Bandage type sensor arrangement and carrier assembly therefore, and method of manufacture

• US 20090090193A1
• Filed: 10/04/2007
• Published: 04/09/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medility, LLC
• Original Assignee: Medility, LLC
• Inventors: Cochran, William T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,703,334 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/855
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/02 Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/24 using change in magnetic properties
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/245 Housings for sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/30 Supports specially adapted for an instrument; Supports specially adapted for a set of instruments

Abstract

A bandage type sensor arrangement wherein the sensor includes two parts movable with respect to each other, a carrier assembly is connected to the sensor parts for maintaining the sensor parts in place prior to use, and that is readily detachable for releasing the sensor parts while providing a connection of the sensor parts to a surface to be monitored. A cover is included as part of the carrier assembly to protect the operation of the sensor.

Claims

1. A bandage type sensor for application to a flexible substrate for monitoring deformation of the substrate comprising

a sensor having at least two movable parts relative to each other to provide indications of displacements there between;

a carrier assembly comprising a thin flexible material including at least first and second pads having a readily detachable connection to the substrate, each pad being adapted to receive an adhesive for attachment of the pads to separate sensor parts, and

a cover extending over the sensor and portions of the carrier assembly, and secured to parts of the carrier assembly.

2. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of the carrier assembly is detachable from the rest of the carrier assembly and the pads along tear lines.

3. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 2 wherein the sensor is captured in place until the portion of the carrier assembly is detached to activate the sensor.

4. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 1 wherein the cover includes an adhesive for attaching to portions of the carrier assembly excluding the pads, and that portions of the carrier assembly include an adhesive for connection of the bandage type sensor to the substrate to be monitored

5. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 4 wherein the cover includes first and second flexible ends and an arch extending over the sensor.

6. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 5 including a stiffened portion in the arch.

7. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 2 wherein the carrier assembly is formed with the at least first and second openings adjacent the pads.

8. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 7 wherein the carrier assembly includes fold lines positioned adjacent the first opening and extending from the first opening to separate edges of the carrier assembly.

9. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 7 wherein the carrier assembly includes a third opening formed adjacent the second pad extending away from the second opening.

10. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 9 including tear lines extending from the third opening to the edge of the carrier assembly.

11. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 4 wherein the carrier assembly includes flanges on one end thereof and adjacent to one pad and includes tear lines for detaching the flanges from the rest of the carrier assembly.

12. A bandage type sensor as defined in claim 11 wherein the carrier assembly includes first and second wings extending from the carrier assembly adjacent to the other pad and including tear lines for detaching the wings from the carrier assembly and wherein the wings are significantly smaller than the flanges.

13. A carrier assembly for a sensor having at least two parts movable with respect to each other, the carrier assembly comprising:

a thin flexible material, and;

at least first and second pads connected to the carrier assembly by a readily detachable structure, each pad being adapted to receive an adhesive for attachment of the pads to separate sensor parts, wherein the arrangement provides a detachable structure for capturing the sensor parts in position prior to use and is detachable from the sensor.

14. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 13 wherein a portion of the carrier assembly is detachable from the pads along tear lines.

15. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 14 is formed with the at least first and second openings adjacent the pads.

16. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 15 including fold lines positioned adjacent the first opening and extending from the first opening to the edges of the carrier assembly.

17. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 15 including a third opening formed adjacent the second pad extending away from the second opening.

18. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 17 including tear lines extending from the third opening to the edges of the carrier assembly.

19. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 16 wherein the carrier assembly includes flanges on one end thereof and adjacent to one pad and including tear lines for detaching the flanges from the rest of the carrier body.

20. A sensor carrier assembly as defined in claim 19 wherein the carrier assembly includes first and second wings extending in separate directions from the carrier assembly adjacent to one pad and including tear lines for detaching the wings from the carrier assembly, and wherein the wings are significantly smaller than the flanges.

21. A method of manufacturing sensor appliances that are readily attachable to a substrate for monitoring the movements of the substrate, the method comprising:

forming a carrier assembly having at least two pads that are readily detachable from the rest of the carrier assembly, and securing a sensor having at least two movable parts to separate pads.

22. A method as defined in claim 21 including the steps of extending a cover across the carrier assembly transverse to the direction of movement of the sensor parts and secured to parts of the carrier assembly, and forming an arch in the cover over a portion that crosses the sensor so as not to engage the sensor.

23. A method as defined in claim 22 including the step of applying a stiffening agent to center of the cover arch.

24. A method as defined in claim 22 including the steps of providing extensions that are readily detachable from the rest of the carrier assembly, opposite one pad, and providing second extensions that are readily detachable from the rest of the carrier assembly, opposite the other pad, and securing the flanges to the cover.

25. A method as defined in claim 24 including the step of providing an adhesive on the sides of the extensions extending away from the cover.