Physiological Strain Sensor for Secure Chest Monitoring During Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological monitoring technologies face challenges in securing sensors during user movement or sweating, are uncomfortable, and have limitations in accuracy and operating conditions, particularly with ingestible telemetric thermometers.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor apparatus with a body temperature sensor at the xiphoid process and a heart rate sensor on the chest, equipped with a microcontroller unit (MCU) for data processing and a communication module for wireless transmission, including electrodes for adjustable spacing and a rechargeable power source, supports secure and accurate monitoring even in high-movement or sweat conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sensor devices are used for monitoring physiological parameters during movement or sweating, then monitoring can be performed, but the sensor device may not remain secured to the subject and becomes uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed with flexible and stretchable materials that can dynamically adapt to body movements and skin contours, maintaining secure contact during physical activity while preserving user comfort through elastic conformity rather than rigid fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device incorporates flexible substrates and thin-film structures that conform to the curved surfaces of the body, enabling secure attachment during movement and sweating while maintaining comfort through soft, adaptable contact that distributes pressure evenly
2Measurement precision
If ingestible telemetric thermometer pills are used for temperature measurement, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but operating conditions are limited and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using ingestible pills with limited capabilities, the invention implements a surface-mounted temperature sensor that copies the functional purpose of ingestible thermometers while providing superior accuracy and broader operating conditions through external placement on the skin over the xiphoid process
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor utilizes changes in electrical resistance of NTC thermistors in response to temperature variations, converting thermal energy into electrical signals for accurate measurement across a wide range of operating conditions including high-movement and sweat environments
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into a wearable apparatus, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple sensor functions (ECG electrodes, temperature sensing, acceleration detection, and wireless communication) into a single unified wearable apparatus, consolidating what would otherwise be separate devices into one cohesive system that comprehensively monitors physiological parameters without requiring multiple independent components
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs electrocardiogram monitoring, temperature measurement, motion detection, and wireless data transmission, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized sensors and provide comprehensive physiological monitoring across diverse conditions
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 apparatus provides secure, comfortable, and accurate monitoring of physiological parameters, enabling continuous tracking of heart rate and body temperature, with features like adjustable electrode spacing and wireless power transfer, suitable for high-stress environments and healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
The body temperature sensor includes an analog front end (AFE), and at least one negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, wherein a change in resistance of the at least one NTC thermistor indicates a change in the body temperature of the user
Implementation Method 2
the heart rate data is derived from at least one of electrocardiogra data, seismocardiogram (SCG) data, or photoplethysmography (PPG) data
Implementation Method 3
a communication module in operable connectivity with the MCU and configured to wirelessly transmit at least some of the gathered data to an external receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable sensor apparatus and methods. The wearable sensor apparatus includes a body temperature sensor to be placed in the xiphoid process of a user, a heart rate sensor to be placed in any curvilinear surface of the upper trunk of the chest; a microcontroller unit (MCU) contained within the wearable sensor apparatus and in operable connectivity with the at least one sensor device and configured to receive the gathered data and process it onboard the wearable sensor; and a communication module in operable connectivity with the MCU and configured to wirelessly transmit at least some of the gathered data to an external receiver.