Portable Cardiac Monitor Using Far-Field ECG Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable cardiography devices struggle with limited ECG signal capture, particularly of atrial fibrillation, due to small electrodes and near-field sensing vectors, leading to diminished accuracy and difficulty in holding the device for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a bulb-like structure featuring a large dome electrode for the palm and a planar electrode for the chest, coupled with a flexible suspension structure, enabling a far-field ECG vector and ergonomic design for stable grip and reduced noise, along with a dock-top charging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable cardiography devices use small electrodes and near-field sensing vectors, then the device can be held and operated easily, but the ECG signal capture quality deteriorates, particularly for atrial fibrillation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from near-field sensing vectors to far-field sensing vectors by extending the electrode separation distance along the longitudinal axis of the device. This dimensional change in electrode spacing enables capture of atrial depolarization waves (P-waves) that are invisible with conventional near-field vectors, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining device portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of electrode separation distance from short (near-field) to long (far-field) configurations. This parameter change fundamentally alters the sensing vector characteristics, enabling effective capture of atrial electrical activity and improving ECG signal quality for arrhythmia detection
2Volume of moving object
If electrodes are made small to reduce device size, then the device becomes more portable, but the service area and signal quality of each electrode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of electrode separation distance to compensate for small electrode size. By creating a far-field sensing vector through increased spacing, the system achieves high-quality ECG signal capture despite using compact, portable-sized electrodes
3Measurement precision
If the device structure is made rigid for stability, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the device structure through flexible circuit boards and flexible printed circuit assemblies. This allows the rigid electronic components to be mounted on flexible substrates that can bend and conform to the user's hand and arm contours, improving comfort during extended wear while maintaining electrical connection stability and signal capture accuracy
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 provides high-quality ECG signal capture with visible p-waves and heart sound pickup, suitable for extended use by users with limited dexterity, and facilitates easy charging and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode and a second electrode that together define a sensing vector for detection of electrocardiogram (ECG) activity
Implementation Method 2
A suspension structure is associated with the second end of the main body. The suspension structure is configured for displacement in a direction of the axis of the main body
Implementation Method 3
A flexible coupling between the first subassembly and the second subassembly enables displacement of the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly and in a direction of the axis of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a main body having a length, a first end, a second end, and an axis along the length. A first electrode is associated with the first end of the main body. A suspension structure is associated with the second end of the main body. The suspension structure is configured for displacement in a direction of the axis of the main body, and includes a flexible isolation ring defining an opening, and a second electrode that is associated with the opening and mechanically coupled to the flexible isolation ring. The device also includes an electronics assembly with a first subassembly that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and secured relative to the main body to prevent displacement of the first subassembly in a direction of the axis of the main body, a second subassembly that is arranged to electrically couple with the second electrode. A flexible coupling between the first subassembly and the second subassembly enables displacement of the second subassembly relative to the first subassembly and in a direction of the axis of the main body.