Modular Sensor Platform for Wearable Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices for monitoring physiological data are often delicate, uncomfortable, and not suited for long-term use due to size, shape, and skin irritation issues, with limited sensor capabilities and short battery life, and they do not address the need for continuous, accurate, and non-invasive monitoring across varying user physiology and environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor platform comprising a base module with a display and computing unit, and adjustable sensor modules that measure gravitational force to maintain accurate physiological data collection regardless of body size, with a flexible band and sensor configuration for comfortable, continuous use, including ECG, glucose, and blood pressure monitoring, and enhanced battery life for 24/7 operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable devices use standard metal medical electrodes and adhesive pads for sensor measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but comfort and skin irritation issues worsen for long-term wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful adhesive pads and metal electrodes from the wearable device, replacing them with a band that directly contacts the skin. This eliminates the source of skin irritation while maintaining measurement capability through alternative sensor implementations integrated into the band structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized band material as an intermediary between the skin and traditional electrodes. This band serves as a mediator that provides both comfortable skin contact and effective electrical contact for measurements, replacing the harmful adhesive-metalsystem with a benign intermediate structure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If wearable devices are made bulky to accommodate sensors and battery, then sensor capabilities and battery life are improved, but comfort and suitability for long-term use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wearable device into a flexible band portion and a separate modular sensor unit. This segmentation allows the bulk of the device to be distributed along the band rather than concentrated in one location, reducing localized bulkiness while maintaining total sensor and battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional bulky housing to a two-dimensional band structure. By spreading components along the surface area of the band rather than enclosing them in a volumetric case, the device achieves extended battery life and sensor capabilities without increasing perceived bulk or discomfort.
3Ease of operation
If wearable devices use asymmetric adjustment mechanisms like belt buckles, then ease of adjustment is improved, but sensor positioning accuracy and comfort deteriorate due to movement and improper pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a symmetric adjustment mechanism that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts the band size, positions the sensor module, and maintains optimal contact pressure. This universal adjustment system replaces the single-function asymmetric buckle, coordinating all adjustment tasks to maintain both ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism with the sensor module positioning system. The same symmetric adjustment structure that changes band size also controls sensor module position and contact pressure, combining three separate adjustment functions into one unified mechanism that maintains precision while remaining easy to operate.
4Measurement precision
If wearable devices are designed for specific body part locations, then sensor measurement accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different users and body sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the sensor module can be adjusted along the band to different locations. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to maintain optimal measurement accuracy for various users with different body sizes and shapes, while the symmetric adjustment mechanism ensures proper positioning regardless of the specific body part or user anatomy.
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 modular sensor platform provides accurate, comfortable, and continuous physiological data collection across varying user sizes and environments, with improved sensor capabilities and extended battery life, addressing the limitations of existing wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor module measures a gravitational force experienced by the device
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable system and methods for measuring physiological data from a device worn about a body part of a user is provided comprising a base module, a first sensor module, and a second sensor module. The base module comprises a display and a base computing unit. The first sensor module measures a gravitational force experienced by the device. The second sensor module is spatially positioned relative to the base module and over a portion of the body part for measuring one or more physiological characteristics calibrated based on the gravitational force measured with the first sensor module. The base module is adjustably positioned by the user relative to the second sensor module such that the sensor module maintains its positioning over the body part for sufficient contact with the body part for accurate measurements of physiological data regardless of the anthropometric size of the body part.