NL1043384B1 - Activator for electronic circuit - Google Patents
Activator for electronic circuit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL1043384B1 NL1043384B1 NL1043384A NL1043384A NL1043384B1 NL 1043384 B1 NL1043384 B1 NL 1043384B1 NL 1043384 A NL1043384 A NL 1043384A NL 1043384 A NL1043384 A NL 1043384A NL 1043384 B1 NL1043384 B1 NL 1043384B1
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- contact areas
- patch
- electronic circuit
- electrically
- electrically conductive
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 title description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000002567 electromyography Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 57
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001651 Cyanoacrylate Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- MWCLLHOVUTZFKS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl cyanoacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(=C)C#N MWCLLHOVUTZFKS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004826 Synthetic adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003364 biologic glue Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002618 waking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013528 metallic particle Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 238000010292 electrical insulation Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000011505 plaster Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000002565 electrocardiography Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
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- 230000000747 cardiac effect Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000003071 polychlorinated biphenyls Chemical class 0.000 description 2
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- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002730 additional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 206010003119 arrhythmia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000000748 cardiovascular system Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000021615 conjugation Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/683—Means for maintaining contact with the body
- A61B5/6832—Means for maintaining contact with the body using adhesives
- A61B5/6833—Adhesive patches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
- A61B5/251—Means for maintaining electrode contact with the body
- A61B5/257—Means for maintaining electrode contact with the body using adhesive means, e.g. adhesive pads or tapes
- A61B5/259—Means for maintaining electrode contact with the body using adhesive means, e.g. adhesive pads or tapes using conductive adhesive means, e.g. gels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/02—Adhesive bandages or dressings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
- A61K9/70—Web, sheet or filament bases ; Films; Fibres of the matrix type containing drug
- A61K9/7023—Transdermal patches and similar drug-containing composite devices, e.g. cataplasms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
- G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
- G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
- G06K19/07749—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
- G06K19/07798—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card part of the antenna or the integrated circuit being adapted for rupturing or breaking, e.g. record carriers functioning as sealing devices for detecting not-authenticated opening of containers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
- A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
- A61B2560/0406—Constructional details of apparatus specially shaped apparatus housings
- A61B2560/0412—Low-profile patch shaped housings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F2013/00361—Plasters
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Dermatology (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A device for reversibly activating an electronic circuit comprising a power source, contact areas for making an electrical connection with the electronic circuit and to each other. Contacts of the contact areas have a default position in which the contact areas are separated by an electrical insulation means, or a default position in which the contact areas are electrically connected. The contact areas are comprised in a flexible electrically conductive Iayer of flexible substrates, and the contact areas are arranged for being electrically connected to each other or for being electrically separated by an electrical insulation means. The electronic circuit is preferably arranged for conducting electrical current from the power source through the contact areas when the contact areas are electrically connected. The device may be used in a piaster to be adhered to a person's skin. The piaster may be equipped with an ECG sensor or an Electromyography sensor. 1043384
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates lo devices and methods for making and breaking a connection in an electric circuit, More particular the invention relates to electrical connections in medical devices,
BACKGROUND Allowing a user of an electrical device, such as a medical device which can be worn on the user's body, io switch the device on or off, or in general, making or breaking electrical connections in such a device, is a useful and often necessary feature of such a device. The user of the device, or a physician who helps the user with applying the 158 device on the user, may need to have contro! when the power is turned on or off. This is especially useful in wearable devices which are battery operated. By turning the device only on when in use, energy is saved, and the battery power supply may be extended, In some cases, a one-time tuning on of a device is sufficient and there may be no need for turning the device off. For example, a digital watch may comprise a small electrically insulating foll which is positioned between the watch'’s pre-installed battery and the electronic circuit. By removing the foil, the battery contacts are connected to the electronic circuit of the watch and the slectrical current can be provided by the batlery. Some other devices are designed {fo stay on for a predetermined amount of time, after being switched on, and a buill-n battery may be configured to provide just sufficient power for the duration of the on-time use, A typical example comprises a medical device which needs to be wom by a patient for a certain amount of time. The device may for example comprise a sensor for gathering bio data, such as electrocardiography (ECG) data. As the device is intended for measuring these data continuously, no offswitch is required, or at least the user is not supposed to tum the device off at any time.
