Flexible sensor patch and method of using the same

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016363555-A1
Application number	US-201515121278-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Feb 19, 2015
Priority date	Feb 27, 2014
Publication date	Dec 15, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A flexible sensor patch includes a flexible base having outer and inner surfaces and a periphery, an adhesive layer disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface, a flexible porous cover secured to the flexible base along at least major portion of the periphery. The flexible porous cover and the flexible base collectively enclose at least a major portion of a sensor. The sensor comprises a capacitive sensor element. The capacitive sensor element comprises first and second conductive electrodes and a dielectric microporous material disposed therebetween. Methods of using the flexible sensor patch are also disclosed.

First claim

1 . A flexible sensor patch comprising:
a flexible base having outer and inner surfaces and a periphery; an adhesive layer disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface; a sensor comprising a capacitive sensor element, the capacitive sensor element comprising:
a first conductive electrode;
a second conductive electrode; and
a dielectric microporous material disposed between the first and second conductive electrodes; and
a flexible porous cover secured to the flexible base along at least major portion of the periphery, wherein the flexible porous cover and the flexible base collectively enclose at least a major portion of the sensor.

2 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the sensor further comprises a dielectric sensor base, and wherein the first conductive electrode contacts and is supported by the dielectric sensor base.

3 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the flexible porous cover and the flexible base collectively fully enclose the sensor.

4 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a radiofrequency transponder coil.

5 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the sensor further comprises first and second conductive leads in electrical communication with the respective first and second conductive electrodes, wherein the first and second conductive leads contact the flexible porous cover and the flexible base along a seam where the flexible porous cover and the flexible base contact each other, and wherein the first and second conductive leads extend outwardly through the seam and beyond the periphery of the flexible base.

6 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 5 , wherein the flexible porous cover comprises first and second conductive pathways that extend through the flexible porous cover and are in electrical communication with the first and second conductive electrodes.

7 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

8 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive layer is suitable for human skin contact.

9 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the flexible porous cover comprises a fabric.

10 . The flexible sensor patch of claim 1 , wherein the flexible base comprises at least one of fabric or a polymer film.

11 . A method of monitoring organic vapor concentration proximate to a substrate, the method comprising:
providing a flexible sensor patch according to claim 1 , adhesively bonding the adhesive layer to a substrate; establishing a voltage difference between the first and second conductive electrodes; and obtaining a capacitance-related property of the sensor.

12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the substrate comprises patient skin near a pre-surgical skin site.

Assignees

• 3M Innovative Properties Co

Inventors

• Kang Myungchan
• Gryska Stefan H
• Palazzotto Michael C

Classifications

• A61B46/20

  specially adapted for patients · CPC title

• A61B2046/205

  Adhesive drapes · CPC title

• G01N27/227 Primary

  Sensors changing capacitance upon adsorption or absorption of fluid components, e.g. electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor sensors, MOS capacitors (G01N27/225 takes precedence) · CPC title

• G01N27/407

  for investigating or analysing gases {(G01N27/411 takes precedence)} · CPC title

• G01N27/228

  Circuits therefor (measuring capacitance per se G01R27/26) · CPC title