Physiological Patch with Surge-Protected Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional health monitoring systems are often bulky, expensive, and have inadequate wireless link reliability, limiting their application in monitoring a wide range of physiological parameters for large populations, and they may not adequately account for concurrent use with medical equipment like defibrillators.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized patch system with integrated electrodes and data collection devices, featuring specially configured resistors to protect against electrical surges, and wireless communication capabilities for remote monitoring, allowing for portable and efficient data transmission to servers or healthcare providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional health monitoring systems are used, then physiological monitoring capability is provided, but device size becomes bulky and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into separate modular components: wearable patches with electrodes for signal acquisition, portable data collection devices for processing, and remote servers for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch device is designed to perform multiple functions including physiological signal collection, wireless data transmission, and basic processing within a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is integrated in monitoring devices, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system transmits physiological data in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The patch collects data and transmits it to the remote server at scheduled times, which significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous transmission while maintaining effective remote monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wireless communication functionality from the patch device and implements it through a separate data collection device that receives data via wired connection. This extraction allows the patch to use minimal power for basic sensing while the more power-capable data collection device handles wireless transmission.
3Volume of moving object
If electrodes are integrated on printed circuit board, then device miniaturization is achieved, but protection against electrical surges becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protection circuits as intermediary components between the electrodes and the processing system. These circuits include voltage clamping devices and isolation amplifiers that act as mediators to block harmful electrical surges from reaching sensitive electronics while allowing normal physiological signals to pass through.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates protection circuits that are pre-configured to automatically activate when electrical surges are detected. These circuits include voltage clamping devices that are ready to limit voltage spikes before they can damage sensitive components, providing beforehand cushioning against potential electrical damage.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then physiological data collection is provided, but wireless link reliability is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wireless communication link with a wired connection between the patch and data collection device. This mechanical substitution provides more reliable and stable data transmission, eliminating the reliability issues associated with wireless connections while maintaining the ability to collect and transmit physiological data.
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 system enables efficient, cost-effective remote health monitoring, protecting against defibrillation voltage pulses and providing reliable wireless communication for widespread physiological data collection, enhancing the monitoring of large populations and compatibility with medical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more resistors operably coupled to the one or more electrodes and/or the electronic module, the one or more resistors configured to protect the patch from an external source of electrical current
Implementation Method 2
one or more electrodes operably coupled to the base, the one or more electrodes configured to monitor the physiological data from the user
Data Source
AI summary
A compact integrated patch may be used to collect physiological data. The patch may be wireless. The patch may be utilized in everyday life as well as in clinical environments. Data acquired by the patch and/or external devices may be interpreted and/or be utilized by healthcare professionals and/or computer algorithms (e.g., third party applications). Data acquired by the patch may be interpreted and be presented for viewing to healthcare professionals and/or ordinary users.