Sensor device with flexible joints

• US 9,615,790 B2
• Filed: 07/14/2011
• Issued: 04/11/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Verathon Incorporated (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Verathon Incorporated (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Caprio, Matthew, Beasley, Vanessa, McMorrow, Gerald J., Clay, Andrew, Ladwig, Jeffrey William
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cardinal, Erin M
• Application Number:
  US13/183,262
• Publication Number:
  US 20130018251A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,098 Days
• Field of Search: 600382, 600389, 600391-393, 600509
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/04 Arrangements of multiple sensors of the same type
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/259 using conductive adhesive means, e.g. gels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6805 Vests
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6823 Trunk, e.g., chest, back, abdomen, hip
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49128 Assembling formed circuit to base

Abstract

A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body includes a flexible dielectric substrate, a plurality of sensors (electrodes) distributed on the substrate for sensing the bioelectric data, and an electrically conductive network distributed on the substrate connecting the sensors to a terminal portion of the substrate. Integrated flexible joints permit a certain amount of elasticity in and allow relative movement between at least two of the sensors when the sensor device is placed onto the human body.

Claims

1. A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body, the sensor device comprising:

a central portion of the sensor device having;

a flexible, dielectric substrate having a substrate surface sized to substantially overlay a thoracic region of the human body, the substrate divisible into a plurality of electrode sections arranged laterally in at least three or more rows,

at least two central portion sensors located within each electrode section, the central portion sensors operable for sensing the bioelectric data,

a terminal portion arranged on the substrate,

a flexible, electrically conductive network arranged on the substrate, the network configured to provide electrical communication between the central portion sensors and the terminal portion of the substrate, and

a plurality of central portion flexible joints connecting adjacent rows of the electrode sections, the plurality of central portion flexible joints integrated with and formed in-plane with the substrate, the central portion flexible joints configured to provide expansion or contraction of the substrate coincident with the substrate surface while further permitting a desired amount of relative motion in a first direction between the central portion sensors when placing the substrate onto the human body; and

an extension portion, distinct from the central portion and extending from the central portion, the extension portion having an extension portion flexible joint indirectly coupled to the central portion flexible joints, an extension portion sensor, and a conductive trace, wherein the extension portion sensor is locatable on or near a limb of the human body, wherein the extension portion flexible joint enables adjustment of the position of the extension portion sensor relative to the central portion in a second direction disposed at an angle with respect to the first direction, and wherein the conductive trace electronically couples the extension portion to the central portion.

2. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the substrate is biased relative to a second portion of the substrate by operation of one or more of the plurality of central portion flexible joints.

3. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes an anterior portion for contacting a front surface of the human body.

4. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes posterior portion for contacting a back surface of the human body.

5. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of central portion flexible joints includes a spring.

6. A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body, the sensor device comprising:

a flexible, dielectric substrate including an anterior portion for contacting a front surface of the human body and a posterior portion for contacting a back surface of the human body;

a plurality of sensors arranged on the substrate for sensing the bioelectric data;

a terminal portion arranged on the substrate;

a flexible, electrically conductive network arranged on the substrate, the network configured to provide electrical communication between the sensors and the terminal portion of the substrate; and

a flexible joint integrated with the substrate, the flexible joint configured to permit a desired amount of relative motion in first and second directions among at least three of the plurality of sensors when placing the substrate onto the human body, the second direction being disposed at an angle with respect to the first direction.

7. A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body, the sensor device comprising:

a central portion of the sensor device having;

a flexible, dielectric substrate having a substrate surface sized to substantially overlay a thoracic region of the human body, the substrate divisible into a plurality of electrode sections,

at least one central portion sensor located within each electrode section, the central portion sensors operable for sensing the bioelectric data,

a terminal portion arranged on the substrate,

a flexible, electrically conductive network arranged on the substrate, the network configured to provide electrical communication between the central portion sensors and the terminal portion of the substrate, and

a plurality of central portion flexible joints connecting adjacent rows of the electrode sections, the plurality of central portion flexible joints integrated with and formed in-plane with the substrate, the central portion flexible joints configured to provide expansion or contraction of the substrate coincident with the substrate surface while further permitting a desired amount of relative motion in a first direction between the central portion sensors when placing the substrate onto the human body; and

an extension portion, distinct from the central portion and extending from the central portion, the extension portion having an extension portion flexible joint indirectly coupled to the central portion flexible joints, an extension portion sensor, and a conductive trace, wherein the extension portion sensor is locatable on or near a limb of the human body, wherein the extension portion flexible joint enables adjustment of the position of the extension portion sensor relative to the central portion in a second direction different from the first direction, and wherein the conductive trace electronically couples the extension portion to the central portion.