FR3140257A3 - SICK CALL DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE: SICK CALL DEVICE One aspect of the invention relates to a sick call device (500) comprising: a bracelet (502) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and delimited by an external face (504) and an internal face ( 506), at least one sensor (550), and an electronic circuit (530) comprising a transmission antenna (534) arranged in the bracelet, between its external face and its internal face, the electronic circuit being flexible and extending along less 50% of the length (Lo) of the bracelet. Another aspect of the invention relates to a sick call system comprising: at least one sick call device (500) according to the invention, at least one mobile receiver receiving alert signals transmitted by the transmission antenna (534), anda control unit for saving data related to the alert signals. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

SICK CALL DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of portable sick call devices designed to emit an alert signal if necessary.

The invention relates more particularly to a sick call device in the form of a bracelet worn on the wrist of an individual wearer.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the majority of healthcare establishments or in the homes of equipped individuals, portable sick call devices are set up to allow any individual near this device to alert healthcare staff if necessary.

The portable sick call device, worn for example on the wrist of a wearer, is designed to emit an alert signal if necessary. The portable sick call device typically has an alert button allowing the wearer to activate it in order to voluntarily emit an alert signal. Nursing staff are equipped with mobile receivers, also called beepers, receiving the alert signal emitted by the portable sick call device.

The portable sick call device and the mobile receiver communicate with each other via wireless radio wave communication. The low intensity of the signal emitted by the sick call device implies numerous areas of non-coverage, considerably restricting the effectiveness of the sick call device. This generally requires the installation of transmitters designed to capture weak signals distributed throughout the equipped establishment.

Such portable sick call devices in the form of a bracelet can be fitted with sensors such as an accelerometer making it possible to detect a fall of the individual wearing it and automatically emit an alert signal to the nursing staff. This type of device does not offer the possibility of monitoring the state of health of an individual in real time.

Some connected watches allow the monitoring of certain physiological parameters from an individual's wrist, such as the individual's heart rate. Measurements are generally carried out using a sensor positioned on the posterior surface of the wearer's wrist. The reliability of the results obtained by this type of measurement is not optimal because the quality of the measurements is directly linked to the color of the skin, the hairiness of the measurement area as well as the movements of the individual wearing it. In addition, the sensors used in this type of device are suitable for monitoring a limited number of physiological parameters.

Document FR3111063 describes a sick call system comprising at least one portable sick call device in the form of a bracelet held by an individual wearer and configured to emit an alert signal to at least one mobile receiver. Each portable sick call device and each mobile receiver is in communication with a control unit generally connected to a computer.

The portable sick call device makes it possible to monitor the state of health of an individual in real time via periodic measurement of a certain number of physiological parameters using different sensors integrated into the bracelet such as an optical sensor and an accelerometer. The portable sick call device includes a processing module designed to analyze each measurement characteristic of the state of health of the individual wearing it and automatically emit an alert signal as soon as at least one abnormal measurement result is detected. The sick call device comprises a main housing arranged on the bracelet and comprising electronic components necessary for the operation of the processing module and for communication by radio wave as well as a battery.

This device also makes it possible to detect a fall thanks to the presence of the accelerometer taking measurements linked to the movements of the individual wearer.

This device comprises a transmission antenna arranged in the bracelet and designed to obtain a long range for wireless communication by radio wave between the sick call device and the mobile receiver.

Such a device makes it possible to obtain reliable collected results and guarantee good quality wireless communication. However, the size of the bracelet is relatively large on the wrist of the individual wearer; its bulk can be annoying or inconvenient for the wrist of certain wearers, particularly when the individual has a thin wrist or an invalid or traumatized wrist. In addition, the fall detection function is not adapted to the mobility of all carriers which could cause, in certain cases, the inappropriate triggering of an alert or, in other cases, the non-triggering of the alarm. alert when the carrier falls.

The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above by proposing a sick call device in the form of a bracelet worn on the wrist of an individual wearer having a reduced bulk and configured to adapt to the individual wearer.

• un bracelet s’étendant selon un axe longitudinal L et délimité par une face externe et une face interne,
• au moins un capteur, et
• un circuit électronique comprenant une antenne de transmission, agencé dans le bracelet entre sa face externe et sa face interne, le circuit électronique étant flexible et s’étendant selon au moins 50% de la longueur du bracelet.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a sick call device comprising:

• a bracelet extending along a longitudinal axis L and delimited by an external face and an internal face,
• at least one sensor, and
• an electronic circuit comprising a transmission antenna, arranged in the bracelet between its external face and its internal face, the electronic circuit being flexible and extending along at least 50% of the length of the bracelet.

