Wearable Tissue Interface for Reusable Sensor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological sensors are difficult to reattach at a previous location, can cause pain or injury during removal, and require wired connections for power and signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating engagement features on garments and sensor modules that allow for secure, reusable attachment and decoupling, using induction coils for wireless charging, and membranes with adhesive solvents for pain-free removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to affix sensor to patient, then sensor can be securely attached, but patient experiences pain or injury during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two separate components: a reusable garment with engagement features and a disposable sensor module with complementary features. This segmentation allows the sensor to be securely attached during use but easily removed without adhesive, eliminating patient injury while maintaining attachment strength during the monitoring period.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful adhesive component is extracted from the sensor assembly and replaced with a mechanical engagement feature system. The engagement features (snaps, magnets, hooks, or Velcro) provide secure attachment during use but allow pain-free removal, taking out the source of patient injury while maintaining the necessary attachment function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor is made reusable with engagement features, then sensor can be reattached at previous location, but sensor cannot be permanently fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent adhesive bond to a dynamic mechanical engagement system. The engagement features allow the sensor to be easily attached and detached multiple times while maintaining secure connection during use, providing both reusability and stability during each monitoring session through reversible mechanical coupling.
3Power
If wired connection is used for power and signal, then sensor can be powered and transmit data, but sensor requires constant physical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wired connection system is replaced with wireless communication technology. The sensor module incorporates wireless transmitters to send data and wireless receivers to accept commands, eliminating the need for physical wired connections while maintaining power and data transmission capabilities, thereby reducing device complexity and improving patient comfort.
4Ease of operation
If sensor module is made disposable, then sensor can be easily removed and replaced, but sensor cannot be maintained or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into disposable sensor modules and reusable garment components. The disposable sensor modules are designed for single-use with easy attachment and removal via engagement features, while the reusable garment with engagement features can be maintained and reused, allowing the system to provide both ease of operation and maintenance capability through strategic segmentation of components.
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
Enables accurate, reusable sensor placement without causing patient discomfort and eliminates the need for wired connections, improving data collection and sensor maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module can include an induction coil such that the sensor module can be charged without a wired connection
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a garment and a sensor module. The garment includes an engagement feature. The garment is configured to encompass a first location on a body. The engagement feature is positioned in fixed alignment with the garment. The sensor module includes a sensor housing and includes a sensor having an electrical node. The sensor is configured to provide an electrical output on the node. The housing has a complementary feature. The complementary feature is configured to couple and decouple with the engagement feature. The electrical output is based on a measure of a physiological parameter associated with the body and is based on site information corresponding to the engagement feature.