Epidermal sensor system and process

US10492703B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Nanshu Lu · Urbana, US
• Shixuan Yang · Austin, US
• Pulin Wang · Nanhu, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 27, 2015
• Grant date: Dec 3, 2019
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/753
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Epidermal electronics are sensors with mechanical properties matching human epidermis. Their manufacturing process includes photolithography and dry and wet etching within cleanroom facilities. The high cost of manpower, materials, photo masks, and facilities greatly hinders the commercialization potential of disposable epidermal electronics. In contrast, an embodiment of the invention includes a low cost, high throughput, bench top “cut-and-paste” method to complete the freeform manufacture of epidermal sensor system (ESS) in minutes. This versatile method works for many types of thin metal and polymeric sheets and is compatible with many tattoo adhesives or medical tapes. The resultant ESS is highly multimaterial and multifunctional and may measure ECG, EMG, skin temperature, skin hydration, as well as respiratory rate. Also, a stretchable planar coil made of serpentine ribbons can be used as a wireless strain gauge and/or a near field communication (NFC) antenna. Other embodiments are described herein.