Wearable Patch Sensor Segmentation for Real-Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable technologies for sports do not effectively monitor athletes' real-time physiological and environmental conditions during activities, limiting performance enhancement and injury prevention.
Innovation Solution
A wearable patch with a sensor and transmitter circuit that attaches to the skin, monitoring conditions like heart rate, temperature, and movement, and transmitting data wirelessly to a monitor for real-time feedback and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wearable patches with sensors and transmitter circuits are implemented, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable monitoring system is divided into multiple independent functional modules: sensor module for detecting physiological parameters, transmitter circuit module for wireless data transmission, and power module. Each module operates independently but integrates seamlessly with others, allowing real-time monitoring while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable patch is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously monitor multiple physiological parameters (heart rate, temperature, movement) and transmit data wirelessly. This universal approach consolidates multiple monitoring functions into a single device, improving real-time monitoring capability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the patch substrate, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patch substrate is segmented into distinct regions, each housing specific sensor types (temperature sensors, motion sensors, etc.). This spatial segmentation allows each sensor to be positioned and calibrated independently, improving overall measurement capability while simplifying the manufacturing process by breaking down complex integration into manageable sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the patch substrate are optimized for specific sensor types and functions. Each local region has tailored properties (adhesive characteristics, electrical connectivity, mechanical flexibility) suited to the specific sensor it supports, thereby enhancing measurement capability without requiring uniform high precision across the entire substrate.
3Reliability
If the adhesive layer is made water resistant, then reliability during sports activities is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is formulated as a composite material that combines water-resistant properties with skin-adhesive characteristics. This composite approach ensures the patch remains reliably attached during sweaty sports activities while maintaining manufacturability through established composite material processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer's chemical and physical parameters are optimized to achieve water resistance without compromising manufacturability. By adjusting parameters such as cross-linking density, hydrophobic content, and curing conditions, the adhesive attains the necessary water resistance for sports applications while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable patch for sports can include a patch substrate configured to support a plurality of components, and to allow the patch to be attached to a skin of a user engaged in a sporting activity. The patch can further include a sensor implemented at least partially within the patch substrate and configured to sense a condition of the user. The patch can further include a transmitter circuit in communication with the sensor and configured to transmit information representative of the sensed condition to a location external to the wearable patch.