Typical current switches comprise mechanical, electronic or siectro-mechanical switches, such as a single or double pole throw switch, a push bution switch, a {toggle switch, a mit switch, a float “switch, magnetically induced switches, relays and fransistors. These switches are typically used for interaction between the user and the device. The swilches may be used for turning on or off of power, but also for triggering of a state, such as sleep of wake mode. Since the electronic devices became smaller, the switches needed to become smaller as well. The limits for the size of a switch which is arranged for being manually operated are mainly defined by the ability for a user to operate the switch. Therefore, bution switches, for example, are available al very small size, such as dip switches and micro switches, but from a user's point of view, these switches are often too small to operate in a convenient and reliable manner. For a user, the on or off slate of such a small swilch is very difficull to distinguish. To remedy this, manufacturers of electronic circuits often add a light or other kind of indicator to indicate that a switch is in a certain state.
A further trend in electronics comprises integration and large-scale integration of electronic components {such as transistors) in electronic circuits and integrated circuits, typically integrated on a printed circuit board (PCB).
PCBs used to be quite rigid, but currently also flexible PCBs are available, such as a flexible foil with integrated electronics. Conductive traces are printed using jet or screen-printing techniques and components can be added directly onto the foil, Disadvantages of the current art solutions comprise that traditional switches are relatively large, or at least add considerable thickness to a printed circuit, or have become too small to be easily and intuitively operated by a user. Especially for applications such as medical devices which are incorporated in a patch or a sticker, the requirement is often that they need to be as flat as possible, in order to be the least possible intrusive for the patent wearing the device. Typical current solutions, such as the foil of a battery watch as described above, do not provide a watertight solution and are therefore also not suitable for many medical applications. Alternative switches, such as magnetically induced swiches have the disadvantage that they can be triggered unintentionally by any magnetic field, which is even more undesirable in a medical device.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION it is an object of the present invention to provide a convenient, reliable and intuitively operable switch which adds as little thickness to an electronic circuit as possible. A further object is fo provide such a switch for use in a baltery-operated wearable device, such as a medical device i.e. a medical patch or plaster, and which increases the efficient use of the battery power. The object is realized by the following clauses.
1. A device for activating an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit comprising a power source, two or more contact areas arranged for making an electrical connection with the electronic circuit and to each other, whereby a first and a second contact of the two or more contact areas have a default position in which the contact areas are separated by an slectrical insulation means, or a default position in which the contact areas are electrically connected, respectively, characterized in that, the first and second contact areas are comprised in a flexible electrically conductive layer on a first and second flexible substrate respectively, and the contact areas are arranged for being electrically connected lo each other or for being slectrically separated by an electrical insulation means.
2. The device according to clause 1, characterized in that the electronic circuit is | arranged for conducting electrical current from the power source through the contact areas when the contact areas are electrically connected.
3. The device according fo any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the electronic circuit is arranged for detecting that the contact areas are electrically connected or -separated, and subsequently activating a functionality of the electronic circuit.
4. The device according fo any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the functionality comprises any one of the group comprising: ~ turning power on or off; - starting or stopping a sensor reading of a sensor of the device; ~ waking up or putting in sleep mode of the device.
5. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the insulating means comprises an electrically insulating foil.
6. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the insulating means comprises a gap between the contact areas.
7. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the contact areas are electrically connected or -separated by removing or inserting the electrically insulating means, respectively.
8. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that, the contact areas are arranged for being electrically connected, or -separated by exerting a force on the contact areas a direction towards each other, or away from each other respectively.
8. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the contact areas are connected or separated respectively by an elsclrically conductive- or an electrically insulating adhesive layer respectively.
10. The device according to clause 9, characterized in that the adhesive layer is arranged for making a substantially continuous physical connection between the first and second contact,
11. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the contact areas are connected by an insulating adhesive layer which is arranged for becoming electrically conductive by exerling pressure on the adhesive layer.
