Universal Respiratory Detector Sticker for CO2 Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory monitoring devices are bulky, expensive, difficult to decontaminate, require training for use, and are limited in their application, making them unsuitable for various health and environmental conditions, and they can be contaminated by viruses and biologic agents.

Innovation Solution

A universal respiratory detector in the form of a sticker that can conform to curved surfaces, is biocompatible, and includes a visual indicator that reversibly changes color in response to respiratory gases, allowing for easy application and monitoring of breathing status without the need for electrical power or sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional respiratory monitoring devices are used, then breathing status can be monitored, but the devices are bulky, expensive, and difficult to decontaminate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice bulk and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from complex traditional devices and implements it using a simple color-changing chemical indicator that responds to CO2 levels in exhaled breath. This eliminates the need for bulky electronics, power sources, and complex sampling systems while maintaining reliable breathing status detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a disposable sticker-type detector containing color-changing chemical indicators that can be applied to the patient's face or oxygen mask. These single-use devices eliminate decontamination requirements and reduce cost, as each detector is discarded after use rather than requiring expensive sterilization procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If traditional monitoring devices are used, then breathing status can be monitored, but training is required for proper use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing monitoring capabilityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is designed as a self-applicable sticker that automatically detects and displays breathing status through color changes. The device requires no operational training, power source management, or complex setup procedures - users simply apply the sticker and observe the color indication, making it accessible to non-medical personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses intuitive color-changing chemical indicators that visually display breathing status (e.g., color changes in response to CO2 concentration). This provides immediate, easy-to-interpret feedback without requiring users to understand technical monitoring parameters or operate complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If traditional monitoring devices are used, then breathing status can be monitored, but they are subject to contamination by viruses and biologic agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single-use disposable detector eliminates contamination risks by being discarded after a single use, preventing the transmission of viruses and biologic agents between patients. Each new detector is sterile and never contacts previous patients, making it safe for use during infectious disease outbreaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the monitoring function from shared, reusable equipment and implements it through individual disposable units. This eliminates the contamination pathway that exists when multiple patients use the same monitoring device, as each detector is dedicated to a single patient and then discarded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If traditional monitoring devices are used, then breathing status can be monitored, but they require warm up time and are relatively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing monitoring capabilityVSAvoidwarm up time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable chemical indicator detector requires no warm-up period as it immediately responds to CO2 levels upon contact with exhaled breath. The chemical reaction occurs instantaneously, providing immediate breathing status information without the delay associated with electronic sensor warm-up or calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 detector provides rapid, reversible visual feedback on breathing status, is adaptable to various surfaces and conditions, and minimizes contact and contamination risks, making it suitable for diverse health scenarios and environments.

Implementation Method 1

a visual indicator on the backing, the visual indicator configured to reversibly change color when a respiratory gas parameter changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor change in response to CO2: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4167849B1Universal respiratory detector
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 AFFIRM MEDICAL TECH II LLC
  • EP4167849B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4167849B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4167849B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3B

AI summary

A universal respiratory detector for detecting a respiratory gas. The universal respiratory detector may include a plurality of layers with a visual indicator to quickly and reversibly change color to detect a respiratory gas parameter such as carbon dioxide. The color change may be visible from both sides of the detector. In some examples, the respiratory detector may be a biocompatible and conformable sticker for mounting on a person's face or an oxygen delivery device.