Wearable Sweat Biomarker Sensing for Real-Time Hydration Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack the capability to continuously analyze sweat biomarkers in real-time and transmit data to users, which is essential for monitoring hydration status and physical performance during exercise, as existing technologies primarily focus on invasive methods or limited non-invasive approaches that do not provide timely feedback.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered fluid sensor device with a macrofluidic, double-sided adhesive layer, an electronic layer including electrochemical sensors, a microcontroller, and a transceiver antenna coil, designed for extended wear, capable of sensing and analyzing biological fluids, including sweat, and wirelessly transmitting data to a computing device for real-time analysis and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive methods are used to collect biomarkers, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomarker detection accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sweat as an intermediary substance to indirectly measure blood biomarkers. The sensor device collects sweat biomarkers (sodium, chloride, glucose) that correlate with blood composition, providing accurate physiological data without invasive blood draws. This mediator approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/invasive blood collection methods with electrochemical sensing of sweat. Instead of needles and blood draws, the device uses electrochemical sensors to detect biomarkers in sweat, substituting a painful mechanical process with a non-invasive electrical/chemical measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If non-invasive sweat detection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive monitoringVSAvoidbiomarker detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional blood-based measurement to multi-dimensional sweat-based measurement, analyzing multiple biomarkers (sodium, chloride, glucose, pH) simultaneously in sweat. This dimensional expansion compensates for the lower concentration of analytes in sweat compared to blood, maintaining precision through multi-parameter monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct blood biomarker concentration to sweat biomarker concentration with correlation algorithms. The system measures sweat electrolyte and metabolite levels, then uses calibrated relationships to infer blood status, adapting the measurement parameters to suit non-invasive collection while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If continuous real-time monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data feedbackVSAvoiddevice power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling and transmission of sweat biomarker data rather than truly continuous monitoring. The device collects sweat and measures biomarkers continuously, but transmits data periodically to the mobile device, reducing power consumption of wireless communication while maintaining the appearance of real-time monitoring through frequent periodic updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the mobile device as a copy/computing platform for data processing and visualization. The sensor patch performs minimal processing and stores raw data, then transfers it to the mobile device which handles complex analysis, algorithm execution, and user interface rendering. This copying approach minimizes energy consumption in the wearable sensor while maintaining full real-time monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 device enables continuous, real-time monitoring of sweat biomarkers, providing users with timely hydration status and performance feedback, reducing the risk of dehydration and performance degradation by accurately tracking sodium and chloride concentrations, thereby enhancing athletic performance and recovery.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic layer including electrochemical sensors... capable of sensing and analyzing biological fluids, including sweat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11998319B2Device for measuring biological fluids

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 CORESYTE INC

AI summary

A flexible, multi-layered device for automatically sensing sweat biomarkers, storing and transmitting sensed data via wireless network to a computing device having software applications operable thereon for receiving and analyzing the sensed data. The device is functional in extreme conditions, including extremely hot temperatures, extremely cold temperatures, high salinity, high altitude, extreme pHs, and/or extreme pressures.