Wireless Sensor Systems for Non-Invasive Vital Signs Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current neonatal and pediatric critical care is hindered by the need for multiple invasive and wired devices for continuous monitoring of vital signs, which obstruct therapeutic skin-to-skin contact and increase the risk of complications, particularly in fragile patients like premature infants.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive apparatus comprising wireless, time-synchronized sensor systems that detect physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, using epidermal electronic systems with flexible interconnects and a microcontroller unit for bidirectional communication, allowing continuous monitoring without the need for invasive catheters or hard-wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple wired devices with invasive catheters are used for continuous monitoring of vital signs, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into multiple independent wireless sensor nodes, each capable of measuring specific physiological parameters (ECG, PPG, respiration, temperature) independently and communicating wirelessly with the central system, eliminating the need for a single complex wired system with multiple catheters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with wireless communication technology. Sensors transmit physiological data via wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols) to the mobile device or central monitoring system, eliminating physical wires and invasive catheter connections while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple wired devices are applied onto the skin for continuous monitoring, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless communication technology replaces the mechanical wired connection system, allowing sensors to transmit data without physical wire connections. This enables patients to move freely, be held by parents for skin-to-skin contact, and maintains continuous monitoring capability without the constraints of wired devices
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are designed with flexible, thin-film structures that can conform to the patient's skin and body contours. This flexibility allows the sensors to remain in continuous contact with the skin for uninterrupted monitoring while not obstructing patient movement or parental holding
3Measurement precision
If invasive techniques such as arterial line are used, then measurement precision of blood pressure is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-invasive optical sensors (photoplethysmography) and other non-invasive measurement techniques to monitor blood pressure and other physiological parameters wirelessly through the skin, completely eliminating the need for invasive arterial line procedures and their associated risks of infection, bleeding, and vascular damage
Solution Approach 2:
Optical intermediaries (light) are used as mediators to measure physiological parameters through the skin without direct contact with blood vessels. The optical sensors detect changes in light absorption and reflection caused by blood flow and vascular dynamics, providing blood pressure information non-invasively
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 continuous, accurate monitoring of vital signs in neonatal and pediatric patients, facilitating therapeutic skin-to-skin contact and reducing complications by providing a flexible, wireless, and non-invasive solution for critical care units.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal related to blood oxygenation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatuses and methods for non-invasively and continuously measuring physiological parameters of a mammal subject. The apparatus includes multiple sensor systems attached to the mammal subject, and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The sensor systems are time-synchronized and communicate with each other wirelessly and bidirectionally. Each of the sensor systems includes at least one sensor configured to detect a vital sign of the mammal subject and generate a corresponding one of the physiological parameters. The MCU is in wireless communication with the plurality of sensor systems. In operation, the MCU receives, from the sensor systems, and displays the physiological parameters of the mammal subject. The apparatus and method can be used in applications such as developing therapeutics or vaccines for a disease, or diagnosing a disease.