Tracheal Collar Sensor Integration for Mobile Vital Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securement devices for tracheostomy tubes require multiple separate systems to monitor physiological parameters, which are cumbersome and limit patient mobility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A tracheal collar with integrated sensors, including a microcontroller and sensors like piezoelectric, photoplethysmographic, and infrared sensors, that can monitor parameters such as temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation, and communicate wirelessly to a secondary device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate systems are used to monitor physiological parameters, then monitoring capability is comprehensive, but device complexity and patient mobility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate monitoring systems into a single integrated tracheal collar device that can simultaneously monitor temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete devices patients must wear while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities through integrated sensors and a centralized processing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracheal collar is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both tracheostomy tube stabilization and comprehensive physiological monitoring. The single device incorporates multiple sensor types (temperature sensor, photoplethysmographic sensor, respiratory sensor) to provide universal monitoring of various vital signs, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate monitoring devices are used, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is achieved, but patient mobility and ease of use are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological monitoringVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple monitoring functions into a single wearable collar, the system improves patient mobility while maintaining comprehensive physiological monitoring. Patients no longer need to manage multiple separate devices, leads, and sensors, resulting in easier operation and greater freedom of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional securement devices are used, then tracheostomy tube stabilization is achieved, but the number of devices required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracheostomy tube stabilizationVSAvoidnumber of securement components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates tracheostomy tube stabilization and physiological monitoring functions into a single collar device. The collar mechanically secures the tracheostomy tube while simultaneously housing sensors for monitoring vital signs, thereby reducing the total number of separate securement and monitoring components patients must use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces the number of devices needed for monitoring, enhances patient mobility, and provides remote communication of vital signs, improving ease of use and reducing the burden on patients and caregivers.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more sensors may be at least one of a piezoelectric sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The one or more sensors may be at least one of a photoplethysmographic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The one or more sensors may be at least one of an infrared sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 4

The one or more sensors may be at least one of a temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection: Temperature Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250303090A1Tracheal collar with integrated sensors

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 BIOVENTURES LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a tracheal collar having a device receptacle. The tracheal collar is operable to stabilize the tracheostomy tube of the patient when the collar is secured around the neck of the patient. A monitoring device is operable to be inserted into the device receptacle. The monitoring device includes a microcontroller and one or more sensors operable to monitor one or more physiological parameters of the patient when the monitoring device is inserted into the device receptacle of the tracheal collar.