Vital Signs Monitoring Patch with Integrated Display and Segmented Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vital signs monitoring devices are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to use, lacking the ability to effectively display multi-parametric measurements and being unsuitable for various environments.
Innovation Solution
A vital signs monitoring patch with an integrated display, featuring a user-accessible layer with a printed silver-silver chloride electrode, a polyethylene foam layer, a printed circuit board assembly with sensors, and a hydrogel-based conductive adhesive, allowing for easy attachment and removal, and capable of monitoring heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and pH levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vital signs monitoring devices are used, then monitoring capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is segmented into discrete functional layers including a user access layer with electrodes, a polyethylene foam layer for bonding and spacing, a PCBA layer with sensors and processing, a sensor layer for optical measurements, and a medical tape layer for skin attachment. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch integrates multiple monitoring functions including ECG electrodes, oximetry sensors, temperature sensing, and pH monitoring within a single universal device that can be applied to various body locations. The multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional monitoring devices are used, then vital signs can be measured, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an integrated display that automatically shows measured parameters without requiring external equipment or complex setup. The plunger mechanism allows users to easily activate the device, and the hydrogel electrodes automatically establish electrical contact with skin, eliminating the need for manual electrode placement or device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display, power supply, sensors, and electrodes are merged into a single integrated patch that can be applied directly to the skin. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment, cables, and power sources, making the device extremely easy to operate.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive multi-parametric monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensing modalities are segmented into separate functional layers: silver-silver chloride electrodes for ECG measurements in the user access layer, optical sensors for oximetry in the sensor layer, and additional sensors for temperature and pH monitoring. This segmentation allows each sensing modality to be optimized independently while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite construction with a polyethylene foam layer providing mechanical support and electrical isolation, hydrogel conductive adhesive ensuring reliable electrical contact, and medical tape for secure skin attachment. These composite materials enable multiple sensing functions while maintaining device simplicity and ease of use.
4Ease of operation
If integrated display is added to the patch, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is integrated into the user access layer as a distinct functional element, separated from the electronic components on the PCBA layer. This segmentation allows the display to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCBA layer serves multiple functions including sensor signal processing, display control, and power management. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate components, reducing the overall number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required.
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 patch provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and adaptable solution for monitoring vital signs, offering real-time data display and analysis, suitable for various environments, with a disposable design that includes a flexible battery for continuous operation and water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogel based conductive adhesive configured to contact a user skin surface, where the hydrogel based conductive adhesive is configured to interact between a user skin area and the second printed silver-silver chloride electrode
Implementation Method 2
a top printed silver-silver chloride electrode and an activation device... the ECG sensor connected to the first printed silver-silver chloride electrode and a second printed silver-silver chloride electrode
Implementation Method 3
the bottom surface including at least an oximetry sensor... a sensor layer including reflection mode oximetry measurement components
Implementation Method 4
with a disposable design that includes a flexible battery for continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A vital signs monitoring patch with integrated display (VSM) includes a user access layer for accessing a display section and a first printed silver-silver chloride (Ag—AgCl) electrode. A polyethylene foam layer including battery and plunger cut-outs. A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) layer including vitals sign monitoring sensors and the battery and connected to the first and second printed Ag—AgCl electrodes. The polyethylene foam layer bonded to the user access layer and the PCBA layer. A sensor layer including reflection mode oximetry components and the second printed Ag—AgCl electrode. A hydrogel conductive adhesive to interact between a user skin and the second printed Ag—AgCl electrode. A medical tape layer bonded to the user skin and the sensor layer. A plunger connected to the PCBA layer and configured to power on the VSM, where user access of the first printed Ag—AgCl electrode completes a circuit with the second printed Ag—AgCl electrode.