12. The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the glectrically conductive adhesive layer comprises an electrically conductive adhesive material or a combination of an adhesive material and an electrically conductive material.
13. The device according fo clause 12, characterized in that the electrically conductive material comprises any one of the group comprising: - metal particles; ~ carbon particles, such as graphite particles.
14. The device according fo any one of the clauses 12 or 13, characterized in that the adhesive material comprises any one of the group comprising: - a pressure sensitive adhesive; - a synthetic adhesive, such as an acrylic or cyanoacrylate; ~ silicone; - polyurethane; - & biological adhesive.
15, The device according to any one of {he clauses, characterized in that the device is used in a plaster arranged for being adhered fo a person's skin, said plaster comprising a sensor of the group comprising: ~~ ECG sensor - Electromyography sensor.
The present invention is best described as an improved membrane switch, which is integrated in an electronic circuit and preferably in a printed electronic circuit, such as a printed circuit board, By using this integrated switch, sufficient flexibility is provided, A flexible circuit is, for example, desirable when an electronic circuit needs to be bent 5 to follow body contours, such as in medical devices. By implementing the integrated switch according to the present invention, a regular, often relatively thick and large switch, which is usually configured as an add-on part, may be omitled.
in particular the invention proposes that conductive traces are printed on a polymer layer and that components may be fixed by means of conductive glue.
Optionally a PCB is glued onto a circuit. The invention allows the circuit to be switched on or off. In one embodiment the system may also be switched from a sleep mode into a wake mode, For example, in a system with an intemal clock, there is always a voltage running on the system, but modem systems allow to be set in a sleep mode, which has just a very low power consumption.
One particular application of the invention comprises a patch that is glued to a person's skin, The glue is protected by a foil, in a similar manner as a plaster which reguires that a protective foil must first be stripped off before the plaster can be applied to the skin. In this embodiment, the foil is conductive. The patch, in a way can detect that the foil i» present by detecting conduction. As long as there is conduction at the predetermined or detected level, the system stays in sleep mode. Once the foil ís removed, it is the trigger to wake up. The alternative Is to build up the plaster from multiple layers using a separating layer to make the foil so that the stretching of the foil causes a connection fo be broken. Preferably the conductive foil is less flexible than the substrate, therefor if breaks before the substrate is damaged. This way mechanical stretching will cause the substrate to stretch, while the conductive structure is ruptured. The rupture will in this way cause the trigger. Currently there are also pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) available, which are electrically conductive when pressure is applied. This PSA is may be used to connect multiple layers with selective conductivity. Alternatively, a patch is provided with a thin metal conductor that may be broken, and when it is broken stops being electrically conductive.
By applying the proposed measures, an active patch (or a so called "smart patch”) is created, which requires very little or no additional action by a user in order to activate an electrical system, such as a sensor device. The user does not need to remove strips from batteries, or place batteries. The combination of patch and protective foil whereby breaking a contact by breaking the foil is in this way an easy and effective solution. lt should be noted that an electronic circuit may also be configured to initiate a contact and close a circuit when electrical conductivity of the smart patch is interrupted by separating the foil from the patch, or by breaking the foil.
There are some example embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail below.
in a first embodiment two flexible circuits containing conductors, for example arranged as strokes or traces, are kept separate by means of a foil. Once the foil is removed, the two conductors are connected to each other and an electrical circuit is closed.
in a second embodiment two flexible circuits containing electrical conduciors are connected by means of placing a conductive sticker in such a manner that the two conductors are electrically connected and held together. When the foil is pulled away the connection is lost | In a third embodiment two adjacent flexible substrates A and B contain a conductive layer, and A and B are by default slectrically connected by the conductive layer. The two substrales are bonded being glued together or by a foil with a weak area W. A and B may be pulled apart which results in a loss of the electrical connection between A and B. A strip, functioning as a streich protector 8 is applied to keep A and B together after A and B have been pulled apart.
Another example is provided in the following. A flexible substrate SA may be provided with an slectrically conductive layer LA, and a flexible substrate SB may be provided with electrically conductive layer LB. Layers LA and LB are brought together to create an electrical connection. The layers are held together by an adhesive, which may be arranged for providing a permanent or semi-permanent bond, When using an adhesive which provides a semi-permanent bond, the bond will only be broken when Jayers LA and LB are torn apart with a cerlain force.
