Pliable Physiological Sensing System for Posterior Chest Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current physiological monitoring systems lack effective methods for non-invasively and continuously monitoring lung and heart sounds, EKG signals, and other vital signs from the posterior chest wall, especially in dynamic positions like sitting or reclining.

Innovation Solution

A pliable object with integrated physiological sensing devices, such as stethoscope heads and EKG leads, is positioned against the user's chest, allowing for wireless transmission of lung and heart sounds, EKG signals, and other vital signs to a computing device for real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional physiological monitoring systems are used, then they can monitor vital signs, but they cannot effectively monitor from the posterior chest wall in dynamic positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capability in dynamic positionsVSAvoidmonitoring effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The pliable object can be positioned in various locations (chair backrest, pillow, mattress) and adapts to different user positions (sitting, reclining, lying down). This dynamic positioning capability enables reliable posterior chest wall monitoring throughout the day across multiple postures, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If sensors are integrated into a pliable object, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring durationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pliable object serves multiple functions: it acts as both a comfort item (pillow, mat, or cushion) and a physiological monitoring device. By integrating sensors into this universal object, the system enables continuous monitoring without requiring separate dedicated monitoring equipment, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the comfort function of pliable objects with the monitoring function of sensor systems. By combining these previously separate functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves continuous monitoring while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices, resolving the contradiction between monitoring duration and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple physiological parameters are monitored simultaneously, then diagnostic capabilities improve, but the quantity of data to process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddata volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments physiological monitoring into multiple independent sensor channels, each dedicated to a specific parameter (lung sounds, heart sounds, EKG). This segmentation allows for precise measurement of each parameter while organizing data collection in a structured manner, making data processing more manageable despite the increased quantity of physiological data being collected simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of vital signs, including lung and heart sounds, and EKG signals from the posterior chest, improving diagnostic capabilities and user safety in various positions.

Implementation Method 1

sensors configured for detecting at least lung sounds, heart sounds and EKG signals from the posterior chest wall of a subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic transmission: Sound

Implementation Method 2

sensors configured for detecting at least lung sounds, heart sounds and EKG signals from the posterior chest wall of a subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230389848A1Physiological sensing and monitoring systems and methods of implementing the same

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 MDDRIVEN LLC

AI summary

A method of monitoring physiological parameters of a user comprises providing a system for monitoring physiological parameters having a pliable body, with a plurality of physiologic sensing devices mounted within the pliable body, the plurality of physiologic sensing devices including sensors detecting at least lung sounds, heart sounds and EKG signals, and a wireless communication device for transmitting at least lung sounds, heart sounds and EKG signals detected; Removably positioning the system on the backrest of a chair; Poisoning the system against the back of the user; Sensing at least lung sounds, heart sounds and EKG signals from a subject from the posterior chest of the user via the system; and Transmitting at least lung sounds, heart sounds and EKG signals detected through the posterior chest of the user to a computer to monitor physiological parameters of the user.