The sick call device according to the invention, thanks to the flexibility of the electronic circuit, has a reduced footprint. In fact, the various electronic components necessary for the operation of the sick call device are distributed in the bracelet, according to its length. Such an arrangement makes it possible to avoid the presence of a main housing arranged on the bracelet and which encloses the electronic components, which simplifies the geometry of the bracelet. The width of the bracelet is thus reduced and the bulk of the bracelet on the wrist of the individual wearer is minimized.

Advantageously, the sick call device according to the invention comprises at least one element for holding an accessory arranged from the external face of the bracelet to integrate an accessory on the bracelet.

Preferably, the holding element is formed from the same material as the bracelet.

Advantageously, the holding element and the bracelet form a single piece to reduce the number of parts constituting the bracelet and ensure a robust connection between the holding element and the bracelet.

• l’élément de maintien comprend deux bossages, chacun s’étendant selon un axe transversal T perpendiculaire à l’axe longitudinal L, les deux bossages étant séparés l’un par rapport à l’autre par une distance longitudinale d, et
• chaque bossage comprend un trou traversant transversal pour recevoir un élément de fixation de l’accessoire.

According to a first embodiment of the holding element:

• the holding element comprises two bosses, each extending along a transverse axis T perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, the two bosses being separated from each other by a longitudinal distance d, and
• each boss includes a transverse through hole for receiving an accessory fixing element.

According to a second embodiment of the holding element comprises at least one pair of elastic tabs arranged facing each other to tighten the accessory and hold it in position relative to the bracelet.

Preferably, the sick call device comprises a removable ring slidably mounted on the bracelet and the sensor is an optical sensor fixedly mounted on the removable ring to position the sensor opposite the radial artery of the individual wearer.

Advantageously, the sensor comprises an accelerometer and/or an altimeter arranged in the bracelet and forming a fall detector.

Preferably, the sick call device includes an alert button integrated into the electronic circuit and which emits an alert signal when the alert button is activated allowing the individual wearer to voluntarily emit an alert signal in the event of need.

• au moins un dispositif appel malade selon l’invention,
• au moins un récepteur mobile recevant des signaux d’alerte émis par l’antenne de transmission du dispositif appel malade, le récepteur mobile étant à distance du dispositif appel malade, et
• une unité de contrôle pour la sauvegarde de données liées aux signaux d’alerte.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a sick call system comprising:

• at least one sick call device according to the invention,
• at least one mobile receiver receiving alert signals transmitted by the transmission antenna of the sick call device, the mobile receiver being at a distance from the sick call device, and
• a control unit for saving data related to alert signals.

• impression d’une bande comportant un évidement qui s’étend longitudinalement selon au moins 50% de la longueur de la bande, ladite bande étant conçue pour former le bracelet, et
• insertion par coulissement du circuit électronique à l’intérieur de la bande, dans l’évidement longitudinal de la bande.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the sick call device which comprises a step of manufacturing the bracelet in 3D printing comprising the following sub-steps:

• printing a strip comprising a recess which extends longitudinally along at least 50% of the length of the strip, said strip being designed to form the bracelet, and
• insertion by sliding of the electronic circuit inside the strip, in the longitudinal recess of the strip.

• une étape d’impression de l’élément de maintien, et
• une étape d’installation de l’accessoire sur le dispositif appel malade.

The method of manufacturing the sick call device according to the invention may additionally comprise:

• a step of printing the holding element, and
• a step of installing the accessory on the sick call device.

The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La est une représentation schématique de l’interaction des principaux éléments d’un système appel malade équipé d’un dispositif appel malade selon l’invention ;
• La est une vue de côté en coupe du dispositif appel malade selon l’invention ;
• La est une vue de dessus en perspective du dispositif appel malade portatif selon l’invention comprenant un élément de maintien selon un premier exemple de réalisation ;
• La est une vue de dessus en perspective du dispositif appel malade portatif selon l’invention comprenant un élément de maintien selon un deuxième exemple de réalisation.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, illustrated by the figures in which:

• There is a schematic representation of the interaction of the main elements of a sick call system equipped with a sick call device according to the invention;
• There is a side sectional view of the sick call device according to the invention;
• There is a top perspective view of the portable sick call device according to the invention comprising a holding element according to a first exemplary embodiment;
• There is a top perspective view of the portable sick call device according to the invention comprising a holding element according to a second exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of the sick call device according to the invention is described in detail below, with reference to the appended drawings. This example illustrates the characteristics and advantages of the invention.

Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures presents a unique reference.

