Sensor-Enabled Wound Dressing with Secure Clock-Based Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical treatments often lack real-time data monitoring, relying on visual inspections instead of quantitative sensor data, which limits the effectiveness of therapies such as wound treatment and orthopedic care, and there is a need for improved sensor monitoring systems that can be integrated into existing treatment regimes.
Innovation Solution
A wound monitoring and therapy apparatus featuring a sensor-enabled wound dressing with a flexible contact layer and a controller that maintains a non-real time clock for secure data transmission to a remote computing device, allowing for continuous data collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection by caregiver is used for wound monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and information quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor-based monitoring systems. Sensors embedded in the wound dressing collect quantitative data on wound conditions (moisture, temperature, pH, etc.), substituting the mechanical/visual inspection process with electronic measurement systems that provide continuous, objective monitoring without requiring caregiver presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The wound monitoring system enables self-service monitoring where the wound dressing autonomously collects and transmits data without requiring active caregiver intervention. The system automatically monitors wound parameters, stores data locally, and can transmit information remotely, allowing the wound care process to monitor itself continuously while reducing dependency on manual inspection.
2Measurement precision
If sensor data collection is implemented in wound dressings, then measurement precision and treatment effectiveness improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wound dressing structure with sensor components into an integrated system. The sensors are embedded within or attached to the dressing layers, combining the therapeutic function of the dressing with the monitoring function of the sensors. This integration reduces the need for separate monitoring devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wound dressing is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a therapeutic agent (providing wound care through its material properties) and as a monitoring device (collecting physiological data). This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the number of separate devices needed and managing complexity through functional integration.
3Loss of information
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then information availability and treatment responsiveness improve, but data security risks and system vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by encrypting data both at rest (stored in the controller's memory) and in transit (transmitted to remote devices). Encryption keys are managed securely, and the system is designed to prevent unauthorized access before security breaches can occur. This proactive approach to security mitigates cyber threats while enabling continuous data transmission and access.
4Productivity
If continuous sensor monitoring is implemented, then productivity and treatment effectiveness improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of wound parameters rather than truly continuous monitoring. The controller measures wound conditions at predetermined time intervals or when specific events occur (such as dressing changes or threshold exceedances). This periodic approach maintains adequate monitoring efficiency while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted continuous measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a wound monitoring and/or therapy apparatus includes a wound dressing configured to be positioned in contact with a wound, the wound dressing comprising one or more sensors configured to obtain measurement data of at least one of the wound or periwound. The apparatus can also include a controller configured to maintain a device clock indicative of a non-real time clock, receive measurement data obtained by the one or more sensors, and transmit measurement data to a remote computing device according to a security protocol, the security protocol comprising including the device clock associated with the measurement data) in the transmission.