DE102015015588B4 - Apparatus for the non-invasive detection of gaseous metabolic products on the skin and method for their continuous analysis - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (10) for non-invasive detection of gaseous metabolic products on the skin, wherein the device (10) comprises a fastening device (20), an electrochemical gas sensor (30), a receiving device (40), an evaluation unit (60) and an output unit ( 70), wherein the gas sensor (30) in the receiving device (40) is arranged, wherein at least the receiving device (40) and the gas sensor (30) form a sensor module (50), wherein the sensor module (50) has a contact surface (51). and wherein between the contact surface (50) and the gas sensor (30) is formed a gas-conducting connection.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the non-invasive detection of gaseous metabolic products on the skin and to a method for the continuous lactate determination with the aid of such a device.

It is well known that metabolic products can provide information about a person's fitness and health status. The metabolic products dissolved in the plasma or other body fluids are often associated with the gaseous metabolic products released via skin and lung respiration. Sweat can also contain dissolved metabolites, which can then evaporate out of them as gaseous products. In this context, gaseous metabolic products are generally understood to mean gases which are either released directly via respiration or, for example, are dissolved in sweat and can evaporate from there. Breathing in this context includes both lung and skin respiration.

An interesting value, especially in the case of physical stress associated with muscular work, which is frequently used for professional training monitoring, is the lactate value. The lactate value can provide information about whether the exercising person is in the aerobic or anaerobic area. Thus, several hours are possible below the anaerobic threshold, whereas there is a lactate accumulation above this threshold. During physical activity, the lactate concentration reflects the energy supply in the loaded muscles and is thus suitable for assessing the current individual performance. It is known that the lactate value correlates with the ammonia value.

The typical and hitherto most exact procedure in the field of sports medicine for determining the lactate value is to take blood samples from a training person at regular intervals during training. In these blood samples, the amount of lactate present in the plasma is then determined by means of laboratory diagnostic means. Alternatively, the ammonia value in the plasma can be determined. It is known that lactate and ammonia behave in parallel in the so-called step test ( SCHULZ, H .; HECK H .: Ammonia in performance diagnostics. In: German Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 52, 2001, H. 3, pp. 107-108. - ISSN 0344-5925 ). However, a major drawback of this method is firstly that it is very unpleasant for the person examined, since a regular blood sampling at short intervals is required. On the other hand, this method allows only one-time observation.

It has therefore been attempted to develop alternative methods that are as far as possible non-invasive and permit continuous measurement. So, for example, suggests DE 20 2009 015 626 U1 a device for the non-invasive determination of threshold exercise limits during exercise. A special method of signal processing is used to deduce the threshold load limit based on the heart period. Also DE 10 2007 025 664 A1 provides a method for automatically registering a subject's physical performance using the ECG data. However, none of these methods is capable of providing direct information about the lactate value or at least the ammonia value.

DE 698 30 167 T2 proposes biosensors with glucose-enzyme electrodes to measure metabolic products. However, these are injection sensors used to analyze blood samples.

DE 697 29 185 T2 relates to a sensor for measuring an analyte in a biological sample. As well as DE 698 30 167 T2 With the help of this sensor, glucose should be measured in a blood sample.

In addition to the sports medical training accompaniment, it is also in other areas of interest to gain information on whether a person is below or above the anaerobic threshold of their performance range. This may be the case, for example, with firefighters or other people who need to physically work with heavy-duty protective equipment under severe environmental conditions. In such a case, it goes without saying that a regular blood sampling during use is not possible.

On this basis, it is an object of the invention to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved device for detecting gaseous metabolic products. This should be inexpensive and easy to manufacture. For example, the device should be suitable for the continuous detection of metabolic parameters, in particular those which are suitable for determining the lactate value.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a device according to claim 1, and a method according to claim 11. Embodiments are each the subject of the dependent claims.

In a device for detecting gaseous metabolic products, the invention provides that the device has a Fastening device, an electrochemical gas sensor, a receiving device, an evaluation unit and an output unit, wherein the gas sensor is arranged in the receiving device, wherein at least the receiving device and the gas sensor form a sensor module, wherein the sensor module has a contact surface and wherein between the contact surface and the gas sensor a gas-conducting connection is formed.