To understand the invention, we will adopt the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures whose longitudinal axes L and transverse T extend in a horizontal plane. The longitudinal axis L of the VLT mark is oriented from a first end 502A of the bracelet 502 towards a second end 502B of the bracelet 502 of the sick call device 500.

• au moins un dispositif appel malade 500 sous la forme d’un bracelet 502 destiné à être positionné sur le poignet 10 d’un individu porteur,
• au moins un récepteur mobile 40 recevant des signaux d’alerte du dispositif appel malade 500, et
• une unité de contrôle 30 pour la sauvegarde de données liées aux signaux d’alerte.

There represents a sick call system 20 according to the invention comprising:

• at least one sick call device 500 in the form of a bracelet 502 intended to be positioned on the wrist 10 of an individual wearer,
• at least one mobile receiver 40 receiving alert signals from the sick call device 500, and
• a control unit 30 for saving data linked to alert signals.

The wrist 10 of the individual wearer has a posterior surface 12 constituting the external surface on the top of the wrist 10, and an anterior surface (not visible in the figures) constituting the internal surface on the underside of the wrist 10.

The sick call device 500 is configured to generate voluntary alert signals and automatic alert signals to at least one mobile receiver 40. Advantageously, several sick call devices 500 are connected to several mobile receivers 40. Preferably, the number of mobile receivers 40 is less than that of the sick call devices 500.

Each sick call device 500 and each mobile receiver 40 is in communication with the control unit 30 generally integrating a computer. Communication between the sick call devices 500, the mobile receivers 40 and the control unit 30 takes place via wireless radio wave communication. Radio wave communication in healthcare establishments is usually carried out on the frequency of 868Mhz. Of course, those skilled in the art understand that, if communication by radio wave is the most used communication in the medical fields, other means of wireless communication can also be used such as for example an infrared link, a link Bluetooth, a Wifi connection, etc.

• la configuration des dispositifs appels malades 500 et des récepteurs mobiles 40 via un programme installé sur un ordinateur, et
• la sauvegarde des données liées à tous les signaux d’alertes émis, reçus et traités au sein de l’établissement équipé du système appel malade 20.

The control unit 30 has several distinct functions including at least two following functions:

• configuring sick call devices 500 and mobile receivers 40 via a program installed on a computer, and
• the saving of data linked to all alert signals issued, received and processed within the establishment equipped with the sick call system 20.

When an alert signal is emitted by the sick call device 500, each associated mobile receiver 40 emits a signal such as a sound signal in order to warn the holder. Conventionally, the mobile receiver 40 includes a display screen on which the destination and sometimes the nature of the alert signal emitted by the sick call device 500 is displayed.

• un bouton d’alerte 560 configuré pour permettre à l’individu porteur d’émettre volontairement un signal d’alerte,
• un circuit électronique 530 nécessaire au fonctionnement des différentes fonctions du dispositif appel malade 500,
• au moins un capteur 550 réalisant des mesures caractéristiques de l’état de santé de l’individu porteur, et
• un module de traitement 562 prévu pour analyser chaque mesure caractéristique de l’état de santé de l’individu porteur et émettre automatiquement un signal d’alerte dès qu’au moins un résultat de mesure anormal est détecté.

As illustrated in , the sick device 500 according to the invention is in the form of a bracelet 502 comprising:

• an alert button 560 configured to allow the individual wearer to voluntarily emit an alert signal,
• an electronic circuit 530 necessary for the operation of the various functions of the sick call device 500,
• at least one sensor 550 carrying out characteristic measurements of the state of health of the individual wearer, and
• a processing module 562 designed to analyze each measurement characteristic of the state of health of the individual carrier and automatically emit an alert signal as soon as at least one abnormal measurement result is detected.

The bracelet 502 extends along a longitudinal axis L between a first and a second end 502A, 502B and is delimited by an external face 504 and an internal face 506 opposite each other along the vertical axis V As shown in the figures, the bracelet 502 is a substantially rectangular strip defined by its length L1 extending along the longitudinal axis L, its width l extending along the transverse axis T and its thickness e extending along. the vertical axis V. More particularly, the bracelet 502 comprises along the longitudinal axis L, a first end portion 510 comprising the first end 502A, a central portion 508 and a second end portion 512 comprising the second end 502B , the first and second end portions 510, 512 being arranged on either side of the central portion 508.

In the mounted position of the bracelet 502 on the wrist 10 of the individual wearer, the external face 504 is visible and at least part of the internal face 506 is in direct contact with the wrist 10 of the individual wearer. More particularly, the central portion 508 is positioned on the posterior surface 12 of the wrist 10 and the first and second end portions 510, 512 are positioned on the anterior surface of the wrist 10 of the individual wearer.

