Wearable Optical Fluid Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for peripheral edema are inconvenient for patients and fail to provide quantifiable and actionable data, making them ineffective for continuous fluid status management.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a sensor assembly integrated into a watch band or phone case, equipped with a processor, emitter, and detector, emits a signal into subcutaneous tissue to determine fluid status based on the energy level of the reflected signal, allowing for continuous and quantifiable monitoring of fluid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current monitoring systems are used for peripheral edema, then fluid status can be monitored, but the systems are inconvenient for patients and fail to provide quantifiable and actionable data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fluid monitoring methods with optical detection technology. The system uses an emitter to send optical signals through subcutaneous tissue and a detector to receive reflected signals, converting fluid status measurement into an optical measurement process. This substitution enables quantifiable data collection while maintaining patient convenience through non-invasive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary to measure fluid status. The emitter generates optical signals that interact with subcutaneous tissue, and the detector receives the reflected signals. This intermediary optical measurement process provides quantifiable data about fluid accumulation without requiring direct mechanical intervention, thus improving both measurement precision and patient convenience.
2Reliability
If traditional monitoring systems are used, then fluid status can be detected, but the systems are expensive and fail to provide continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable device platform. The same emitter and detector system can monitor fluid status continuously while being incorporated into everyday wearable items like watch bands or phone cases. This multi-functional approach enables continuous monitoring without requiring separate expensive medical equipment, thus improving reliability while reducing device complexity and cost.
3Loss of information
If quantifiable and actionable data are provided, then fluid status management is improved, but current systems fail to deliver such data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detector receives reflected optical signals and the processor analyzes the energy levels to determine fluid status. The system provides continuous feedback about fluid accumulation through quantifiable measurements, enabling actionable data delivery. This feedback loop transforms raw optical signals into meaningful fluid status information without requiring complex external processing systems.
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 convenient, cost-effective, and continuous monitoring of fluid status, enabling early detection of sub-clinical peripheral and pulmonary edema, and providing actionable data for proactive health management.
Implementation Method 1
The signal may be reflected by the subcutaneous tissue space. The detector may be configured to receive the reflected signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems may be used for measuring fluid status in a subcutaneous tissue space. Systems may include a wearable device or a diagnostic tool. The device may include a processor, an emitter, and a detector. The emitter and the detector are coupled to the processor. The emitter may be configured to emit a signal into a subcutaneous tissue space of a subject. The signal may be reflected by the subcutaneous tissue space. The detector may be configured to receive the reflected signal. The processor may be configured to determine a fluid status in the subcutaneous tissue space. The fluid status in the subcutaneous tissue space may be based on an energy level of the reflected signal.