical cables, eliminating the mechanical constraint on patient movement while maintaining reliable data transmission through electronic wireless protocols.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized End Devices are manufactured for each function, then the manufacturing precision and quality are improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into standardized base body production and separate sensor module production. The base body can be manufactured once with high precision, and different sensor modules can be produced using standardized processes and then attached, improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining quality through specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal base body design with standardized interfaces enables the same manufactured platform to support multiple sensor types. This reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to produce entirely different devices for each function, while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized production processes.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A support device for sensors and/or actuators, of a node element or End Device (10) of a wireless network of sensors/actuators which support device comprises a base body or base module (1) with a plurality of faces (2), to which a sensor and/or actuator module or block (3) is mounted, and an electrical supply block/module (4). The main feature of the base body (1) is the possibility of adding to the node element (10) further sensors and/or actuators (3) as well as adapter elements, bridge interface elements (60) or expansion modules (50). The base body (1) can have a plurality of connection faces (2) with positive engagement means (54), which allow to assemble the above described modules. The positive engagement means (54) ensures an electromechanical connection between the many modules and, furthermore, assists an easy and intuitive accessibility for a user.