The 502 bracelet is made of a plastic material guaranteeing significant flexibility during its use phase, then total recyclability.

The sick call device 500 comprises a fastening system (not shown) making it possible to connect and untie the first and second end portions 510, 512 between an attached position and a detached position of the bracelet 502. Advantageously, the sick call system 500 fastener comprises a pair of self-gripping strips including a male strip positioned on one of the external faces 504 or internal 506 of one of the first and second end portions 510, 512 of the bracelet 502 and a female strip positioned on the the other of the external faces 504 or internal 506 of the other of the first and second end portions 510, 512 of the bracelet 502.

The sick call device 500 comprises a removable ring 520 slidably mounted on the bracelet 502; at least one of the sensors 550 is fixedly mounted on the removable ring 520. Preferably, the removable ring 520 comprises a system for locking the removable ring 520 in position on the bracelet 502.

The sick call device 500 comprises at least one sensor 550 configured for monitoring the physiological parameters of the individual wearer. Parameter monitoring is carried out automatically when an alert call is issued or when a fall is detected. According to certain particular modes of the invention, the monitoring of the parameters can also be carried out periodically at a predetermined frequency or even voluntarily by the individual wearer by activating a button associated with this function and which is integrated into the electronic circuit 530.

According to certain embodiments, at least one of the sensors 550 is an optical sensor 552 carrying out measurements using a photoelectric effect plethysmography method. The optical sensor 552 is fixedly mounted on the removable ring 520 of the sick call device 500 and positioned opposite the radial artery of the individual wearer.

According to certain embodiments, at least one of the sensors 550 is a fall detector comprising an accelerometer 554 associated with an altimeter 556 to detect a fall of the individual wearer, these two sensors 554, 556 being arranged on the electronic circuit 530. More particularly, the accelerometer 554 is configured to follow the movements of the individual wearer by calculating their acceleration and the altimeter 556 is configured to follow the position of the individual wearer relative to the ground by calculating its altitude. The presence of the altimeter 556 makes it possible to take into account the altitude of the individual wearer in the detection of falls, the altitude of the individual being a parameter which varies significantly during a fall, the precision of the function Fall detection is then improved.

• l’accélération du mouvement de l’individu augmente et que son altitude diminue simultanément, cela traduisant une chute brusque de l’individu porteur ; la chute est dans ce cas détectée à la fois par l’accéléromètre 554 et par l’altimètre 556 ; ou
• l’accélération du mouvement de l’individu porteur ne varie pas et que son altitude diminue, cela traduisant une chute lente de l’individu porteur notamment lorsqu’il se maintient à un support pendant sa chute ; la chute est dans ce cas détectée seulement par l’altimètre 556.

More particularly, a fall of the carrier is detected when:

• the acceleration of the movement of the individual increases and its altitude decreases simultaneously, this reflecting a sudden fall of the individual carrier; the fall is in this case detected both by the accelerometer 554 and by the altimeter 556; Or
• the acceleration of the movement of the individual carrier does not vary and its altitude decreases, this reflecting a slow fall of the individual carrier in particular when he holds on to a support during his fall; the fall is in this case detected only by the altimeter 556.

On the contrary, when the acceleration of the individual's movement increases and their altitude does not vary, this reflects a sudden movement by the carrying individual which does not necessarily correspond to a fall. In this case, the 556 altimeter allows you to confirm whether this movement should be considered as a possible fall. Consequently, the phenomena of inappropriate detection of the alert, in certain cases, and non-triggering of the alert when the wearer falls, in other cases, are then strongly limited or even eliminated.

Advantageously, data is taken on the individual wearer to adjust the accelerometer 554 and the altimeter 556 of the fall detector of the sick call device 500. The data collection consists of measuring the normal acceleration of the movements of the individual and their normal altitude in standing, sitting and lying down positions to determine the mobility of the individual carrier. A prior adjustment of these two sensors (accelerometer 554 and altimeter 556) according to the predetermined mobility of the individual wearer makes it possible to optimize the reliability of the fall detector. According to one variant, the accelerometer 554 and the altimeter 556 form a single sensor 550.

