Tocodynamometer GPS Alert System for Mobile Labor Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the onset of first stage labor in vaginal deliveries are cumbersome, require the expectant mother to be still, and do not allow for continuous, mobile monitoring, making it difficult to accurately determine when medical assistance is needed, especially in a mobile society.
Innovation Solution
A tocodynamometer GPS alert system that continuously monitors uterine activity using a transducer secured on the abdomen, differentiates between first stage labor and non-first-stage labor contractions, and sends alerts via a wireless communication system to preselected devices with GPS coordinates when first stage labor is detected, allowing for timely medical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tocodynamometer is used to monitor uterine contractions, then the accuracy of detecting first stage labor is improved, but the device requires the expectant mother to be physically still for extended periods, reducing mobility and ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function from the recording function. The tocodynamometer continuously monitors uterine contractions and transmits data wirelessly to a remote recording device, allowing the expectant mother to move freely while maintaining accurate continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (such as a mobile phone or transmitter) is introduced between the tocodynamometer and the recording device. This intermediary enables continuous monitoring data to be transmitted without requiring physical connection or immobility, thus preserving both measurement accuracy and user mobility.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a tocodynamometer with recording device is used to monitor contractions, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and complex, limiting its use to high-risk pregnancies only
Solution Approach 1:
The recording function is extracted from the tocodynamometer itself and placed in a separate remote device (such as a mobile phone or computer). This extraction simplifies the tocodynamometer to a lightweight sensor that only needs to collect and transmit data, eliminating the need for bulky local recording equipment while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal mobile communication platform (such as a smartphone) to perform the recording and storage function, which already exists in most people's pockets. This eliminates the need for specialized equipment and makes the continuous monitoring system accessible to all pregnancies, not just high-risk cases.
3Ease of operation
If the expectant mother is allowed to be mobile during monitoring, then ease of operation and comfort are improved, but the accuracy of contraction monitoring deteriorates due to movement interference
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring action continues uninterrupted regardless of the expectant mother's movement state. The tocodynamometer continuously senses uterine contractions and transmits data in real-time, ensuring that monitoring accuracy is maintained whether the user is stationary or mobile, eliminating the need to choose between mobility and measurement quality.
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 continuous, mobile monitoring of uterine activity, providing accurate alerts to both the expectant mother and designated individuals about the onset of first stage labor and location, improving the ability to seek timely medical assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The tocodynamometer operates by using a pressure transducer applied to the fundus of the uterus by means of a belt.
Implementation Method 2
a GPS receiver in communication with the processor to receive satellite signals and to determine the physical location of the expectant mother
Data Source
AI summary
The present development is a device for monitoring uterine activity and sending an alert signal through a wireless communication means when uterine activity significantly changes relative to a preset standard. The device, which comprises at least one sensor, is intended to continuously monitor a prescribed activity, such as uterine contractions. The information gathered by the sensors is fed to a computer application for comparison to preset values and, if the gathered information falls outside of the range of the preset values, feeds a signal to a second application designed to send out notifications to preprogrammed devices indicating the physical location of the source data, or where the pregnant patient is located.