When the two layers LA, LB are separated the electrical connection is lost, which may be identified by the electrical circuit as a trigger and in fact this will act as an electrical switch. An example application comprises a sticker/patch with a transport layer in which case the semi-permanent adhesive layer may be a medical grade/skin-friendly adhesive.
In particular, the invention is useful for so-called Holter patches, In medicine, a Holter monitor {often simply Holter) is a type of ambulatory slectrocardiography device, a portable device for cardiac monitoring {the monitoring of the electrical activity of the cardiovascular system) for at least 24 to 48 hours (often for two weeks at a time).
The Holter's most common use is for monitoring ECG heart activity {slectrocardiography or ECG). iis extended recording period is sometimes useful for observing occasional cardiac arrhythmias which would be difficult to identify in a shorter period. For patients having more transient symptoms, a cardiac event monitor which can be worn for a month or more can be used. A further development comprises a Holter patch which incorporates the ECG monitor sensor and circuitry in a convenient relatively flat device which can be worn by a patient as a plaster or patch. The invention is especially useful for the application of a Holter patch, because there is no need for a physical switch. Instead, a switch mode power supply, preferably based on a MOSFET, is proposed to function as the main power switch. The main advantage of a MOSFET is that # requires almost no input current to control the load current, when compared with bipolar transistors. In practice this means that the Molier patch is kept in storage in sleep mode with very little to none power consumption, The patch itself is covered by an electrically conductive adhesive foil and as soon as the foil is removed the main swilch is triggered, because the change in conductivity acts as a trigger for the MOSFET. Subsequently the electronic cireuilry of the patch changes into wake mode, The same, or a similar feature may be used to detect if the patch itself is removed. Alternatively, the patch may be covered by a non-conducting foil. In this case, the patch comprises two electrodes set apart at a distance and covered by the foil. The electrodes are exposed as soon as the foil is removed. When the palch is subsequently adhered to the patient's ski, the electrodes make contact to the skin and are electrically connected by the natural skin conductance. This connection triggers a (MOSFET based) circuitry that brings the palch in wake mode. in another embodiment, instead of using two electrodes integrated in the patch, the electrically conductive patch, after removal of a non-conductive covering foil, acts as one electrode, whereas another electrode which may be used to adhere fo the patient's skin at another location of the skin, may be used as a second electrode. Subsequently an electrical connection between the patch and the skin electrode is established, which serves as a trigger for the (MOSFET based) circuit to bring the patch in wake mode.
instead of using a change in electrics! conductance bebween the electrodes, and/or between a combination of patch and electrode as a trigger to bring the patch in wake mode, this change in electrical conductance be used as a trigger to bring the patch in sleep mode, The circuitry may also be configured to change from one mode to another mode whenever a threshold in changing of electrical conductivity is detected. This is in particular useful in the following scenario. A patch, being in slesp mode by default, is adhered {o the patient's skin, First, the patch is automatically switched in wake mode, because of a detected change In conductivity in the manner as described above, This requires no additional manipulation of the patient or of a physician adhering the patch, One does not need to worry about switching on the patch in the right manner and thers is no risk of forgetting to switch the patch on. Subsequently, the patch starts its activity, like ECG monitoring. This activity may continue for a short time, a couple of days, or even weeks or months, When the monitoring period is to be ended, the patch is removed from the patient's skin, Subsequently a change in conductivity is detected in the manner described above. This triggers the patch to switch to sleep made. There is no need for a physician or the patient for an additional manipulation to switch off the patch, In this way, battery consumption is saved in a convenient and effective manner.
