Multi-channel vitals device with integrated sensor stack-up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to provide a comprehensive, continuous, and portable solution for measuring multiple vital signs such as EKG, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and core body temperature, often requiring invasive methods or cumbersome devices that are not suitable for routine consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, wireless sensor device integrating a reflective pulse oximeter, one-lead EKG, resistive heater, and thermistors with a custom thermistor lens and double-sided adhesive gel pad, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple vital signs using a simultaneous electromechanical stack-up, enabling continuous monitoring of core vital signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 12-lead EKG systems or Holter monitors are used to measure cardiac events, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and weight increase making it cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vital sign measurement functions (EKG, pulse oximetry, temperature sensing) into a single integrated sensor device. The EKG electrode array is integrated with optical sensors for pulse oximetry and thermistors for temperature measurement, allowing comprehensive monitoring in one compact unit that weighs only 0.5-1.0 lbs, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device portability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures EKG signals through electrode arrays, determines oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry using red and infrared LEDs, monitors core body temperature through thermistors, and tracks respiratory rate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each measurement type, achieving comprehensive monitoring in a lightweight portable form factor
2Measurement precision
If invasive internal probes are used to measure core body temperature continuously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the skin surface as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure core body temperature. Thermal coupling members (thermistors) are placed on the skin surface where they detect temperature changes that correlate with core body temperature. This non-invasive approach uses the skin as a mediator between the external sensor and internal body temperature, achieving accurate continuous monitoring without invasive probes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical probes with electronic thermal sensing elements (thermistors) that measure temperature through thermal conduction from the skin surface. This substitution of measurement mechanism allows continuous core temperature monitoring through non-invasive skin contact, eliminating the need for internal catheters or gastrointestinal probes while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used to measure different vital signs, then measurement precision for each parameter is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement systems into a single sensor assembly: EKG electrode arrays are combined with pulse oximetry optics (red and infrared LEDs with photodetectors) and temperature sensing thermistors. This merging of previously separate devices into one unified sensor platform reduces system complexity while maintaining the measurement precision of each individual function
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed as a universal monitoring platform that simultaneously performs EKG, pulse oximetry, temperature measurement, and respiratory rate monitoring. By making the device universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the measurement accuracy of each vital sign parameter through dedicated sensors for each function
4Ease of operation
If wireless Bluetooth technology is used for remote monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wireless data transmission using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Instead of continuous transmission, the device transmits vital sign data at intervals (e.g., every few seconds or minutes), allowing the Bluetooth radio to remain in low-power states between transmissions. This periodic action maintains wireless monitoring convenience while significantly reducing average power consumption to extend battery life to several days or weeks
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 device achieves accurate and continuous measurement of six core vital signs in a small form factor, reducing power consumption and enabling longer battery life, with data transmission via Bluetooth Low Energy, facilitating remote health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The probes shine a red light and an infrared light through the finger and then measures the change in absorbance from beat-to-beat. At 660 nm, deoxygenated hemoglobin Hb absorbs more than oxygenated hemoglobin HbO2. At 910 nm infrared, the HbO2 absorbs more than the Hb.
Implementation Method 2
Heart rate is readily derived from both photoplethysmograph (PPG) and EKG signals.
Implementation Method 3
Measurement of core body temperature is challenging. This would require an internal probe in the gastrointestinal tract, a catheter, or some other internal probe.
Implementation Method 4
The sensor utilizes unique packaging and integration to achieve measurement of important vital signs using a single, small package sensor.
Implementation Method 5
The stack up includes integration of a reflective pulse oximeter, one-lead EKG, resistive heater, a vertical set of thermistors that measure heat radiating from the body
Implementation Method 6
EKG is conventionally measured by the use of 12-lead systems in the hospital. For portability, the Holter monitor is utilized to capture cardiac events over the course of an extended time period.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated vitals device capable of acquiring multiple data streams, allowing for comprehensive measurement of whole health status using a single, compact device. This allows for simplification of traditional healthcare delivery where multiple devices are required for acquisition of vital signs. A sensor stack up, occupying the approximate physical footprint and volume allows this approach to be possible. This application describes how these simultaneous vitals data streams can be acquired using an integrated device with small mass and volume.