As shown in , the electronic circuit 530 is arranged in the bracelet 502 between its external face 504 and its internal face 506, in a longitudinal recess, not shown, formed in the bracelet 502 from at least one of the first and second ends 502A , 502B of the bracelet 502. The electronic circuit 530 comprises a flexible printed circuit 531 in the form of a strip which extends longitudinally between a first end 531A and a second end 531B defining the total length of the printed circuit 531. The electronic circuit 530, and more particularly the printed circuit 531, extends longitudinally along at least 50% of the length L1 of the bracelet 502, preferably along 60%. The recess in the bracelet 502 intended to receive the printed circuit 531 extends longitudinally along at least the length of the printed circuit 531, that is to say along at least 50% of the length L1 of the bracelet 502, preferably along 60%. The presence of such a recess also makes it possible to replace the printed circuit 531 in the event of its malfunction.

The 531 printed circuit is a flexible printed circuit, commonly called flex PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or flex circuit. This type of printed circuit 531 can be manufactured, for example, according to a particular printed circuit technology using a high-performance plastic substrate such as polyimide polymer or PEEK (polyetheretherketone) film guaranteeing total flexibility.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the printed circuit 531 as shown in , the printed circuit 531 comprises a connection portion 531C near one of the first or second ends 531A, 531B of the printed circuit 531, here the second end 531B, which is folded outside the bracelet 532 opposite -screw of the internal face 506 of the bracelet 502 and a part of which comprising the second end 531B is inserted inside the removable ring 520 and carries the optical sensor 552 as well as the control unit 562. In this case, the bracelet 502 comprises an orifice, not shown, arranged from the internal face 506 of the bracelet for the passage of a part of the connecting portion 531C of the printed circuit 531 outside the bracelet 502. The connecting portion 531C of the printed circuit 531 ensures the power supply and communication of the entire electronic circuit 530 with the optical sensor 552 and the control unit 564.

• le bouton d’alerte 560 sous la forme d’un bouton poussoir agencé de préférence dans la portion centrale 508 du bracelet 502,
• le module de traitement 562 monté fixe sur la bague amovible 520 du dispositif appel malade 500,
• une batterie 532 agencée dans la portion centrale 508 du bracelet 502 et configurée pour l’alimentation du dispositif appel malade 500 en énergie électrique, et
• une antenne de transmission 534 rectiligne s’étendant selon l’axe longitudinal L et configurée pour transmettre les signaux d’alerte vers au moins un récepteur mobile 40,
• un bloc de communication radio 564 agencé à proximité de l’une des première ou deuxième extrémités 531A, 531B du circuit imprimé 531 et assurant la communication par onde radio du dispositif appel malade 500 avec les récepteurs mobiles 40 et l’unité de contrôle 30.

The printed circuit 531 of the electronic circuit 530 integrates the following electronic components:

• the alert button 560 in the form of a push button preferably arranged in the central portion 508 of the bracelet 502,
• the processing module 562 fixedly mounted on the removable ring 520 of the sick call device 500,
• a battery 532 arranged in the central portion 508 of the bracelet 502 and configured to supply the sick call device 500 with electrical energy, and
• a rectilinear transmission antenna 534 extending along the longitudinal axis L and configured to transmit the alert signals to at least one mobile receiver 40,
• a radio communication block 564 arranged near one of the first or second ends 531A, 531B of the printed circuit 531 and ensuring communication by radio wave of the sick call device 500 with the mobile receivers 40 and the control unit 30.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention as represented in , the printed circuit 531 can additionally integrate a plurality of LEDs 536 (light-emitting diodes) of different colors distributed on the printed circuit 531 to inform the individual wearer about the status of the processing of the alert.

The various electronic components integrated into the electronic circuit 530 sick call device 500 are distributed on the printed circuit 531, along the length L1 of the bracelet 502 so as to preserve a low occupancy rate of the printed circuit 531 by the electronic components and thus maintain a significant flexibility of the printed circuit 531. According to certain embodiments, the length of the printed circuit 531 is approximately equal to 230 mm, the smallest distance D1 between the first end 531A of the printed circuit 531 and the battery 532 is approximately equal to 25mm and the smallest distance D2 between the first end 531A of the printed circuit 531 and the alert button 560 is approximately equal to 130mm.

Such an arrangement makes it possible to eliminate the presence of a main housing arranged on the bracelet 502 and enclosing the electronic components, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the electronic circuit 530. The width l of the bracelet 502 can thus be reduced, it is that is to say that it can be substantially equal to the width of the printed circuit 531 of the electronic circuit 530. Consequently, the bulk of the bracelet 502 on the wrist 10 of the individual wearer is minimized, allowing the individual wearer to be less bothered by said bracelet and/or to hide it more easily.