The fastening device is designed such that it makes it possible to attach the device to the body of the person to be examined or monitored (hereinafter also referred to as subject) that the contact surface rests on the skin of the subject. It can be seen that it is favorable if a gas-conducting connection is formed between the contact surface and the gas sensor. Such a gas-conducting compound can be, for example, through a hole in the contact surface. The hole can be arranged opposite the gas inlet of the gas sensor arranged in the sensor module. It is also conceivable that the hole is the output of a gas-conducting channel which is connected to a gas inlet of the gas sensor. It is also conceivable that the gas-conducting compound is formed by a gas-conducting membrane (a membrane through which gases can pass). This membrane can form the contact surface. It can be seen that it can have a skin-facing and a skin-facing side. The skin-facing side is when using the device on the skin of the subject. The skin-remote side faces the interior of the sensor module. For example, it may be opposite the gas inlet of the gas sensor. In any case, it can be seen that the gas-conducting compound serves to guide gases which are released in the region of the contact surface from the skin or from the perspiration of the subject to the gas sensor.

With the help of the electrochemical gas sensor (hereinafter also referred to as gas sensor) gaseous metabolites can be detected in this way. For example, it is conceivable that with the aid of the gas sensor ammonia, acetone, isoproene, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol or other typical gaseous metabolites which are released via the respiration, are detectable. It can be seen that a particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that it allows continuous monitoring of these metabolic products. Another great benefit is that it is non-invasive to this continuous monitoring. Such an electrochemical gas sensor typically has a housing with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. Gas inlet and outlet can be formed through the same opening in the housing. In the housing at least two electrodes are arranged, which are immersed in a liquid electrolyte. The electrodes are further connected via an electrically conductive connection with each other. The opening serving as gas inlet or outlet may be sealed by a gas-permeable membrane. This gas-permeable membrane can on the one hand prevent electrolyte leakage and on the other hand that dirt and dust particles enter the sensor. It goes without saying that many variations of the electrode arrangement and the basic shape of such a gas sensor are conceivable.

The evaluation unit of the device can process the measured values detected by the gas sensor. The evaluation unit is, for example, a small processor with a memory unit and a processing unit. Comparative data for analyzing the value detected by the gas sensor can be stored in the evaluation unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the evaluation unit only serves to prepare the value detected by the gas sensor such that it can be output by the output unit. The output unit is used to make the detected measurement result for the subject or a person who monitors the subject recognizable and evaluable. It can either be a display device itself, which displays the information obtained optically or acoustically. Alternatively, the output unit may also be a device that transmits the information to such a display device. It is also conceivable that the output unit is simply a data logger which stores the values transmitted by the evaluation unit and which is read out from time to time. In this case, the output unit may also be part of the evaluation unit.

It is favorable in any case when the gas sensor is arranged in the receiving device. The receiving device may be a recess in the fastening device in the simplest case. In this recess, the gas sensor can be used. In the mounted state, the gas sensor is thus arranged in the recess. The receiving device may also be a housing in which the recess is formed. The housing has a lower, outer side and an upper, outer side. The lower, outer side faces the subject's skin when using the device. At least the gas sensor and the receiving device together form a sensor module. The sensor module can be formed integrally with the fastening device. It is also conceivable that the sensor module is a separate assembly from the fastening device on which the fastening device is mounted. In any case, the recess is formed in the part of the device that forms the sensor module. In this case, the lower, outer side of the receiving device a part or form the entire lower side of the sensor module. It is conceivable that the housing of the receiving device simultaneously forms the housing of the sensor module.

It can be seen that it is particularly favorable if the contact surface is formed on the sensor module. It is conceivable that the contact surface represents the lower part of the receiving device. The contact surface may also be the lower side of the sensor module. In other words, the contact surface is preferably the lower, outer side of the receiving device or of the sensor module. In this case, the contact surface can extend over the entire lower, outer side of the receiving device or the sensor module. The contact surface may also be limited to a portion of the lower, outer side of the receiving device or the sensor module. In any case, the contact surface has a skin-facing and a skin-facing side. The contact surface is further designed such that it rests smooth and flat on the skin of the subject when using the device.

