DE102010041650A1 - Volume for the collection of vital data of a person - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tape for recording vital data of a person, comprising at least one reversibly stretchable film with a first stretching parameter, the film being designed in such a way that it records a change in at least one parameter of the vital data of the person, and a corresponding use.

Description

The invention relates to a tape for the acquisition of vital data of a person.

Against the background of the ever increasing number of elderly people in the population, so-called age-assistance systems are becoming increasingly important in supporting elderly and unstable persons. This includes in particular the monitoring of the physical condition of such a person, so for example the detection of pulse, temperature or the sweat production of the respective person to be monitored.

For example, to measure a person's pulse, wrist or chest strap versions of heart rate monitors are known. To measure the blood pressure of a person, blood pressure measuring devices have become known, which can measure the heart rate, coupled with a corresponding manual pressure sensor by applying a tape with compressed air.

However, such devices are complicated to produce, relatively heavy and require a lot of space. In addition, they are less flexible because they can measure only a single specific parameter, such as blood pressure or pulse rate.

An object of the present invention is therefore to specify a device for recording vital data of a person, which is more flexible to handle or usable and has a space and weight-saving structure. Finally, this device should be simple and inexpensive to produce and have sufficient accuracy in the detection of vital signs.

The object is achieved by a band for acquiring vital data of a person, comprising at least one reversibly stretchable film with a first stretching parameter, the film being designed such that it detects a change in at least one parameter of the person's vital data. The tape of the reversibly stretchable film is space and weight-saving and can also be used flexibly, for example, at different parts of the body of the person for the collection of vital data. At the same time, the production of the film is simple and inexpensive.

Advantageously, the film contains at least partially electrically conductive particles. The achieved advantage is that the electrically conductive particles provide a total variable electrical conductivity of the band with a corresponding elongation of the film. Based on this, for example, by an elongation, changed conductivity, then the vital data of the person can be reliably determined by means of the tape.

Conveniently, the electrically conductive particles at least partially contain nanocarbon tubes. If nanocarbon tubes are used as electrically conductive particles, much less electrically conductive particles can be introduced into the foil due to the properties of nanocarbon tubes in order to achieve a given conductivity. Despite the hitherto even higher production price of the nanocarbon tubes, a reduction in the overall cost of the band is possible.

Expediently, the nanocarbon tubes in the film have a weight percentage of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, in particular less than 1%. Thus, an optimum is achieved from a change in the conductivity by stretching the band and the necessary accuracy for the acquisition of vital data from the tape.

Conveniently, the film has a thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.05 mm. In this way, the film is simple and inexpensive, especially in large quantities, produced. At the same time the film is still reversible stretchable and also has sufficient strength.

Advantageously, the film comprises a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic polymer and / or silicone and / or an epoxy resin. This increases the flexibility of the tape. In order to detect moisture, for example by perspiration, silicones and silicone-based elastomers are advantageous because they have a high permeability to water vapor.

Conveniently, at least one further reversibly stretchable film is arranged, which has a second expansion parameter, which differs from the first expansion parameter. In this way, the flexibility of the band is further increased, since the measurement range of the band can be expanded in total for vital functions by the arrangement of a second further film. If a second film is arranged in addition to the first film, it may have a second stretching region, such that the respective sensitivity ranges of the first and second films differ, thus increasing the overall sensitivity of the tape. It is possible that the second stretchable film, for example, perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the first film is sensitively formed for the detection of vital data, so that, for example, not only strains of the tape in the longitudinal direction, but also in a transverse direction can be detected.

Advantageously, the band additionally comprises an evaluation and / or a, in particular wireless, forwarding unit for evaluating and forwarding the detected change of the parameter. In this way it is possible to display the evaluated data, for example, the person to be monitored. When forwarded to a computer of a physician, for example, a graphic evaluation of the detected change of the parameter can be made directly. A conversion of data, etc. on the computer of the doctor is no longer necessary.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to FIGS. It shows

1 the course of the resistivity as a function of the weight fraction of nanocarbon tubes in a film;

2 the change in conductivity with mechanical deformation of the film over time;

3 the schematic structure of a band according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In 1 an xy-diagram is shown, being above the x-axis 10 , which represents the weight percentage of nanocarbon tubes in a foil filled with different nanocarbon tubes, the specific resistances 11 the respective film is applied. The specific resistance 11 is in 1 in ohmcm. Also shown are three curves 20 . 21 and 22 for a film, each with different types of nanocarbon tubes. For curve 20 nanocarbon tubes of the type Nanocyl NC 3100 were used, at curve 21 Standard "Bay Tubes" from Bayer, at Kurve 22 Bay Tubes C 150 HP from Bayer and at Kurve 23 Nanocarbon tubes of the type Nanocyl NC 3101.

The following is the course of the curves 20 - 23 briefly described. At a filling level F ₀ = 0, the specific resistance of the tape is approximately 1.0 × 10 ¹⁶ ohm cm. At a filling level F ₁ of about 0.08, the specific resistance is about 1.0 × 10 ⁶ Ωcm (curve 20 ), 1.0 × 10 ¹¹ Ωcm (curve 21 ), at curve 22 about 0.95 × 10 ¹² Ωcm and in the case of curve 23 about 3 × 10 ¹⁵ Ωcm. In the case of a filling level F ₂ of about 0.43, the specific resistance is about 1.1 × 10 ⁴ Ωcm (curve 20 ), about 5 × 10 ⁶ Ωcm (curve 21 ), approx. 1.0 × 10 ¹² Ωcm (curve 22 ) and about 2 × 10 ¹² Ωcm in the case of the curve 23 , At a fill level of about 0.86, the resistivity is 1.0 × 10 ³ Ωcm (curve 20 ), approx. 1.0 × 10 ⁴ Ωcm (curve 21 ), 8 × 10 ⁸ Ωcm (curve 22 ) and about 1.0 × 10 ¹¹ Ωcm (curve 23 ).

