Wearable Interdigitated Sensor for Hot Flash Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no standard method or apparatus to objectively determine the presence, duration, or severity of hot flashes, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of treatments for this common menopausal symptom.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with interdigitated electrically conductive elements and a control system that applies electrical signals to the skin to collect and analyze capacitance changes, allowing for the determination of hot flash presence, intensity, and duration through impedance, capacitance, and temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no standard method or apparatus is used to determine hot flashes, then subjective assessment is possible, but objective measurement precision and reliability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent sensor types (capacitance sensors, temperature sensors, impedance sensors) that each measure specific physiological parameters. This segmentation allows the complex measurement task to be divided into manageable components while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs multiple measurement functions (capacitance measurement, temperature measurement, impedance measurement) using a single integrated device, thereby achieving objective hot flash detection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to monitor hot flashes, then measurement precision may improve, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrical fields and electromagnetic signals as intermediaries to measure physiological parameters without direct physical intrusion into the body. Capacitance sensors measure skin properties through electrical field interaction, temperature sensors detect thermal changes non-contactly, and impedance sensors assess tissue properties through current flow, all maintaining patient comfort while achieving precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical or physical contact-based measurement methods are replaced with electrical and electromagnetic measurement techniques. The system uses electrical impedance, capacitance, and temperature sensing instead of mechanical probes or invasive procedures, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating physical intrusion.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then productivity of research and treatment assessment improves, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system employs periodic measurement cycles rather than truly continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at regular intervals, process data, and reset, allowing the device to remain in low-power states between measurements. This periodic operation maintains the ability to detect hot flashes while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant active monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes and analyzes measurement data without requiring external intervention. The device self-manages data collection, processing, and interpretation, enabling continuous monitoring productivity while minimizing the energy and operational resources needed from external sources.
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, non-invasive monitoring of hot flashes, providing quantifiable data to assess treatment effectiveness and aid in the development of new remedies.
Implementation Method 1
A wearable device with interdigitated electrically conductive elements and a control system that applies electrical signals to the skin to collect and analyze capacitance changes
Implementation Method 2
impedance, capacitance, and temperature measurements
Implementation Method 3
impedance, capacitance, and temperature measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides methods and apparatuses that determine or characterize a physiological condition known as a “hot flash” in a subject. Embodiments include interdigitated sensors and control systems that determine measures of a plurality of impedance, capacitance, AC resistance, phase, DC resistance, and temperature of the skin of a subject using a plurality of electrodes at a plurality of measurement times over a total measurement period. Embodiments determine a composite capacitance, a combined phase, or a combination thereof, and determine or characterize a hot flash therefrom.