The contact surface may ensure that the sensor is in fluid communication with gaseous substances secreted by the skin and / or perspiration of the wearer. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the contact surface forms a boundary of the receptacle, the receiving device or the sensor module.

In an embodiment variant, it is provided that the gas sensor is an ammonia sensor. This offers, in particular, the great advantage that non-invasive and continuous lactate determination is made possible with the aid of the device. The gas sensor can measure the amount of ammonia released via the skin or from the sweat. The obtained measured value can then be correlated in the evaluation unit with the corresponding lactate values.

It is favorable in any case when the fastening device is a chest strap, a headband or a band that can be laid around a limb. In other words, it is favorable if the fastening device is belt-shaped. Such a belt-shaped fastening device may for example have a first end and a second end. The first and second ends may each be attached to one side of the sensor module and connected to each other on the other side when the device is applied. The shape and length of such a fastening device may be adapted to the body part to which the device is to be applied.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the output unit is or comprises a display. On such a display, the measured values or the information obtained from the measured values can be read directly. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that only basic function displays are visible on the display and that the output unit additionally transmits data to a remotely located output device, as described above. The basic function displays can include, for example, the display of whether the device is switched on, whether a measurement is possible or whether there are error states.

In any case, it is favorable if the output unit and the evaluation unit are arranged in or on the receiving device. In a conceivable variant, the output unit and the evaluation unit are arranged together with the gas sensor in the housing of the receiving device, wherein the housing of the receiving device simultaneously forms the housing of the sensor module. It is also conceivable that the evaluation unit and the gas sensor are arranged in the housing of the receiving device, while the output unit is arranged on the upper, outer side of the housing. This is particularly conceivable if the output unit is a display. If the output unit is a data logger, it is also conceivable that the output unit is arranged in the evaluation unit.

In a further variant, it is provided that the device has a second fastening device, which has a display device. The second fastening device is spatially separated from the first fastening device. For example, it is conceivable that the first attachment device is a chest strap, which holds the sensor module to the chest of the subject, and that the second attachment device is a wrist or wrist strap. The first fastening device with the sensor module and all components arranged thereon or therein then forms a measuring module. The second fastening device with the display device forms a display module. The measuring module and the display module can communicate with each other. The display device can thus obtain the information of the output unit. It is preferred if the measuring module and the display module communicate wirelessly with one another, for example via radio (WiFi, Bluetooth or another wireless communication method). It can be seen that it is favorable if the output unit is a communication module with which a signal can be transmitted to the display module. In this context, a communication module is understood to mean a component or an assembly which, via a wireless connection, has a remote one Component or assembly can communicate. The communication can be done for example via radio, WiFi, Bluetooth or the like. The display module can also have an evaluation unit. This can be in a wireless communication connection with the output module of the measuring module designed as a communication module.

In each of the previously described embodiments, it can be provided that the device has at least one measuring device for further vital parameters. Such a measuring device may be another gas sensor that detects another gaseous metabolite. It is also conceivable that the measuring device for further vital parameters is an SpO2 sensor, a sensor for detecting the skin or core temperature or a sensor for detecting heart parameters, for example the pulse beat. It is also conceivable that the device has a plurality of measuring devices for further vital parameters. In any case, it is favorable if the measuring device (s) for further vital parameters are likewise arranged in the receiving device. The data acquired by them can then also be processed by the evaluation unit and output by the output unit, as already described above for the gas sensor.

A particular further advantage of the device is achieved in all variants described above if the electrochemical gas sensor has at least one first and one second electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte contains at least one solvent, a conducting salt and / or an organic mediator. Such an electrolyte is for example off DE 10 2013 014 995 A1 which is hereby explicitly and explicitly incorporated by reference with its full disclosure content.

The solvent may be selected from a group comprising water and alkylene carbonate or mixtures thereof, preferably from the group comprising water, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate or mixtures thereof. It is conceivable, for example, for the electrolyte to contain a mixture of propylene carbonate and / or ethylene carbonate as solvent, LiCl, KCl, tetrabutylammonium toluenesulfonate and / or 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tris (pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate or a mixture of two or more of these Having components and as an organic mediator tert-butyl hydroquinone and / or a substituted anthraquinone, preferably anthraquinone-2-sulfonate.

