Stretchable Biopatch for Wireless ECG Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ECG monitoring systems are bulky, disrupt daily activities, and cause skin irritation due to gelled adhesive electrodes, and they lack real-time data transmission and motion detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable biopatch with an elastomer layer, thin-film electrodes, and a flexible circuit board that adheres to the skin without adhesives, incorporating stretchable circuits and a microcontroller for wireless data transmission, including motion sensing via MEMS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gelled adhesive electrodes and wired leads are used for ECG monitoring, then reliable electrical contact and signal acquisition are achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and skin irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful gel adhesive component from the electrode system, replacing it with a dry adhesive electrode that achieves reliable electrical contact without causing skin irritation. The electrode is directly attached to the skin surface through mechanical adhesion rather than chemical gel, eliminating the source of skin irritation while maintaining signal acquisition reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (gel adhesive) with a mechanical adhesion system (dry adhesive electrode). The electrode achieves secure attachment through physical means such as pressure-sensitive adhesive or mechanical interlocking with the skin surface, eliminating the need for irritating gel substances while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
2Reliability
If bulky monitoring equipment with wired leads is used, then stable ECG signal transmission is achieved, but patient mobility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wired lead component from the monitoring system, extracting the constraint that limited patient mobility. The electrode is designed to function as a standalone wireless device, eliminating the need for connecting cables and bulky external equipment, thereby enabling free patient movement while maintaining stable signal transmission through integrated wireless communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact electrode device: signal acquisition, wireless data transmission, and power management are all incorporated into the electrode itself. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate wired connections and external equipment, providing both signal stability and patient mobility simultaneously.
3Reliability
If traditional Holter monitor with multiple components is used, then comprehensive long-term ECG data collection is achieved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode, signal processing unit, wireless transmitter, and power source into a single integrated device. This consolidation combines multiple previously separate components (electrode, lead, external monitor, battery) into one unified wearable unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive long-term ECG data collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electrode device performs multiple functions simultaneously: electrical signal acquisition, analog-to-digital conversion, data processing, wireless transmission, and power management. This multi-functionality in a single device eliminates the need for separate components and setup procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable long-term monitoring capabilities.
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 solution provides comfortable, real-time ECG monitoring with improved signal quality and reduced skin irritation, enabling timely interventions by transmitting data wirelessly and integrating motion data for enhanced patient care.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer layer can be configured to adhere to a layer of skin without an adhesive via a natural adhesion of the elastomer layer
Implementation Method 2
The first electrode can be configured to sense physiological potentials from a person and produce a voltage
Implementation Method 3
The stretchable circuit board and the microcontroller can be encapsulated within the elastomer layer
Data Source
AI summary
Stretchable condition-monitoring biopatch devices are disclosed. The stretchable condition-monitoring biopatches may include an elastomer layer. The elastomer layer may adhere to the skin without use of an adhesive. The devices described herein In may include stretchable electrodes configured to sense physiological potentials from the patient or subject. The device may include a stretchable circuit board. The stretchable electrodes may be in electrical communication with the stretchable circuit board via stretchable circuits. Methods for providing machine-learning neural networks are disclosed. These methods may include convolution neural networks that incorporate inception-type convolution units that may classify and diagnose conditions based on signals detected by the condition-monitoring biopatches.