Portable Telemetry Device for Continuous Patient Movement Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical telemetry systems lack the ability to track patient movement, requiring manual observation or questioning, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for bedridden patients who need periodic repositioning to prevent bed sores and promote physical and mental health.
Innovation Solution
A portable telemetry device equipped with a physiological component, movement sensor, wireless radio, and communication component that detects patient movement and transmits data to a monitoring system, allowing for remote tracking and alarm triggering, enabling continuous monitoring of patient activity while maintaining wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation or questioning is used to track patient movement, then no additional monitoring equipment is needed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry device automatically detects and tracks patient movement using its sensors without requiring manual observation by medical workers. The device serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own motion through accelerometers and other sensors, eliminating the need for human observers while providing continuous, accurate movement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of human observation with an automated electronic sensing system. Accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors detect patient movement through physical principles, converting mechanical motion into electronic signals that are processed and transmitted automatically, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual tracking.
2Ease of operation
If portable telemetry devices are made smaller and lighter for patient comfort, then patient mobility is maintained, but the device complexity increases to achieve wireless functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The telemetry device integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: physiological sensing, movement detection, wireless communication, and data processing. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain small size and light weight while providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities, as all components work together in an integrated system rather than separate units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested architecture where smaller functional components are integrated within the telemetry device housing. Sensors, circuitry, battery, and communication modules are arranged in a compact nested configuration, allowing the device to remain portable and comfortable for patients while incorporating all necessary wireless functionality.
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, accurate monitoring of patient movement, reducing the need for manual observation and minimizing errors, thereby improving patient care by ensuring timely repositioning and promoting physical activity without restricting patient mobility.
Implementation Method 1
The movement component is configured to detect movement of the portable telemetry device and generate movement data
Data Source
AI summary
A portable telemetry device includes a physiological component, a movement component, a wireless radio, and a communication component. The physiological component is configured to receive, from at least one sensor, physiological data representative of a physiological condition of a patient. The movement component is configured to detect movement of the portable telemetry device and generate movement data. The portable telemetry device is configured to attach to the patient. The wireless radio is configured to wirelessly send radio signals. The communication component is configured to transmit the physiological data and the movement data to a monitoring system using the wireless radio.