Wrist-Worn ECG Monitoring via Electrode Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous ECG monitoring technologies are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and limited in their ability to provide long-term, high-quality data due to the use of sticky electrodes, bulky devices, and the need for manual intervention, leading to incomplete diagnosis of cardiac anomalies and increased morbidity and mortality.
Innovation Solution
A pair of ergonomically designed wireless smart bands worn on both wrists with dry reusable electrodes and integrated biopotential measurement hardware and software, enabling seamless wireless communication and high-fidelity ECG data acquisition without the need for physical leads or manual intervention, utilizing multiple electrodes and digital switching to optimize signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sticky gel electrodes and leads are used for continuous ECG monitoring, then ECG data can be recorded, but the device becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the leads and external Holter unit from the system, extracting only the essential ECG recording function into a compact wearable device. The leads connecting electrodes to the recording unit are eliminated, and the external Holter box is replaced with integrated circuitry within the wearable itself, thereby reducing bulk and improving comfort while maintaining ECG recording capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (electrodes, amplification circuitry, data storage, and processing units) into a single integrated wearable device. This merging eliminates the need for external leads and separate Holter units, creating a compact form factor that improves wearer comfort while preserving full ECG monitoring functionality
2Volume of moving object
If a leadless adhesive chest strip is used, then the device becomes more compact, but it remains bulky and uncomfortable due to sticky electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable dry electrodes that are pre-attached to the wearable device and discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for reusable sticky gel electrodes that require cleaning and maintenance, while the disposable nature allows for easy replacement and ensures consistent performance without the bulk of reusable components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from gel-based sticky electrodes to dry electrodes, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the electrode material. This parameter change eliminates the need for adhesive gels, reducing the bulk and discomfort associated with traditional sticky electrodes while maintaining effective electrical contact for ECG signal acquisition
3Duration of action of stationary object
If ECG chest belts are worn tightly around the chest, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the wearer experiences difficulty and uneasiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the ECG monitoring device from the chest dimension to the wrist dimension. By placing dry electrodes on the wrist, the device achieves continuous monitoring capability without requiring tight chest compression, thereby eliminating the discomfort and restriction associated with traditional chest belts while maintaining prolonged monitoring duration
4Measurement precision
If smartwatch ECG monitoring requires manual hand contact, then ECG data can be acquired, but only on-demand for 30 seconds rather than continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the wearable device automatically initiates and completes ECG measurements without requiring manual user intervention. The device autonomously activates the electrodes, performs the measurement sequence, and processes the data, enabling continuous monitoring rather than requiring repeated manual 30-second measurements by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomically designed wireless wearable smart band pair for continuous ECG monitoring is disclosed. The pair comprises primary and secondary smart bands with integrated electrodes that are provided with switches for enabling desired electrodes during data acquisition. When the smart bands are worn around the two limbs, electrodes contact the skin. The primary smart band sets all possible states of the electrode switches and acquires biopotential data from the first wrist while the secondary smart band simultaneously acquires biopotential data from the second wrist and sends it wirelessly to the primary smart band. The primary smart band processes biopotential data via digital and analog signal conditioning and fuses information to acquire high-fidelity ECG data as per Einthoven's law without need for completing a circuit via leads and/or holding auxiliary electrodes. The primary smart band analyzes ECG data in real-time, generates pertinent alarms, stores data locally, and wirelessly transmits information to external devices.