It is advantageous in any case when the anion of the conductive salt is selected from the group containing halides, carbonate, sulfonate, phosphate and / or phosphonate. In this case, it is preferred if the anion is an anion selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfonate, alkenyl sulfonate, aryl sulfonate, alkyl phosphate, alkenyl phosphate, aryl phosphate, substituted alkyl sulfonate, substituted alkenyl sulfonate, substituted aryl sulfonate, substituted alkyl phosphate, substituted alkenyl phosphate, substituted aryl phosphate, halogenated phosphate, halogenated sulfonate, halogenated alkyl sulfonate, halogenated alkenyl sulfonate, halogenated aryl sulfonate, halogenated alkyl phosphate, halogenated alkenyl Phosphate, halogenated aryl phosphate, more preferably an anion selected from the group consisting of fluorophosphate, alkyl fluorophosphate, aryl sulfonate, most preferably from the group containing perfluoroalkyl fluorophosphate, toluenesulfonate.

aufweisen, wobei R1, R2, R3, R4 und R5 unabhängig voneinander ausgewählt sein können aus -H, geradkettiges oder verzweigtes Alkyl mit 1 bis 20 C-Atomen, geradkettiges oder verzweigtes Alkenyl mit 2 bis 20 C-Atomen und einer oder mehreren Doppelbindungen, geradkettiges oder verzweigtes Aklinyl mit 2 bis 20 C-Atomen und einer oder mehreren Dreifachbindungen, gesättigtes, teilweise oder vollständig ungesättigtes Cycloalkyl mit 3-7 C-Atomen, das mit Alkylgruppen mit 1 bis 6 C-Atomen substituiert sein kann, gesättigtes teilweise oder vollständig ungesättigtes Heteroaryl, Heteroaryl-C1-C6-alkyl oder Aryl-C1-C6-alkyl, wobei besonders bevorzugt R2, R4 und R5 H sind und R1 und R3 jeweils unabhängig voneinander ein geradkettiges oder verzweigtes Alkyl mit 1 bis 20 C-Atomen.As cations, the conducting salt may contain metal ions, onium ions or a mixture of metal ions and onium ions. It is conceivable that the metal ions are selected from alkali metal ions or alkaline earth metal ions, preferably from Li, K and / or Na. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the onium ions are selected from ammonium, phosphonium, guanidinium cations and heterocyclic cations, preferably selected from alkylammonium and heterocyclic cations, more preferably selected from alkylammonium, imidazolium and / or substituted imidazolium ions, wherein the substituted imidazolium Ions prefer a structure according to the formula

have, wherein R1 . R2 . R3 . R4 and R5 may independently of one another be selected from -H, straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms, straight-chain or branched alkenyl having 2 to 20 C atoms and one or more double bonds, straight-chain or branched Aklinyl having 2 to 20 C atoms and one or more triple bonds, saturated, partially or completely unsaturated cycloalkyl having 3-7 C atoms, which may be substituted by alkyl groups having 1 to 6 C atoms, saturated partially or completely unsaturated heteroaryl, heteroaryl C1 - C6 alkyl or aryl C1 - C6 alkyl, with particular preference R2 . R4 and R5 H are and R1 and R3 each independently of one another a straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms.

The organic mediator may be, for example, a polyhydroxy compound which upon oxidation forms a quinoidal system or a naphthalene system. For example, the organic mediator may be selected from the group consisting of ortho-dihydroxybenzene, para-dihydroxybenzene, substituted ortho-dihydroxybenzenes and substituted para-dihydroxybenzenes, dihydroxynaphthalene, substituted dihydroxynaphthalene, anthrahydroquinone, substituted anthrahydroquinone, preferably 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, 1,4-dihydroxybenzene , naphthohydroquinone, substituted 1,2- or 1,4-dihydroxybenzene, substituted hydroquinone, substituted naphthohydroquinone, more preferably substituted anthrahydroquinone, substituted hydroquinone, substituted 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. The substituents of the substituted anthraquinone, substituted 1,2-dihydroxybenzene and / or substituted 1,4-hydroquinone may be selected from the group comprising sulfonyl, tert-butyl, hydroxy, alkyl, aryl, preferably sulfonic acid and / or tert-butyl.