2 shows an xy-diagram, where the x-axis 12 the time in seconds. On the y-axis 13 On the left, the conductivity is shown in units of 10 ^-6 Siemens per unit area and on the right side another y-axis 14 which indicates a force in N. Overall, in 2 the mechanical deformation of a filled with 0.5 wt .-% nanocarbon tubes polyurethane film shown. The curve 25 represents the force acting on the polyurethane film force as a function of time. The curve 25 rises from the zero point substantially linearly to 140 N at a time of about 180 seconds and is then constant to 500 seconds. The curve 24 represents the conductivity of the polyurethane film. Without the intervention of a force, this is 0.3 × 10 ^-6 Siemens per unit area. After less than 2 seconds, the conductivity drops to approx. 0.22.10 ^-6 Siemens per unit area, then increases slightly on average to a value of approx. 0.235 at a time of approx. 175 seconds. The deflection rate is about 0.00014 per second. Since the force no longer changes from this point in time, ie is constant at 140 N, changes in the further course of the curve 24 the conductivity barely. It rises on average to 0.245 × 10 ^-6 Siemens per unit area. It can therefore be seen that a considerable reduction in the conductivity can be measured, in particular in the case of small deformations of the polyurethane film taking place over relatively short time scales. In the course of this does not change much more. This effect can be used, for example, for a detection in the fall of a person or for pulse measurement.

In 3 is an arm 3 a person shown in schematic form. Around this arm is at a suitable position a band 1 comprising a reversibly stretchable film 2 arranged. Furthermore, on the outside of the band 1 an evaluation and forwarding unit 9 arranged.

In 3b is the band 1 shown in schematic form in cross section. Inside the band 1 is the reversibly stretchable film 2 arranged which electrically conductive nanocarbon tubes 4 having. The thickness of the film 2 is less than 0.05 mm. On the top and bottom of the tape shown in side view 1 each is a protective layer 2a . 2 B shown the foil 2 on the one hand protects against excessive overload and on the other hand against damaging environmental influences, such as scrubbing, etc. Of course, if the tape 1 is used to measure moisture or sweat production of a person, the person adjacent protective layer 2a . 2 B be removed to at least partially direct contact of the film 2 to be able to produce with a surface of the person, for example, a skin surface.

3c shows a second embodiment of the tape according to the invention 1 , Inside the band 1 are now two superimposed films 2 . 6 arranged. Both slides 2 . 6 have electrically conductive particles 4 . 8th on, for example, as in 3c shown, the same type, but in different concentrations (wt .-%) in the respective films 2 . 6 may be present. In addition, it is of course possible, instead of changing the concentration or the proportion of the same nanocarbon tubes and different nanocarbon tubes in the adjacent films 2 . 6 to use the measuring range of the tape 1 to expand. Of course, both the proportion and the type of nanocarbon tubes can be used 4 . 8th in the respective slides 2 . 6 be varied. On the outside of the slide 2 . 6 are again protective layers 2a . 2 B for protection against mechanical effects on the films 2 . 6 arranged.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in many ways.

Suitable nanocarbon tubes are, for example, materials from Nanocyl (NC7000, NC3100) or Bayer (Bay Tubes C150P, C150HP). In addition, specially oriented, so-called "Aligned Carbonanotubes" can be used. Furthermore, it is possible, the reversibly stretchable film or even several films locally limited with a smaller thickness 5 to provide, preferably in the thickness and / or in the width direction. In this way, the sensitivity or sensitivity of the tape can be 1 even further increase. Further materials for the reversibly stretchable film also include polymeric matrix materials, for example flexibilized epoxy resins or other crosslinking materials, such as polyurethanes or polyester resins. Likewise, it is also possible to use silicones or silicone-based elastomers. Finally, thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic elastomers based on polyurethane and / or polyamide and thermoplastics such as polyamides, polyethylenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polyolefins and mixtures thereof are also possible as carrier material for the electrically conductive particles.

In summary, the band has the advantage that this is inexpensive, easy to manufacture and has a low weight. In addition, it is flexible.

Claims (9)

Tape ( 1 ) for the acquisition of vital data of a person, comprising at least one reversibly stretchable film ( 2 ) with a first stretching parameter, wherein the film ( 2 ) is designed such that it detects a change in at least one parameter of the vital data of the person. A tape according to claim 1, wherein the film ( 2 ) at least partially electrically conductive particles ( 4 . 8th ) contains. Tape according to at least one of claims 1-2, wherein the electrically conductive particles ( 4 . 8th ) at least partially contain nanocarbon tubes. A belt according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the nanocarbon tubes ( 4 . 8th ) in the film have a weight percentage of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, in particular less than 1%. A belt according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the film ( 2 ) a thickness ( 5 ) of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.05 mm. A belt according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the film ( 2 ) comprises a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic polymer, and / or silicone and / or an epoxy resin. Tape according to at least one of claims 1-6, wherein at least one further reversibly stretchable film ( 6 ) having a second stretch parameter different from the first stretch parameter. A belt according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the belt ( 1 ) additionally an evaluation and / or a particular wireless forwarding unit ( 9 ) for evaluating and forwarding the detected change of the parameter. Using a tape ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1-8 for medical purposes, in particular for the acquisition of vital data of a person and / or as strain gauges in mechanical tests and / or for the monitoring of moisture in a building.

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