Preferably, the battery 532 is in the form of a thin and flexible casing capable of bending so as to adapt to the curvature and inflections of the bracelet 502. The battery 532 has for example a rectangular parallelepiped shape according to which the vertical height is about 2mm, longitudinal length is about 20mm, and transverse width is about 15mm. According to a variant not shown of the sick call device 500, the battery 532 has a curved shape so that in the mounted position of the bracelet 502 on the wrist 10 of the individual wearer, the battery 532 follows the curvature of the posterior surface 12 of the wrist 10 of the individual wearer.

Advantageously, the transmission antenna 534 is arranged near the end edge of the bracelet 502, thus limiting electromagnetic disturbances. Additionally, the 534 transmitting antenna is designed to achieve a long range. The range being the maximum transmission distance between a transmitter and a radio receiver, that is to say between the sick call device 500 and the mobile receiver 40. The length of the transmission antenna 534 is λ/ 4 called quarter-wave, λ being the wavelength of the emission frequency of the alert signal.

According to certain embodiments, the presence of LEDs 536 provides a user interface function thanks to color codes and flashing. More particularly, at least one LED 536 is configured to inform the individual wearer about the processing status of the alert issued by the individual wearer via the alert button 560. Additionally, an LED 536 can be configured to flash according to the heart rate of the individual wearer and/or another LED 536 can be configured to flash so as to guide the individual wearer to a suitable breathing rhythm; we then speak of cardiac coherence exercises. As shown in , the electronic circuit integrates two LEDs 536A and 536B arranged on the central portion 508 of the bracelet 502, on either side of the battery 532. According to one embodiment according to which the length of the printed circuit 531 is approximately equal to 230 mm , the smallest distance D3 between the first end 531A of the printed circuit 531 and the first LED 536A is approximately 110mm, and the smallest distance D4 between the first end 531A of the printed circuit 531 and the second LED 536B is d 'approximately 155mm.

The processing module 562 is configured to detect, among the measurements of the various sensors 550, abnormal parameters such as, for example, a heart rhythm disorder, low blood oxygenation causing breathing difficulties and poor blood pressure.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sick call device 500 comprises at least one holding element 570 of an accessory 60, 70 arranged from the external face 504 of the bracelet 502. The holding element 570 is preferably arranged on the central portion 508 of the bracelet 502.

Advantageously, the holding element 570 is formed from the same material as the bracelet 502 and they form a single piece. It is then manufactured simultaneously with the bracelet 502, as explained subsequently.

The holding element 570 according to a first embodiment illustrated in is intended to receive an accessory, for example in the form of a watch dial 60 or any other frame providing a subsidiary function to the bracelet 502 such as a frame containing the name of the individual wearer, a photograph or any other element similar.

The dial 60 conventionally comprises a central housing 62, two pairs of horns 64 arranged on either side of the housing 62 along the longitudinal axis L and two rods 66 for fixing the dial 60 each held in position between two screw horns 64 -notice. Such a holding element 570 comprises two bosses 572, each extending along a transverse axis and separated from each other by a longitudinal distance d corresponding to the length of the housing 62 of the dial 60 along the longitudinal axis L. Each boss 572 comprises a through hole 574 extending along the transverse axis T to receive a fixing element of the accessory 60, that is to say one of the two rods 66 of the dial 60. The width l of the bracelet 502 is determined proportionally to the size of the dial 60.

Advantageously, as illustrated in , the alert button 560 is arranged between the two bosses 572 of the holding element 570. Consequently, in the mounted position of the dial 60 on the bracelet 502, the alert button 560 is arranged below the dial 60 and thus completely concealed. In this case, the alert button 560 is actuated by pressing directly from the dial 60.

The holding element 570 according to a second embodiment illustrated in is intended to receive an accessory in the form of a piece of jewelry 70 which extends longitudinally. Such a holding element 570 comprises at least one pair of elastic tabs 576, here two. The two elastic tabs 576 of the same pair being arranged facing each other along the transverse axis T so as to form a fixing clip. The two pairs of elastic tabs 576 are separated from each other by a longitudinal distance d' to hold the jewel 70 in position along its entire length. The number of pairs of elastic tabs 576 and the distance between each pair of elastic tabs 576 are determined as a function of the jewel 70, for example proportional to its length.

The addition of a holding element 570 to the sick call device 500 offers the possibility of integrating an accessory 60, 70 and thus personalizing the sick call device 500 according to the preferences of the individual wearer and concealing the button. alert 560.

The method of manufacturing the sick call device 500 according to the invention comprises a step of manufacturing the bracelet 502 in 3D printing (three dimensions), also called additive manufacturing, carried out by deposition of successive layers of materials using a filament of molten polymer material. An example of this type of additive manufacturing process is fused filament deposition (FFF), or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) in English terminology.

