Multi-Sensor Wearable Patch for Cardiac and Respiratory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices have limitations in monitoring cardiovascular and pulmonary functions, often requiring invasive methods and providing incomplete data, which can lead to delayed detection of cardiac events and inadequate management of cardiovascular diseases.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor smart patch that includes acoustic, electrical, and environmental sensors to monitor cardiovascular and respiratory systems, providing comprehensive physiological data through a reusable electronics module coupled with a disposable flexible patch, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of vital signs and health metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current wearable devices are used for monitoring cardiovascular and pulmonary functions, then the monitoring can be performed continuously and non-invasively, but the data obtained is incomplete and detection of cardiac events is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (acoustic sensors for heart and lung sounds, ECG electrodes for electrical cardiac activity, PPG sensors for blood flow) into a single integrated wearable patch. This merging of different sensing modalities enables comprehensive physiological monitoring that captures both mechanical and electrical aspects of cardiac and pulmonary function, thereby improving data completeness and enabling earlier detection of cardiac events through multiple complementary measurement channels
2Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring methods are used, then comprehensive physiological data can be obtained, but the monitoring becomes less comfortable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical monitoring systems with non-invasive sensor technologies that detect physiological signals through the skin and body surfaces. Acoustic sensors capture heart and lung sounds without contact with internal organs, ECG electrodes measure electrical activity through skin contact, and PPG sensors detect blood flow optically. This substitution maintains comprehensive data collection while eliminating the discomfort and complexity associated with invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable patch integrates multiple sensing functions (acoustic monitoring, ECG, PPG) into a single universal device that can simultaneously monitor both cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. This multi-functional design provides comprehensive physiological data without requiring multiple separate devices or invasive procedures, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation
3Ease of manufacture
If respiratory system is monitored only at annual physical examinations, then the monitoring is simple and low-cost, but pulmonary diseases can progress farther than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable patch enables continuous self-monitoring of respiratory function through acoustic sensors that detect lung sounds during normal daily activities. The device automatically captures and analyzes respiratory patterns without requiring clinical intervention or specialized medical facilities, allowing early detection of pulmonary abnormalities as they occur in the patient's natural environment rather than waiting for scheduled examinations
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated in a single patch, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring functions into distinct sensor modules (acoustic sensors for cardiopulmonary sounds, ECG electrodes for electrical activity, PPG sensors for blood flow) that are independently designed and then integrated into a unified patch architecture. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system maintains manageable complexity through modular integration and centralized signal processing
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
Facilitates early detection of cardiac decline and respiratory anomalies, allowing for timely therapeutic interventions and reducing hospitalizations, while offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and comfortable monitoring solution for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The smart patch can make use of at least one acoustic sensor to collect acoustic data from a location on the user's body
Implementation Method 2
the smart patch can include electrodes for detecting electrical activity from the body of the user
Implementation Method 3
a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor can be used to acquire additional cardiac data (e.g., blood oxygenation data and heart rate data)
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-sensor smart patch is disclosed that can be worn by a user to monitor multiple physiological systems of the user. The multi-sensor smart patch can make use of two or more acoustic sensors, such as accelerometer contact microphones (ACMs), to collect acoustic data from multiple locations on the user's body. The multi-sensor smart patch can include electrodes for detecting the heart's electrical activity and/or assessing the user's bioimpedance. The multi-sensor smart patch can provide useful data associated with the user's cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and electrical characteristics. The multi-sensor smart patch can be in the form of a reusable electronics module couplable to a disposable patch adhesive.