SKIN SENSOR DEVICE

• US 20090137892A1
• Filed: 11/21/2008
• Published: 05/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sentrix Technology Limited
• Original Assignee: Sentrix Technology Limited
• Inventors: Jones, Dianne Clare, Leftly, Steven Andrew
• Application Number:
  US12/275,585
• Publication Number:
  US 20090137892A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/390
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/125 characterised by the manufacture of electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/164 the sensor is mounted in or on a conformable substrate or carrier
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0408 Use-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor (10) for measuring parameters from a skin surface. The sensor comprises a compressible base (3) having an electrode (12) arranged for contact with the skin surface. The compressible base (3) is resiliently deformable and hence can easily match the contours of the skin surface to which it is to make contact with. This improves the wearer'"'"'s comfort and the electrical contact between the electrode and the skin surface.

Claims

1. A sensor for measuring parameters from a skin surface comprising a compressible base having a flexible electrode arranged for contact with the skin surface.

2. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressible base comprises foam.

3. The sensor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the foam comprises EVA, PU or silicone foam.

4. The sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the foam is thermally compressible.

5. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible electrode comprises a soft conductive material.

6. The sensor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flexible electrode comprises a conductive textile.

7. The sensor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flexible electrode comprises a conductive polymer film.

8. The sensor as claimed in to claim 1, wherein the compressible base and/or the flexible electrode comprises conductive foam.

9. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a contact point that is in electrical connection with the flexible electrode.

10. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressible base comprises a raised portion and a flat portion.

11. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein a surface of the sensor that is arranged for contact with the skin surface is provided with a plurality of protrusions.

12. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the sensor is between 5-15 mm.

13. The sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged to measure electrical signals of the skin surface.

14. A monitoring device comprising a strap having the sensor as claimed in claim 1 attached thereto.

15. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 14, wherein two sensors are attached to the strap.

16. The monitoring device as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a wireless transmitter in electrical connection with the or each sensor for wirelessly transmitting signals detected by the or each sensor.

17. A method of manufacturing a sensor for measuring parameters from a skin surface, comprising forming a compressible base with a flexible electrode arranged for contact with the skin surface.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein forming the compressible base comprises thermally pressing a foam material into a mould.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the foam material comprises a sheet of EVA closed-cell foam.