The electrolyte may further contain a buffer, wherein the buffer is preferably a compound according to the formula R ¹ - (CR ² R ³ ) _n -SO ₃ H with n = 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, preferably n = 2 or n = 3, wherein all R ² and R ^{3 are} independently selected from H, NH and OH, and wherein R ^{1 is} selected from the group containing piperazinyl, substituted piperazinyl, N-morpholino, cycloalkyl, tris (hydroxyalkyl) alkyl. It is conceivable that n = 2 or n = 3, wherein all R ² and R ^{3 are} independently selected from H, NH and OH, and wherein R1 is selected from [4- (2-hydroxyethyl) -1] piperazinyl, (N-morpholino), N-cyclohexyl, tris (hydroxymethyl) methyl, the buffer preferably 3- (N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid or 3- (N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid or N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid.

It is also conceivable that the electrolyte contains as a further component a component for lowering the vapor pressure, wherein the further component is preferably an alkylene glycol or polyalkylene glycol, particularly preferably propylene glycol, ethylene glycol or a mixture of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

In a further aspect, it is advantageous for all of the previously described embodiments if at least one of the electrodes is a carbon electrode. Such a carbon electrode may, for example, be a CNT, DLC or graphene electrode.

1. a. Anlegen der Vorrichtung, derart, dass die Kontaktfläche an der Hautoberfläche der zu untersuchenden Person anliegt,
2. b. Messen der über die Haut abgegebenen Ammoniakkonzentration mit Hilfe des Ammoniaksensors
3. c. Übermitteln des Messwertes an die Auswerteeinrichtung
4. d. Korrelieren des gemessenen Ammoniakwertes mit einem in der Auswerteeinrichtung hinterlegtem Laktatwert
5. e. Übermitteln des Laktatwertes an die Ausgabeeinheit
6. f. Wiederholen der Schritte b. bis e..

In order to achieve the object described above, the invention further proposes a method for the continuous analysis of metabolic products, which allow a determination of lactate values, with a device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps

1. a. Applying the device such that the contact surface bears against the skin surface of the person to be examined,
2. b. Measuring the ammonia concentration emitted through the skin using the ammonia sensor
3. c. Transmission of the measured value to the evaluation device
4. d. Correlating the measured ammonia value with a lactate value stored in the evaluation device
5. e. Transmitting the lactate value to the output unit
6. f. Repeat the steps b , until e ..

A metabolic product that allows determination of lactate levels is, for example, ammonia as described above.

Applying the device according to step a , takes place, for example, by the sensor module is placed at the desired location and is fixed there by means of the fastening device. If the device consists of a measuring module and a display module, the display module is also applied and fixed with the second fastening device.

Measuring the amount of ammonia released through the skin according to the step b , takes place by passing out of the skin respiration or from the sweat evaporating ammonia through the gas-conducting connection between the contact surface and the gas sensor to the gas sensor. The gas sensor then measures the amount of ammonia arriving there. The measured value is then in step c , transmitted to the evaluation unit.

Correlating the measured ammonia value with stored lactate values in step c , can be done in a simple variant by simply comparing measured and stored values. For example, a memory unit may be present in the evaluation unit, in which corresponding comparison values are stored. It is also conceivable that the correlation takes place by the application of a stored algorithm.

In any case, the correlated value is forwarded to the output unit. The output unit can then either display this value directly or redirect it to another output device. It is also conceivable that the output unit displays the value and in addition to forward a remote output device. The forwarding to a remotely located output device can be done for example by means of a radio link or the like.

It is especially advantageous when step by step f , the steps b , to e. be repeated. This allows continuous monitoring of a subject. In that sense, it is convenient if the steps b , to e. be repeated continuously.

