Wireless, multimodal sensors for continuous measurement of pressure, temperature, and hydration of patients in wheelchair

Abstract

Individuals who are unable to walk independently spend most of the day in a wheelchair. This population is at high risk for developing pressure injuries caused by sitting. However, early diagnosis and prevention of these injuries still remain challenging. Herein, we introduce battery-free, wireless, multimodal sensors and a movable system for continuous measurement of pressure, temperature, and hydration at skin interfaces. The device design includes a crack-activated pressure sensor with nanoscale encapsulations for enhanced sensitivity, a temperature sensor for measuring skin temperature, and a galvanic skin response sensor for measuring skin hydration levels. The movable system enables power harvesting, and data communication to multiple wireless devices mounted at skin-cushion interfaces of wheelchair users over full body coverage. Experimental evaluations and numerical simulations of the devices, together with clinical trials for wheelchair patients, demonstrate the feasibility and stability of the sensor system for preventing pressure injuries caused by sitting.

Printing conformal and flexible copper networks for multimodal pressure and flow sensing

“…Additionally, monitoring skin temperature will aid in preventing injuries associated with pressure. 43 This multimodal sensor can also find applications mimicking human skin. 44 Furthermore, they can be utilized for epidermal electronics, human-machine interfaces, and health-monitoring devices.…”

Deep Neural Network Regression‐Assisted Pressure Sensor for Decoupling Thermal Variations at Different Operating Temperatures

“…Many efforts have been made to address this interference, including structural decoupling, [21,22] calibration, [23][24][25] and multimode sensing. [26][27][28][29][30] Although these decoupling methods can solve environmental problems, there are still inevitable limitations in practical applications.…”

“…[21,22] However, calibration, which is the most commonly used method, has chronic limitations, such as the requirement for additional sensors, complexity in designing circuit boards, and complex relationship formulas. [23][24][25] Multimode sensing methods have emerged in recent years owing to their simultaneous pressure and temperature detection ability based on separated sensing mechanisms; however, they still have problems with limited decoupling capability, complex signal collecting systems, and the impossibility of steady temperature detection without a thermal gradient. [26][27][28][29][30] Hence, a new method to separate the environmental effects from the originating sensor signal is required for an accurate pressure-monitoring system.…”

Pressure and Temperature Dual-Parameter Sensor Based on Natural Wood for Portable Health-Monitoring Devices

“…Various pressure sensors have recently been proposed to monitor pulse waves and blood pressure to diagnose and prevent cardiovascular disease. − However, the lack of body temperature detection makes them unable to fully monitor the vital signs of postoperative patients clinically. By improving the structure , and introducing thermoelectric materials, − some pressure sensors can also detect the temperature accurately. Due to the lack of multi-index pulse wave analysis and poor thermal insulation, it is not ideal for clinical use.…”