Wearable Sensor Microprobe Array with Trigger Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable sensing devices with long insertion needles are intimidating and cause discomfort, while shorter needles reduce probe efficacy and reliability, and existing solutions do not effectively address the balance between needle length and sensing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wearable sensing device with a modular design featuring shorter microprobes and a trigger mechanism that ensures proper attachment and power conservation, using an array of microprobes with varying heights and a trigger electrode to enhance retention and sensing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If long insertion needles are used, then probe efficacy and reliability are improved, but user comfort and acceptance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe efficacyVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the needle array into multiple groups with different lengths (first group with longer needles, second group with shorter needles). This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: longer needles ensure reliable fluid access while shorter needles reduce user discomfort and intimidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the needle array have different needle lengths tailored to their specific functions. The first group of needles has longer length optimized for probe efficacy, while the second group has shorter length optimized for user comfort. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between reliability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shorter needles are used, then user comfort is improved, but probe efficacy and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser discomfortVSAvoidprobe efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The needle array is segmented into multiple groups with different lengths. The second group with shorter needles provides user comfort, while the first group with longer needles ensures probe efficacy. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions have different needle lengths: shorter needles in the second group for comfort, longer needles in the first group for efficacy. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its primary function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If an array of microprobes is used, then sensing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprobe array is segmented into multiple groups with different needle lengths and potentially different functions. This segmentation allows the device to maintain high sensing efficiency through multiple probes while organizing complexity in a manageable, structured way with clear functional divisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If modular design is used, then component replacement ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacement easeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs modular design where the needle array and electronic components can be replaced as separate units. This segmentation improves ease of repair and maintenance while the modular architecture actually reduces overall system complexity by standardizing replaceable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The device provides improved comfort and reliability by ensuring proper probe retention and efficient sensing, while the modular design allows for economical replacement of worn-out components, extending the operational duration.

Implementation Method 1

a first group of microprobes respectively comprising a first array of piercers arranged to project from a first surface of the carrier and configured to penetrate a skin of a user upon attachment of the wearable sensing device to the skin of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical penetration: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a fourth group of microprobes respectively comprising a second array of piercers arranged to project from a second surface of the carrier and configured to detect an attachment status of the wearable sensing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3841963B1Wearable sensing device

Publication Date: 2023.05.24 RICHHEALTH TECH CORP

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AI summary

A wearable sensing device is disclosed. The wearable sensing device includes a plurality of electrodes (A202R, A202W, A202C). A corresponding group of microprobes (A202) associated to each of the plurality of electrodes is provided. Another group of microprobe (A204) associated with a trigger circuit is provided and configured to determine attachment of the wearable sensing device to the user.