Smart Mask with Printed Sensor Array for Vital Sign Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a wearable facial mask that can monitor biomarkers such as breathing rate, temperature, and coughing patterns to detect infectious diseases like COVID-19 and pneumonia, as these symptoms are often early indicators of such conditions, and existing technologies lack effective real-time monitoring solutions.
Innovation Solution
A smart mask equipped with a sensor array that includes temperature and respiration rate sensors, humidity sensors, and cough detection sensors, printed onto a substrate and connected to a wireless communication module, allowing for continuous and real-time monitoring of vital signs through Bluetooth transmission to a mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single mask device, then the monitoring capability and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (temperature sensor, respiration rate sensor, humidity sensor, and cough detection sensor) into a single integrated sensor array that is secured to the mask substrate. This merging approach enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple biomarkers through one unified device, improving diagnostic accuracy while managing complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating various sensors that can detect different biomarkers (temperature, respiration rate, humidity, cough patterns) simultaneously. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple health monitoring functions, enhancing measurement precision without requiring separate devices for each parameter.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then early detection capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of biomarkers through the sensor array that operates throughout the wearing period. The temperature, respiration rate, humidity, and cough sensors continuously collect data to enable early detection of infectious diseases, maintaining reliable monitoring over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The respiration rate sensor operates by detecting periodic temperature variations that occur with each breath cycle. This periodic action allows the system to monitor breathing patterns continuously while energy consumption is tied to the natural respiratory rhythm, efficiently capturing vital sign data without requiring constant high-power operation.
3Loss of information
If wireless communication module is added, then data transmission capability is improved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary component that bridges the sensor array and external devices (smartphone, cloud server). This module enables complete data transmission of biomarker information without physical connection, preventing information loss while adding minimal weight compared to wired alternatives or no transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical data transmission methods (wired connections, physical data logs) with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors and cables, transmitting biomarker data electronically through Bluetooth or other wireless protocols, thereby minimizing added weight while ensuring complete data transfer.
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 early detection of infectious diseases by continuously tracking vital signs, reducing the burden on medical experts and facilitating monitoring during quarantine or routine life, with cost-effective production using inkjet printing technology.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature and respiration rate sensor includes an electrode printed onto the sensor array substrate and a sensing film extending across the arms of the electrode... During the exhale cycle, the sensor detects a high temperature, which corresponds to the deep body temperature of the user.
Implementation Method 2
The humidity sensor includes an electrode positioned atop the sensor array substrate and a sensing film extending across the arms of the electrode... The nanocomposite based thin film is highly sensitive with quick response and recovery time
Implementation Method 3
Coughing is monitored through a pressure sensor and correlated with data from a humidity sensor to determine the dryness of the cough... The cough sensor includes a sensing pattern comprised of a piezoresistive material
Implementation Method 4
Data collected from the sensors is transmitted to the wireless communication module, which in turn transmits the data to the user's mobile phone, a further device, or remote storage... transmitted through a Bluetooth device within the wireless communication module
Data Source
AI summary
A facial mask configured to be worn by a user includes a mask substrate, a temperature and respiration rate sensor for monitoring the temperature and breathing rate of the user, a humidity sensor for monitoring the humidity of the breath of the user, and a cough sensor for monitoring the cough rate of the user. The sensors may be printed onto a sensor array substrate, which is then secured to the mask substrate. The sensors provide real-time monitoring of the temperature, the breathing rate, the humidity, and the cough rate of the user.