When the patch is adhered again to the patient's skin, the patch is swilched automatically in wake mode etc, until the battery is depleted. Optionally a battery power measuring circuit may be integrated in the patch, which will wam the user by Tor example a LED that the baftery power is toc low, or will soon be running out. The circuitry of the patch may also switch to a battery save mode, comprising for example that the patch is put in an allernating sleep-wake mode cycle. When the patch is in a sleep mode and the patch is removed, the sleep mode will be maintained and the alternating sleep-wake mods cycle will be terminated, until a significant change in conductance is detected again, indicating that the patch is again adhered to the patient's skin, Removal of the patch may for example be done for changing of the battery. When the patch detects that there is again sufficient battery power, the alternating sleep-wake mode cycle may be changed in a continuous wake mode until once again a significant change {or absence) in conductance is detected, which will trigger the sleep mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a cross-section of a patch. FIGURE 2a shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment in a first situation. FIGURE 2b shows a cross-section a second situation of the patch of figure 2a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures. To facilitate easy interpretation of the figures, hereafier a list of references as used in the figures is included. 101ab patch support layer 102 patch electronics housing 103 electrical circuit including {preferably MOSFET) switch circuit 104 power supply (battery) 105 stretch protector 1114 first electrically conductive- and adhesive layer 111b second electrically conductive- and adhesive layer 112 protective top-layer ' 113a,b protective shest 114a,b electrically non-conductive- and adhesive layer for adhering plaster, Le. to skin 115 contact area between conductive layers 1114,b 116 insulating gap between conductive layers 1114,b 121 electrical connection between electrically conductive layer 111a and switch circuit 103 122 electrical connection between electrically conductive layer 111b and switch | circuit 103.
iQ FIGURE 1 shows a cross-section of a patch 100 in accordance with the invention, wherein the patch support layer 101a.b (also called carrier) is the basic material of patch 100. The material of patch support layer 101a.b is preferably a foam, or several layers of foam, but may be of any material which is preferably flexible and/or resilient and electrically insulating. The electronics module (a printed circuit board, PCB) is typically located in this foam layer. In some cases, the patch is finished with a top layer 112 for protective purposes. Top layer 112 is preferably a fabric. On the underside of the patch an electrically non-conductive adhesive layer 1144,b for adhering patch 100 to i.e. skin is provided, with a protective sheet 113a,b removably | 10 covering layers 114a.b. Protective sheets 113a,b prevent patch 100 from unwanted sticking before use.
The patch is provided with a first and second electrically conductive layer 1114 and 111b respectively. Conductive layers 111a,b are connected to an electronics module which is powered by a power source Le. a battery. Typically, one of conductive layers 111a,b is connected to the "+" of the battery and the other to the PCB.
in another embodiment, one conductive layer is connected to a signal contact of the POB and the other to another signal contact such as a reset button.
In yet another embodiment, one conductive layer is connected to the ”-” of the battery and the other to the PCB. The conductive layer is made of a material that conducts electrons. The conductive layer is either provided with an adhesive layer or may be comprised of adhesive (sticky) material (i.e. glue). Such sticky and electrically conductive layer may be obtained by, for example, mixing a metal or metal particles in a glue. A typically effective glue results from mixing a non-seif-hardening glue with mixed carbon particles, for example a silicone-carbon composition.
The resistance of conductive layers 111a,b is preferably as close as possible to 0 ohm. In certain applications, some resistance may be desired. By mixing in less conductive particles, resistance may be increased to the desired level.
As soon as the protective sheet 113a is removed, the two conductive layers are glued together by moving section 100a.b in direction of arrows 1001a.b respectively.
Some pressure on top layer 112 may for example put both sections 100ab into sufficient contact to consequently bring conductive layers 111a,b into physical contact with each other. From this moment on, a current can flow through conductive layers 111a,b and an action may take place. Actions may comprise that the PCB is supplied il ’ with power, a port on the PCB is activated, or multiple ports on the PCB are shored circuited. Conductive layers 111b is provided with an adhesive layer 114b on the bottom. This adhesive layer ensures that the conductive layers 1114,b, even when connected and adhered fo each other, are stuck to the skin, Adhesive layer 114b is electrically insulating (non-conductive) for protecting the skin from the signal/vollage that is put on conductive layer combination 111a,b. Optionally, adhesive layer 114b may be kept absent at the location of adhesive layer 111b, if conductive layers 111a,b are brought into contact with each other and the patch is applied to the skin, any voltage present on conductive layers11123,b will be transferred to the skin, This can be an advantage if, for example, conductive layers 111a,b carry the ”-” of the battery, resulting in the "-" of the battery becoming the "0" and carrying the same voltage as present on the skin. This prevents a possible signal drift, Instead of leaving out a segment of adhesive layer 114b, this segment may also be provided with similar electrically conductive characteristics as conductive layers 111a,b which results in a similar effect.
