Wearable Sensor Gas-Permeable Support Structure Sweat Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable physiological sensors face challenges such as high power consumption, skin irritation, and discomfort due to sweat accumulation and motion artifacts, particularly with PPG-based sensors and motion-sensing methods that require direct skin contact.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor apparatus with a gas-permeable support structure and an air space between the contact portion and housing, featuring a flexible, motion-sensing system that decouples motion detection from the housing, reducing skin irritation and power consumption while improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PPG-based sensors are used to measure physiological parameters, then measurement capability is provided, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical PPG sensing with a motion-based sensing system that uses an accelerometer to detect arterial pulse movements. This mechanical sensing approach eliminates the need for power-consuming LED components while maintaining physiological parameter measurement capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If motion-based sensing is used to detect arterial movements, then power consumption is reduced, but skin contact is required which causes discomfort and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous or gas-permeable contact portion in the wearable sensor that allows air circulation and sweat evaporation. This maintains the necessary skin contact for motion-based sensing while reducing skin irritation and discomfort caused by sweat accumulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and skin comfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the motion sensor is fixed in the housing, then structural stability is maintained, but motion artifacts reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into a stable housing containing electronics and a separate contact portion that moves with the skin. The motion sensor is positioned to detect movements at the contact portion while the housing remains stationary, separating the functions of structural stability and motion detection to eliminate motion artifacts and improve measurement accuracy.
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 solution enhances user comfort by allowing sweat evaporation, reduces skin irritation, and improves measurement sensitivity and accuracy, while also minimizing power consumption compared to PPG-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least the contact portion of the support structure is gas-permeable... This breathable support structure reduces discomfort. An air space between the contact portion and the housing allows water vapor to escape
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable physiological sensor has a housing and a gas-permeable support structure carried by the housing, which contacts the skin of the subject. An air space is provided between the support structure and the housing. Movement of the support structure relative to the housing is sensed. This provides a sensor which is comfortable for the subject and provides good sensitivity in that motion being detected (e.g. an arterial pulse) only needs to impart kinetic energy to the support structure, with a relatively low inertia.