• impression 3D en polymère d’une bande comportant un évidement qui s’étend longitudinalement selon au moins 50% de la longueur de la bande, ladite bande étant conçue pour former le bracelet 502, et
• insertion par coulissement du circuit électronique 530 et de l’antenne de transmission 534 à l’intérieur de la bande, dans l’évidement longitudinal de ladite bande, à partir de l’une des première et deuxième extrémités 502A, 502B du bracelet 502.

The manufacturing process for the sick call device 500 comprises the following sub-steps:

• 3D printing in polymer of a strip comprising a recess which extends longitudinally along at least 50% of the length of the strip, said strip being designed to form the bracelet 502, and
• insertion by sliding of the electronic circuit 530 and the transmission antenna 534 inside the band, in the longitudinal recess of said band, from one of the first and second ends 502A, 502B of the bracelet 502.

Advantageously, the succession of layers of molten filaments is produced in a vertical direction V to form the thickness e of the polymer strip, and therefore of the bracelet 502. More particularly, the sub-step of printing the strip begins with the deposition of a first layer forming the internal face 506 of the bracelet 502 and ends with the deposition of the last layer forming the external face 504 of the bracelet 502.

• une étape d’impression de l’élément de maintien 570, et
• une étape d’installation de l’accessoire 60, 70.

In the case where the sick call device 500 comprises a holding element 570, the method of manufacturing the sick call device 500 additionally comprises:

• a step of printing the holding element 570, and
• a step of installing the accessory 60, 70.

The step of printing the holding element 570 begins with the deposition of a layer on the external face 504 of the bracelet 502 and ends with the deposition of a layer forming the top of the holding element 570.

• démontage de chaque tige 66 de la paire de cornes 64 dans laquelle la tige 66 est montée,
• insertion de chacune des tiges 66 démontées dans le trou traversant 574 de chacun des deux bossages 572 de l’élément de maintien 570,
• positionnement du boîtier 62 du cadran 60 entre les deux bossages 572, et
• remontage de chaque tige 66 dans la paire de cornes 64 correspondante.

The step of installing the accessory corresponding to a dial 60 on a sick call device 500 comprising a holding element 570 according to a first exemplary embodiment comprises the following sub-steps:

• disassembly of each rod 66 of the pair of horns 64 in which the rod 66 is mounted,
• insertion of each of the disassembled rods 66 into the through hole 574 of each of the two bosses 572 of the holding element 570,
• positioning of the housing 62 of the dial 60 between the two bosses 572, and
• reassembly of each rod 66 in the corresponding pair of horns 64.

• écartement des deux pattes élastiques 576 de chaque paire l’une par rapport à l’autre, et
• insertion du bijou 70 entre les deux pattes élastiques 576 écartées de chaque paire.

The step of installing the accessory corresponding to a piece of jewelry 70 on the sick call device 500 comprising a holding element 570 according to a second exemplary embodiment comprises the following sub-steps:

• spacing of the two elastic tabs 576 of each pair relative to each other, and
• insertion of the jewel 70 between the two elastic tabs 576 spaced apart from each pair.

The sick call device 500 according to the invention makes it possible to minimize the bulk of the bracelet 502 on the wrist 10 thanks to the presence of a fully flexible electronic circuit 530. This makes it possible both to obtain a sick call device 500 of reduced size and therefore relatively discreet and at the same time a sick call device 500 offering an additional function to that of calling, in particular a personalization function adapted to the preferences of the patient. individual wearer thanks to the addition of holding elements 570 of an accessory such as a watch dial 60, a piece of jewelry 70 or even a photo holder. In addition, such a sick call device 500 is equipped with a fall detector whose reliability is considerably improved thanks to the presence of an altimeter 556.

