Resonator System for Wireless Perspiration Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantitatively determining the amount of perspiration and salt concentration quickly is difficult, which hinders the assessment of hydration levels, particularly in individuals working in harsh conditions such as firefighters.

Innovation Solution

A resonator system comprising an electronically conductive segment coated with a polymeric component and a microfluidic channel, which detects changes in resonance frequency to measure perspiration and electrolyte concentration, allowing for wireless and non-invasive monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used to determine perspiration amount and salt concentration, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the measurement process is slow and difficult to perform quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidperspiration and salt concentration measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical measurement methods with a resonator-based sensing system. The resonator detects changes in resonance frequency caused by perspiration accumulation and electrolyte concentration changes, enabling rapid wireless measurement without complex mechanical or chemical analysis apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention monitors changes in resonance frequency as a parameter that directly correlates with perspiration amount and salt concentration. By tracking this frequency shift parameter over time, the system quickly determines hydration status without performing slow conventional chemical analyses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If invasive measurement methods are used to obtain accurate perspiration data, then measurement precision improves, but user comfort and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperspiration measurement accuracyVSAvoiduser comfort and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator system is integrated into wearable clothing or accessories, allowing it to automatically and continuously monitor perspiration without requiring active user participation. The system serves itself by passively detecting frequency changes as perspiration naturally accumulates on the skin, eliminating the need for manual sampling or invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the resonator as an intermediary device that indirectly measures perspiration and electrolyte concentration through frequency shifts caused by the presence of sweat on the skin. This non-invasive intermediary approach provides accurate measurements without direct contact with or intrusion into the body's physiological processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If simple sensor designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect through thick protective equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structure simplicityVSAvoiddetection capability through protective equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator operates by vibrating at a specific resonant frequency, and perspiration-induced changes modulate this vibration. The oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the vibrating resonator can penetrate thick protective equipment, allowing detection of frequency shifts even when the sensor is separated from the skin by multiple layers of clothing or protective gear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 accurate and rapid detection of perspiration and electrolyte concentration, facilitating hydration status monitoring even through thick protective equipment, with potential applications in sports and harsh environment settings.

Implementation Method 1

detects changes in resonance frequency to measure perspiration and electrolyte concentration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance frequency shift: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

forming a microfluidic channel in the fluidic channel component by laser ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12257046B2Resonance frequency shift sensors

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 IOWA STATE UNIV RES FOUND INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a resonator system for detecting perspiration. The system includes a resonator. The resonator includes an electronically conductive segment. The resonator further includes a polymeric component coating at least a portion of the electronically conductive segment. The resonator further includes a fluidic channel component positioned adjacent to the polymeric component and comprising a microfluidic channel.