Wearable Strain Sensor with Flexible Connector for Respiration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable respiratory monitoring systems cannot simultaneously measure respiration rate and volume effectively due to the stiffness mismatch between soft and hard electronics, leading to unreliable connections and damage, and existing sensors are cumbersome or require constant line of sight access.
Innovation Solution
A wearable strain sensor with a flexible, non-stretchable double-sided adhesive connector that attaches soft electronics to a circuit board, using silver epoxy for heatless electrical connections and encapsulating the strain sensor in silicone to distribute stress, preventing mechanical stress and strain at the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soldering or mechanical connection methods are used to attach soft electronics to hard circuit boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but the stiffness mismatch causes mechanical stress, connection damage, and unreliable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible connector as an intermediary component between the soft sensor and hard circuit board. This connector acts as a mediator that accommodates the stiffness mismatch, distributing mechanical stress away from the delicate electrical connections and preventing connection failure during patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by using a flexible connector with specific elasticity and compliance properties. This allows the connection to dynamically adapt to mechanical stresses, maintaining electrical connectivity while absorbing physical movement stresses that would otherwise damage rigid connections.
2Measurement precision
If RIP systems use two inductive belts around the abdomen and rib cage to measure respiration, then respiration volume can be calculated, but the device becomes bulky and prone to slippage, making it unsuitable for continuous daily monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the respiration monitoring function into separate modular components: a flexible strain sensor for measuring chest wall movement and a separate processing unit. This segmentation allows the sensing element to be small and wearable while the computational functions are handled independently, eliminating the need for bulky inductive belts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inductive belt system with a flexible electronic strain sensor that directly measures deformation. This substitution enables a transition from bulky mechanical measurement devices to compact electronic sensors that can be integrated into wearable form factors without compromising measurement capability.
3Ease of operation
If existing wearable sensors are made small and discrete for unobtrusive monitoring, then ease of wear is improved, but the ability to measure both respiration volume and rate simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flexible strain sensor to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. By strategically placing sensors on the chest and abdomen, the system can extract both respiration rate and volume information from the same wearable device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures respiration parameters in multiple dimensions by placing sensors at different locations (chest and abdomen) and analyzing movement patterns in different orientations. This multi-dimensional approach enables simultaneous extraction of respiration rate and volume from a single wearable system without increasing device bulk.
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 allows for robust and reliable measurement of both respiration rate and volume without damaging the electronic components, maintaining connection integrity through physical movement and providing a discreet, unobtrusive monitoring system.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing mechanism is based on controlled fracturing of the metal thin film to increase resistance with respect to strain
Implementation Method 2
a flexible, but not stretchable, double-sided adhesive surrounding the interface between the stiff and soft material so that the stress/strain is not concentrated on the conductive interface
Implementation Method 3
using silver epoxy for heatless electrical connections
Implementation Method 4
encapsulating the strain sensor in silicone to distribute stress, preventing mechanical stress and strain at the interface
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable strain sensor for measuring respiration volume and respiration rate is described herein. The wearable strain sensor includes a flexible yet not stretchable connector that connects soft electronics to hard electronics. The flexible and non-stretch able connector removes stress/strain from the soft/hard interface, thereby preventing damage to sensor components and maintaining electrical connection.