Reconfigurable Wearable Device for Multi-Mode ECG Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices for monitoring health metrics, such as smartwatches and smart patches, often have limitations in accuracy and convenience due to their single-purpose designs, with smartwatches providing limited ECG monitoring and smart patches being adhesive and invasive for continuous data capture.
Innovation Solution
A versatile electronic device that can configure as both a smartwatch and a smart patch, featuring a modular design with interchangeable components, including electrodes and sensors, allowing for flexible placement and accurate health metric monitoring without the need for constant repositioning or adhesive detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-purpose wearable device (smartwatch or smart patch) is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the monitoring accuracy and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a wearable device that can function as both a smartwatch and a smart patch through reconfigurable electrode arrangements. The device includes multiple electrodes that can be selectively activated and positioned to provide both wrist-based and chest-lead ECG monitoring capabilities, allowing one device to replace multiple single-purpose devices while maintaining or improving monitoring accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode system into multiple independent electrodes that can be selectively activated. The device includes first electrodes, second electrodes, third electrodes, and fourth electrodes that can be configured in different combinations to create various ECG leads (such as lead I, lead II, lead III, or augmented leads), enabling the device to adapt its functionality based on the monitoring mode required
2Reliability
If a smart patch with adhesive is used for continuous monitoring, then ECG data capture is consistent, but skin damage occurs due to adhesive detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the adhesive component from the wearable device design. Instead of using adhesive to attach the device to the skin, the device uses mechanical fastening methods such as straps or clips, thereby eliminating the skin irritation and damage caused by adhesive detachment while maintaining continuous ECG monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical fastening system (such as a strap or clip mechanism) between the device and the user's body. This intermediary replaces the direct adhesive-skin contact with a mechanical attachment method that achieves secure positioning for consistent ECG data capture without the harmful effects of adhesive on the skin
3Ease of operation
If a smartwatch is used for ECG monitoring, then the device is convenient to wear, but the ECG monitoring performance is limited compared to smart patches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrode configuration reconfigurable and adaptable. The device can dynamically switch between different electrode activation patterns and monitoring modes (wrist-based monitoring vs. chest-lead monitoring) depending on the user's needs and the monitoring scenario, thereby providing both the convenience of a smartwatch and the performance of a smart patch
4Measurement precision
If multiple ECG leads are used in a smart patch, then ECG reading quality is higher, but the device becomes more complex and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating multiple ECG lead capabilities into a single device that can also function as a smartwatch. The reconfigurable electrode system allows the device to provide high-quality multi-lead ECG monitoring when needed while maintaining the ability to function as a conventional smartwatch, thereby achieving both specialized performance and general versatility
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing forming an enclosed chamber. The housing has a top portion and a bottom portion. One or more sensors is provided within the chamber and configured to interface with a user to generate physiological data associated with the user. A set of electrodes is provided on the bottom portion of the housing. Each electrode in the set of electrodes is a single member having a corresponding inner electrode portion within the chamber and an outer electrode portion outside the housing. A set of magnets is provided on the bottom portion of the housing.