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Publication Number
US-10849501-B2
Publication Date
2020-12-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, a non-adhesive release layer, and an electronics inlay disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The electronics inlay includes a sealed, flexible battery, and a flexible circuit having a temperature sensor. An outer face of the non-adhesive release layer is has release properties. A replaceable adhesive includes a carrier substrate, a structural adhesive coated on a first face and attached to the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer, and a skin-contact approved adhesive coated on a second opposite face. In another example, an auxiliary sleeve having an exterior surface with an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a subject, may partially enclose the temperature data logger patch in an internal compartment.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication. The patch includes a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, and a non-adhesive release layer having an exterior facing outer surface, and an electronics inlay disposed between the first and second substrate layers that comprises a sealed, flexible battery and a flexible circuit.
The flexible circuit includes a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter, and an antenna. Battery contact pads electrically couple the flexible circuit to battery contacts so that the microprocessor, wireless communication transmitter, and temperature sensor actively receive continuous electrical power from the flexible battery, enabling the microprocessor to continuously obtain a plurality of temperature samples at a periodic time interval.
The outer face of the non-adhesive release layer is coated or textured to provide release properties to the face. In one implementation, a carrier substrate with a structural adhesive and a skin-contact approved adhesive is attached so that the structural adhesive is attached to the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer and the skin-contact approved adhesive is provided on an opposite face of the carrier substrate.
In another implementation, an auxiliary sleeve at least partially encloses the patch in an internal compartment, and the auxiliary sleeve has an exterior surface comprising an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a surface of the target subject. The auxiliary sleeve, first substrate layer, flexible battery, flexible circuit, and second substrate layer are sufficiently flexible so the patch enclosed within the auxiliary sleeve conforms to a curved or variable surface and is able to flex and move together with movement of the target subject without degradation of the battery, circuit, or active operation.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent claims that collectively cover an actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication, where a sealed flexible battery continuously powers a microprocessor, temperature sensor, and wireless communication transmitter to obtain periodic temperature samples. Across the independent claims, three main inventive features are covered: a carrier substrate with adhesive bonding to the release-layer exterior face, an auxiliary sleeve with a removably applied adhesive, and a combined patch-and-sleeve structure requiring sufficient flexibility to conform to a curved or variable surface without degradation of battery, circuit, or active operation.
Actively-powered layered patch with electronics inlay and continuous power for periodic temperature sampling
An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication comprising first substrate layer, second substrate layer, a non-adhesive release layer having an exterior facing outer surface, and an electronics inlay disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The electronics inlay includes a sealed, flexible battery configured to provide continuous electrical power via first and second battery contacts, and a flexible circuit comprising a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna, wherein battery contact pads electrically couple the microprocessor, wireless communication transmitter, and temperature sensor to receive continuous power. The microprocessor continuously obtains a plurality of temperature samples at a periodic time interval, with the temperature sensor located at a first end of the patch and the antenna located at a second opposite end, and the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer coated or textured to provide release properties.
Carrier substrate with structural adhesive to attach to the release-layer exterior face and skin-contact approved adhesive
A carrier substrate having a structural adhesive coated on a first face and attached to the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer of the actively-powered temperature data logger patch, and a skin-contact approved adhesive coated on a second opposite face of the carrier substrate.
Auxiliary sleeve enclosing the patch and removably applied adhesive for target-subject attachment
An auxiliary sleeve configured to at least partially enclose the actively-powered temperature data logger patch in an internal compartment, wherein an exterior surface of the auxiliary sleeve comprises an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a surface of the target subject.
Combination patch and auxiliary sleeve with sufficient flexibility to conform without degradation
A combination actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication and auxiliary sleeve, including a first substrate layer with a first end and an opposite second end, a sealed flexible battery, and a flexible circuit with a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter, and an antenna, with the microprocessor continuously obtaining plurality of temperature samples at a periodic time interval. The temperature sensor is located at the first end of the first substrate layer and the antenna is located at the opposite second end; a second substrate layer is provided so the flexible battery and flexible circuit are disposed between the first and second substrate layers to form the temperature data logger patch. The auxiliary sleeve encloses the patch in an internal compartment with an exterior surface comprising an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a surface of the target subject, and all of the auxiliary sleeve, first substrate layer, flexible battery, flexible circuit, and second substrate layer are sufficiently flexible so the patch enclosed within the auxiliary sleeve conforms to a curved or variable surface and is able to flex and move together with movement of the target subject without degradation of the battery, circuit, or active operation.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a multilayer actively-powered temperature data logger patch that continuously receives electrical power to enable periodic temperature sampling and wireless communication, with the temperature sensor and antenna arranged at opposite ends. The additional claim constructions specify how the patch is attached in use, either by a carrier substrate with structural and skin-contact approved adhesives attached to the outer face of a non-adhesive release layer, or by an auxiliary sleeve with a removably applied adhesive that encloses the patch. One claim further requires the entire assembly to be sufficiently flexible to conform to curved or variable surfaces while maintaining battery, circuit, and active operation.
Stated Advantages
Enables the microprocessor to continuously obtain a plurality of temperature samples from the temperature sensor at a periodic time interval.
Allows wireless data communication using a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna.
Outer face of the non-adhesive release layer is coated or textured to provide release properties.
Provides removably applied attachment to a surface of the target subject via an adhesive on an auxiliary sleeve.
Configured to conform to a curved or variable surface and flex and move with movement of the target subject without degradation of the battery, circuit, or active operation.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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