| FIGURE 2a shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a patch 100, wherein electrically conductive layers 111a,b are positioned in close contact to gach other at position indicated by arrow 115. This short circuits electrical connections 121,122 of electric circuit 103. Electric circuit 103 is preferably a MOSFET switch circuit. In the closed circuit state, the status of the program running on electronics incorporated in patch may for example be "sleep mode". Conductive layers 111a,b are preferably non-stretchable, but flexible. Conductive layers 111a,b are preferably adhered to patch support layer 101a and preferably made of electrically conductive self-adhesive material as described above. This makes sticking of the patch to a person's skin possible.
| Patch support layer 101a may supports electronics {not shown}, switch circuit 103 and battery 104 which powers the electronics. Electronics, switch circuit 103 and battery 104 are preferably enclosed for protection by patch electronic housing 102.
Activation of patch 100 may be initiated by a user by pulling conductive layers 111a,b form each other in the direction of arrows 1002a,b. This leads to an insulating gap (indicated by arrow 118) between conductive layers 111a,b. The consequently breaking of the connection leads to an interruption of the electric circuit and activates another stale, such as "wake mode". To prevent too much stretching of conductive layers and/or patch support layer 1013, electrically non-conductive stretch protector 108 is provided, which is connected at one end to conductive layer 111a and on the other end fo conductive layer 111b.
When conductive layers 111a,b are pulled apart, stretch protector 105 is straightened until ts maximum as shown in figure 2b.
For this purpose, streich protector 105 is preferably made of non-stretchable flexible material. in all the above mentioned examples the use of conductive adhesive layers have the additional advantage in that the stretching these layers, removing protective foils vicelera, enables making or breaking of slectrical connections reversible.
A user, a physician, or a technician, for example, is therefore able to reset the switch circuit, or change the mode of the electronics when desired.
By taking away the patch from the skin, a connection may be broken for example, e.g. leading to a reset Electronics may also be programmed to start from a default wake mode instead of a sleep mode or vice versa. |
18 it should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able lo design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as firniting the claim.
Use of the verb "to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.
The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. in the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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NL1043384A NL1043384B1 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2019-09-18 | Activator for electronic circuit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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NL1043384A NL1043384B1 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2019-09-18 | Activator for electronic circuit |
Publications (1)
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NL1043384B1 true NL1043384B1 (en) | 2021-05-18 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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NL1043384A NL1043384B1 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2019-09-18 | Activator for electronic circuit |
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NL (1) | NL1043384B1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6572636B1 (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2003-06-03 | Robert Sean Hagen | Pulse sensing patch and associated methods |
WO2005032652A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2005-04-14 | Synapse Medical Solutions Limited | Dressing for tissue treatment |
WO2009036348A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Medical device automatic start-up upon contact to patient tissue |
US7853320B1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2010-12-14 | Purdue Pharma L.P. | Transdermal device having mechanical assist for porator-to-skin contact |
WO2019023360A2 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2019-01-31 | Life Patch International | Wearable patches for sleep applications |
-
2019
- 2019-09-18 NL NL1043384A patent/NL1043384B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6572636B1 (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2003-06-03 | Robert Sean Hagen | Pulse sensing patch and associated methods |
WO2005032652A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2005-04-14 | Synapse Medical Solutions Limited | Dressing for tissue treatment |
US7853320B1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2010-12-14 | Purdue Pharma L.P. | Transdermal device having mechanical assist for porator-to-skin contact |
WO2009036348A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Medical device automatic start-up upon contact to patient tissue |
WO2019023360A2 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2019-01-31 | Life Patch International | Wearable patches for sleep applications |
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Effective date: 20221001 |