Tissue Interface Sensor With Reversible Engagement Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological sensors are difficult to reattach at a previous location, can cause pain or injury during removal, and require wired connections for power and signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating engagement features on garments that couple and decouple with complementary features on sensor modules, allowing for precise repositioning and wireless charging, and using membranes with adhesive solvents for pain-free removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to affix the sensor to the patient, then the sensor can be securely attached, but the sensor causes pain or injury during removal and cannot be reattached at a previous location
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a reusable garment with engagement features and a disposable sensor module with complementary features. This segmentation allows the sensor to be easily attached and removed without damaging the patient's skin, as the engagement features provide secure attachment during use but gentle release during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from permanent adhesive bonding to reversible mechanical engagement. The engagement features (such as magnets, snaps, or clips) allow the attachment strength to be dynamically adjusted - strong enough to hold the sensor in place during movement, but weak enough to remove without causing pain or injury.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to affix the sensor, then the sensor can be securely attached, but the sensor cannot be reattached at a previous location
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the attachment system into a reusable garment component and a disposable sensor module, the system enables multiple sensors to be used with the same garment. The engagement features on the garment remain intact and can engage with multiple different sensor modules, allowing repositioning and reuse of the garment across multiple patients or measurement sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment with engagement features serves multiple functions: it can attach different types of sensors at different locations, it can be reused across multiple patients, and it maintains consistent positioning accuracy for various measurement sites. This universal attachment system replaces the single-use adhesive approach.
3Reliability
If a wired connection is used for power and signal transmission, then the sensor can be powered and transmit data, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication (such as Bluetooth or RFID) for data transmission and power transfer. This eliminates the need for physical connectors, making the sensor module smaller, easier to attach and remove, and more comfortable for the patient while maintaining reliable data transmission.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the sensor module is permanently attached, then measurement continuity is maintained, but the sensor cannot be removed for charging or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be dynamically adjustable - the engagement features provide secure holding during measurement while allowing easy removal when needed. The garment remains on the patient providing continuous monitoring capability, while the sensor module can be detached for charging, cleaning, or replacement without removing the entire system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device comprising: a sensor module including a node and a sensor, the sensor configured to provide an electrical output on the node, wherein the electrical output includes a measure of a physiological parameter detected by the sensor; a garment or membrane having a contact side for contacting a tissue surface and an opposing side, the garment or membrane having an aperture and a pocket with fixed walls configured to receive the sensor module; and wherein the sensor module is at least partially retained within the aperture and between the pocket and the tissue surface.