Modular Wearable Sensor With Disposable Reusable Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable sensor devices for health monitoring are costly due to high replacement demands from repeated use and wear and tear, limiting their continuous usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular wearable sensor device comprising a disposable and reusable module, where the disposable module houses a soft, flexible outer shell with electrodes and a power source, and the reusable module contains critical electronics, allowing decoupling for cost-effective continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensor devices are used for continuous health monitoring, then monitoring capability is maintained, but replacement costs increase due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is divided into two distinct modules: a disposable module containing electrodes and adhesive layer that contacts the user, and a reusable module containing electronics. This segmentation allows only the disposable module to be replaced after wear, while the expensive reusable module continues to be used, thereby reducing replacement costs while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If sensor devices are replaced regularly to meet high demands, then monitoring reliability is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into disposable and reusable portions, the system maintains monitoring reliability through regular replacement of the disposable module while improving cost-effectiveness by reusing the expensive electronic module multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable module is designed as a low-cost, short-lived component that is replaced regularly to ensure reliable monitoring, while the reusable module serves as a durable, expensive component that is retained and reused, optimizing the balance between reliability and cost.
3Loss of substance
If a modular design is implemented with disposable and reusable modules, then replacement costs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two modules connected by an interface, creating a modular structure that enables cost reduction through selective replacement. The added complexity of the modular interface is offset by the significant reduction in replacement costs and improved maintainability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable sensor and method for providing a wearable sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the wearable sensor comprises a first module, wherein the first module comprises a top layer, a printed circuit board (PCB) layer, and a bottom layer. The bottom layer comprises a double adhesive layer that adheres to both the PCB layer and the user. The bottom layer includes at least two openings to house at least two electrodes for monitoring of a user. The wearable sensor further comprises a second module coupled to the first module, wherein the first module is disposable and the second module is reusable. In a second aspect, the method comprises providing the aforementioned wearable sensor.