Multilayer Wearable Structure for Flexible, Long-Term Physiological Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable physiological monitoring devices face challenges in being flexible, stretchable, and robust enough to maintain long-term attachment and functionality, while also accommodating complex circuits and sensors for accurate parameter sensing.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer wearable device with flexible and stretchable layers, allowing for more electronic components and a smaller footprint, with a porous first portion for active ingredient delivery and a gel layer for separation, facilitating robustness and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer substrate is used for wearable devices, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate complex circuits and sensors while maintaining flexibility and stretchability
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple layers (first substrate layer, second substrate layer, intermediate layer) that can be independently designed and optimized. Each layer serves specific functions: the first layer provides sensor contact, the intermediate layer provides structural support and routing, and the second layer provides additional functionality. This segmentation allows complex circuits and sensors to be distributed across layers while maintaining overall device flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single-layer design to a three-dimensional multilayer architecture. Electronic components are distributed across multiple vertical layers, allowing complex circuits to be stacked rather than spread out. This vertical arrangement reduces the device footprint while accommodating more components, and the layered structure inherently provides flexibility and stretchability in the horizontal plane.
2Ease of operation
If the substrate is made flexible and stretchable, then the device can maintain long-term attachment and comfort, but the robustness and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate employs composite material construction with multiple layers having different mechanical properties. The first substrate layer is made flexible and stretchable for comfort and attachment, while the intermediate layer provides structural reinforcement and mechanical stability. This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve flexibility for long-term wearability and structural integrity for robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions and layers of the substrate have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The layer in contact with the skin is highly flexible and stretchable, while intermediate layers have enhanced structural strength. This local differentiation of material properties allows the device to be comfortable and compliant with body movements while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple layers are stacked to accommodate complex circuits, then the electronic components capacity increases, but the device thickness and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested multilayer structure where electronic components and circuits are embedded within and between substrate layers. The intermediate layer contains routing traces and components that are integrated into the stack, allowing complex circuits to be housed within the device thickness rather than extending it. This nesting approach accommodates more electronic components while minimizing the overall device volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the first portion is made porous for drug delivery, then the therapeutic delivery capability is enhanced, but the mechanical strength and barrier function are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first substrate layer has localized porosity in specific regions to enable drug delivery while maintaining structural integrity in other areas. The porous regions are strategically positioned at contact points with the skin where therapeutic delivery is needed, while other portions of the layer retain their mechanical strength. This local differentiation allows the layer to simultaneously provide barrier function, mechanical support, and controlled drug release.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate layer combines materials with different properties: porous regions for drug delivery and less porous regions for mechanical strength. This composite structure within the same layer allows simultaneous achievement of therapeutic delivery capability and mechanical integrity, with each region optimized for its specific function.
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 multilayer design enables long-term attachment, enhances sensor functionality, and provides a more robust platform for complex circuits, accommodating various body positions and allowing for both sensing and therapeutic delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion is porous to an active pharmaceutical ingredient such that the active pharmaceutical ingredient is able to transmit through the first portion to the subject
Implementation Method 2
the first portion is porous to an active pharmaceutical ingredient such that the active pharmaceutical ingredient is able to transmit through the first portion to the subject
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a subject using a multilayer wearable device. In an embodiment, a multilayer wearable device is configured to be attached to a subject. The multilayer wearable device comprises a substrate having multiple layers including a first portion connected to a second portion. The first portion has a first side and a second, opposite side. And the second portion has a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the first portion is configured to be attached to the subject and the second portion is arranged on top of the first portion such that the first side of the second portion is disposed adjacent the second side of the first portion. And, the wearable device includes one or more electrical components configured to sense a physiological parameter of the subject.