Vital Signs Patch Flexible Circuit Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for continuously monitoring vital signs in patients are intrusive, difficult to perform on a continuous basis, and often require manual intervention, leading to potential errors and increased workload for nurses, especially in busy healthcare settings where continuous observation is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A vital-signs patch with flexible electrodes and a hermetically sealed circuit assembly that can be attached to a patient's skin, allowing for continuous measurement of vital signs like respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, with data transmission to a central server for real-time monitoring and alerting, reducing noise-induced artifacts through flexible connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used between electrodes and circuit assembly, then structural stability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise-induced artifacts from patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) instead of rigid connections to connect electrodes to the circuit assembly. The FPC can bend and deform with patient movement without breaking, while maintaining stable electrical connections. This flexible structure eliminates noise-induced artifacts caused by rigid connections during patient movement, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then patient care quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for continuous power and data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable vital signs monitor patch that is intended for single-use. The patch includes integrated power supply (battery), sensing electrodes, signal processing circuitry, and wireless communication capabilities in a compact form factor. After use, the entire patch is discarded, eliminating the need for complex recharging, calibration, or maintenance procedures. This disposable approach enables continuous monitoring with improved reliability while managing device complexity through a simplified lifecycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid patch structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and restricted patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards and flexible substrate materials for the patch construction. These flexible components allow the patch to conform to the patient's skin contours and move with the patient's body movements, improving comfort and ease of operation. The flexible structure maintains manufacturing precision through controlled flexibility and consistent material properties, enabling the patch to remain securely attached while accommodating natural patient movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A vital-signs monitor patch containing at least two electrodes, a circuit assembly, and a patch body having a chamber in which the circuit assembly is housed. The patch body also contains at least one flexible portion adjacent to the circuit assembly chamber, with at least one electrode attached to the flexible portion. The electrodes are configured for attaching the patch to the skin of a patient.