1. a. Anlegen des Messmoduls, derart, dass die Kontaktfläche an der Hautoberfläche der zu untersuchenden Person anliegt,
2. b. Messen der über die Haut abgegebenen Ammoniakkonzentration mit Hilfe des Ammoniaksensors;
3. c. Übermitteln des Messwertes an die Auswerteeinrichtung
4. d. Übermitteln des Messwertes an die Ausgabeeinheit
5. e. Übermitteln des Messwertes an die Auswerteeinrichtung des Anzeigemoduls
6. f. Korrelieren des gemessenen Ammoniakwertes mit einem in der Auswerteeinrichtung hinterlegtem Laktatwert
7. g. Übermitteln des Laktatwertes an die Ausgabeeinheit des Anzeigemoduls
8. h. Wiederholen der Schritte b. bis g..

In a variant of the method, it is also conceivable that the method comprises the following steps:

1. a. Applying the measuring module, such that the contact surface bears against the skin surface of the person to be examined,
2. b. Measuring ammonia concentration delivered via the skin using the ammonia sensor;
3. c. Transmission of the measured value to the evaluation device
4. d. Transmission of the measured value to the output unit
5. e. Transmission of the measured value to the evaluation of the display module
6. f. Correlating the measured ammonia value with a lactate value stored in the evaluation device
7. G. Transmitting the lactate value to the output unit of the display module
8. H. Repeat the steps b , to g ..

It can be seen that this variant of the method is particularly advantageous if the device comprises a measuring module and a display module.

• 1a bis 1d Verschiedene Ausführungsvarianten für eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung;
• 2a und 2b weitere Ausführungsvarianten für eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung;
• 3a den schematischen Ablauf eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 3b den schematischen Ablauf einer alternativen Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 4a Messkurve des nachfolgend beschriebenen Messbeispiels Nr. 1,
• 4b Messkurve des nachfolgend beschriebenen Messbeispiels Nr. 2.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims, as well as from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1a to 1d Various embodiments for a device according to the invention;
• 2a and 2 B further embodiments for a device according to the invention;
• 3a the schematic sequence of a method according to the invention;
• 3b the schematic sequence of an alternative variant of the method according to the invention;
• 4a Measuring curve of the measuring example no. 1 described below,
• 4b Measuring curve of the measuring example no. 2 described below.

The 1a to 1d each show a device 10 with a fastening device 20 and a recording device 40 , The fastening device 20 is belt-shaped. She has a first end 21 and a second end 22 ,

The cradle 40 has a housing 43 with a lower, outer side 41 and an upper, outer side 42 , In the case 43 is a gas sensor 30 arranged. The cradle 40 furthermore comprises an evaluation unit 60 , an output unit 70 , For power supply is still a battery 80 available. In all embodiments shown, the receiving device form 40 and the gas sensor 30 a sensor module 50 , The sensor module 50 also includes the evaluation unit 60 and the output unit 70 , In the in 1a and 1 c shown embodiments, the output unit 70 while inside the case 43 arranged. In the in the 1b and 1d shown embodiments, the output unit 70 on the outside of the case 43 arranged. The on the outside of the case 43 arranged output unit 70 is designed as a display.

One recognizes in the 1a to 1d that the lower, outer side 41 the cradle 40 the lower, outer side of the sensor module 50 forms. This lower, outer side of the sensor module 50 forms all or part of the contact surface 51 , Between the contact surface 51 and the gas sensor 30 a gas-conducting connection is formed.

The in the 1c and 1d illustrated embodiments additionally have another measuring device 31 on. One recognizes that the further measuring device 31 also in the recording device 40 is arranged. Also the other measuring device 31 is part of the sensor module 50 ,

Also in the 2a and 2 B one recognizes, as in the previously described 1a to 1d that the cradle 40 with the gas sensor 30 a sensor module 50 forms, on which a fastening device 20 is arranged. The sensor module 50 here also includes an evaluation unit 60 and an output unit 70 , The power supply is also a battery here 80 intended. The sensor module 50 forms in these embodiments together with the fastening device 20 a measuring module 101 ,

It can be seen that the measuring module 101 via a wireless communication link F with a display module 102 communicates.