• 10 : poignet
• 12 : surface postérieure
• 20 : système appel malade
• 30 : unité de contrôle
• 40 : récepteur mobile
• 500 : dispositif appel malade portatif
• 502 : bracelet
• 502A : première extrémité du bracelet
• 502B : deuxième extrémité du bracelet
• 504 : face externe
• 506 : face interne
• 508 : portion centrale
• 510 : première portion d’extrémité
• 512 : deuxième portion d’extrémité
• L1 : longueur du bracelet
• l : largeur du bracelet
• e : épaisseur du bracelet
• 520 : bague amovible
• 530 : circuit électronique
• 531 : circuit imprimé
• 531A : première extrémité du circuit imprimé
• 531B : deuxième extrémité du circuit imprimé
• 531C : portion de connexion du circuit imprimé
• 532 : batterie
• 534 : antenne de transmission
• 536 : LED
• 536A : première LED
• 536B : deuxième LED
• 550 : capteur
• 552 : capteur optique
• 554 : accéléromètre
• 556 : altimètre
• 560 : bouton d’alerte
• 562 : module de traitement
• 564 : bloc de communication radio
• 570 : élément de maintien
• 572 : bossage
• 574 : trou traversant
• 576 : patte élastique
• d : distance entre deux bossages
• d’ : distance entre deux paires élastiques
• 60 : cadran
• 62 : boîtier
• 64 : corne
• 66 : tige
• 70 : bijou
• D1 : distance entre la première extrémité du circuit imprimé et la batterie
• D2 : distance entre la première extrémité du circuit imprimé et le bouton d’alerte
• D3 : distance entre la première extrémité du circuit imprimé et la première LED
• D4 : distance entre la première extrémité du circuit imprimé et la deuxième LED

LEGEND :

• 10: wrist
• 12: posterior surface
• 20: sick call system
• 30: control unit
• 40: mobile receiver
• 500: portable sick call device
• 502: bracelet
• 502A: first end of the bracelet
• 502B: second end of the bracelet
• 504: external face
• 506: internal side
• 508: central portion
• 510: first end portion
• 512: second end portion
• L1: bracelet length
• l: width of the bracelet
• e: thickness of the bracelet
• 520: removable ring
• 530: electronic circuit
• 531: printed circuit
• 531A: first end of the printed circuit
• 531B: second end of the printed circuit
• 531C: connection portion of the printed circuit
• 532: battery
• 534: transmitting antenna
• 536: LED
• 536A: first LED
• 536B: second LED
• 550: sensor
• 552: optical sensor
• 554: accelerometer
• 556: altimeter
• 560: alert button
• 562: processing module
• 564: radio communication block
• 570: holding element
• 572: boss
• 574: through hole
• 576: elastic tab
• d: distance between two bosses
• d': distance between two elastic pairs
• 60: dial
• 62: housing
• 64: horn
• 66: stem
• 70: jewel
• D1: distance between the first end of the printed circuit and the battery
• D2: distance between the first end of the printed circuit and the alert button
• D3: distance between the first end of the printed circuit and the first LED
• D4: distance between the first end of the printed circuit and the second LED

Claims (10)

Sick call device (500) comprising:

• a bracelet (502) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and delimited by an external face (504) and an internal face (506),
• at least one sensor (550), and
• an electronic circuit (530) comprising a transmission antenna (534), arranged in the bracelet (502), between its external face (504) and its internal face (506), the electronic circuit (530) being flexible and extending according to at least 50% of the length (L1) of the bracelet (502).

Sick call device (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bracelet (502) comprises at least one holding element (570) of an accessory (60, 70) arranged from the external face (504) of the bracelet (502). Sick call device (500) according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding element (570) and the bracelet (502) form a single piece. Sick call device (500) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized:

• in that the holding element (570) comprises two bosses (572), each extending along a transverse axis (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), the two bosses (572) being separated from each other relative to the other by a longitudinal distance (d),
• and in that each boss (572) includes a transverse through hole (574) for receiving an accessory fixing element (60, 70).

Sick call device (500) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the holding element (570) comprises at least one pair of elastic tabs (576) arranged facing one with respect to the 'other. Sick call device (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized:

• in that it comprises a removable ring (520) slidably mounted on the bracelet (502),
• and in that the sensor (550) is an optical sensor (552) fixedly mounted on the removable ring (520).

Sick call device (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (550) comprises an accelerometer (554) and/or an altimeter (556) arranged in the bracelet (502) and forming a detector of falls. Sick call device (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an alert button (560) integrated into the electronic circuit (530) and which emits an alert signal when the alarm button alert (560) is activated. Sick call system (20) characterized in that it comprises:

• at least one sick call device (500) according to any one of the preceding claims,
• at least one mobile receiver (40) receiving alert signals transmitted by the transmission antenna (534) of the sick call device (500), the mobile receiver (40) being at a distance from the sick call device (500), and
• a control unit (30) for saving data related to alert signals.

Method of manufacturing the sick call device (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a step of manufacturing the bracelet (502) in 3D printing comprising the following sub-steps:

• printing a strip comprising a recess which extends longitudinally along at least 50% of the length of the strip, said strip being designed to form the strap of the bracelet (502), and
• insertion by sliding of the electronic circuit (530) inside the strip, in the longitudinal recess of the strip.