In the in 2a illustrated embodiment, the output unit 70 inside the case 43 the cradle 40 arranged. The output unit 70 transmits the data from the evaluation unit 60 provided values to another evaluation unit 601 , This further evaluation unit 601 is in or on a display device 401 educated. The display device 401 is part of the display module 102 , The display module 102 also has a second fastening device 23 on. Also the second fastening device 23 is belt-shaped and has a first end 231 and a second end 232 , For power supply also has the display module 102 a battery 801 on.

In the in 2 B illustrated embodiment, the output unit 70 on the upper, outer side 42 of the housing 43 the cradle 40 arranged. It is designed as a display and can display various function information as well as measured values. In this embodiment, the evaluation unit transmits 60 their values directly to the further evaluation unit 601 , Also this further evaluation unit 601 is in or on a display device 401 educated. The display device 401 is in turn part of the display module 102 ,

One recognizes further that the in 2 B illustrated embodiment as the embodiment, the in 1d shown is another measuring device 31 having. The other measuring device 31 is as above regarding 1d described trained and arranged.

The gas sensor 30 is in all embodiments shown, any electrochemical gas sensor 30 which can detect one or more gaseous metabolites.

In a special embodiment, the gas sensor 30 an ammonia sensor. This ammonia sensor comprises at least a first and a second electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte contains at least one solvent, a conducting salt and / or an organic mediator. The electrolyte corresponds to that in DE 10 2013 014 995 A1 described in detail electrolytes. It is in this respect again explicitly on the above and on the DE 10 2013 014 995 A1 in their entire disclosure.

Is the gas sensor 30 , an ammonia sensor, so are all of the previously described and in the 1a to 1d , and 2a and 2b Ausführungsvarianienten shown are suitable to the in 3a schematically illustrated method to perform lactate determination.

One recognizes in 3a in that the device is in a first method step a is created. The application takes place in such a way that the contact surface 51 on the skin surface of the person to be examined. In the next process step b the measurement of the ammonia concentration emitted via the skin takes place. The measuring takes place with the help of the gas sensor 30 , For this purpose, the gaseous ammonia released from the skin or from the perspiration is transmitted via the gas-conducting connection between the contact surface 51 and the gas sensor 30 to the gas sensor 30 directed and measured there. In the following process step c the measured value is sent to the evaluation unit 60 transmitted. In the evaluation unit 60 the measured ammonia values are then corresponding to process step d correlated with deposited data. Each ammonia value is correlated with a specific lactate value. Ultimately, the lactate value will correspond to the process step e to the output unit 70 transmitted. According to process step f then become the steps b to e repeated.

1. a. Anlegen der Vorrichtung, derart, dass die Kontaktfläche 51 an der Hautoberfläche der zu untersuchenden Person anliegt,
2. b. Messen der über die Haut abgegebenen Ammoniakkonzentration mit Hilfe des Gassensors 30,
3. c. Übermitteln des Messwertes an die Auswerteeinrichtung 60,
4. d. Korrelieren des gemessenen Ammoniakwertes mit einem in der Auswerteeinrichtung 60 hinterlegtem Laktatwert,
5. e. Übermitteln des Laktatwertes an die Ausgabeeinheit 70,
6. f. Wiederholen der Schritte b. bis e..

In other words, that in 3a schematically illustrated method comprises the following steps

1. a. Applying the device, such that the contact surface 51 on the skin surface of the person to be examined,
2. b. Measuring the concentration of ammonia released via the skin using the gas sensor 30 .
3. c. Transmission of the measured value to the evaluation device 60 .
4. d. Correlating the measured ammonia value with one in the evaluation device 60 deposited lactate value,
5. e. Transmitting the lactate value to the output unit 70 .
6. f. Repeat the steps b , until e ..

3b shows an alternative variant of the method, which with the in 2a and 2 B illustrated embodiments is executable. Here are the first for 3a described method steps a . b . c executed until the transmission of the measured value to the evaluation unit. In process step a , the measuring module is created when the device 101 designed so that the contact surface 51 on the skin surface of the person to be examined.

After the measured value according to the process step c to the evaluation unit 60 or alternatively directly from the evaluation unit 60 was detected, the measured value in the in 3b illustrated method in the subsequent process step d 'to the output unit 70 of the measuring module 101 passed. According to the next method step e ', the output unit indicates 70 of the measuring module 101 then send the measured value to the evaluation unit 601 of the display module 102 continue. The evaluation unit 601 of the display module 102 in the next method step f ', the measured value is correlated, as described above, with a stored lactate value. In the next process step G transmits the evaluation unit 601 the correlated lactate value to the output unit 701 of the display module. Finally, according to the last process step H the step b to G repeated.

In the 4a and 4b one recognizes two different measuring examples, which with the help of a device 10 were carried out as they are in relation to the 1a to 1b and 2a and 2b described above. The 4a and 4b each show the measured ammonia value.

Measuring example 1

The measurement takes place in a designated as runners A subject with 85 kg body weight and an age of 47 years. The subject was continuously observed after a warm-up period of 10 minutes over a period of 80 minutes while being subjected to a physical load by running. With the aid of the device according to the invention, the concentration of ammonia in body perspiration was measured under load.

On the y-axis of the 4a the measured ammonia value is shown as concentration ppm. The time in minutes is shown on the x-axis. It can be seen that the measured ammonia concentration is initially at a value of about 2.0 ppm and then increases to a value of about 9.0 ppm. The curve labeled Measured shows the actual readings of ammonia in body sweat under load. The polynomial curve shows the polynomial calculated from the actual knife values. It can be clearly seen that the ammonia value continuously increases over the duration of the load.

Measuring example 2

The measurement takes place in a designated as runners B subjects with 88 kg body weight and an age of 60 years. The subject was continuously monitored over a period of 25 minutes while being subjected to exercise stress. With the aid of the device according to the invention, the concentration of ammonia in body perspiration was measured under load.

On the y-axis of the 4b the measured ammonia value is shown as concentration ppm. The time in minutes is shown on the x-axis. It can be seen that the measured ammonia concentration is initially at a value of about 1.0 ppm and then increases to a value of about 7.0 ppm. The curve labeled Measured shows the actual readings of ammonia in body sweat under load. The polynomial curve shows the polynomial calculated from the actual knife values. It can also be clearly seen here that the ammonia value increases continuously over the duration of the load.

The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways.

So it is conceivable, for example, that in the 1a to 1d illustrated fastening device 20 with the housing 43 the cradle 40 can be integrally formed. In other words, the fastening device and the sensor module 50 can be formed in one piece.

Instead of the battery 80 Of course, a solar module or another alternative power source can be provided.

Furthermore, in all described embodiments and variants also conceivable that the evaluation unit 60 determined the knife value itself. In other words, it is also conceivable that in process step c not to the evaluation unit 60 but directly from the evaluation unit 60 is determined.

All of the claims, the description and the drawings resulting features and advantages, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps may be essential to the invention both in itself and in a variety of combinations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

F

communication link

a

step

b

step

c

step

d

step

e

step

f

step

d '

step

e '

step

f '

step

G

step

H

step

10

device

101

measurement module

102

display module

20

fastening device

21

The End

22

The End

23

fastening device

231

fastening device

232

fastening device

30

gas sensor

31

measuring device

40

cradle

401

cradle

41

page

42

page

43

casing

50

sensor module

51

contact area

60

evaluation

601

evaluation

70

output unit

701

output unit

80

battery

801

battery

Claims (11)

Device (10) for the non-invasive detection of gaseous metabolic products on the skin, wherein the device (10) comprises a fastening device (20), an electrochemical gas sensor (30), a receiving device (40), an evaluation unit (60) and an output unit ( 70), wherein the gas sensor (30) in the receiving device (40) is arranged, wherein at least the receiving device (40) and the gas sensor (30) form a sensor module (50), wherein the sensor module (50) has a contact surface (51). and wherein between the contact surface (50) and the gas sensor (30) is formed a gas-conducting connection. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the gas sensor (30) is an ammonia sensor. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (20) is a chest strap, a headband or a band which can be laid around a limb. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (70) is or comprises a display. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (70) and / or the evaluation unit (60) is arranged in or on the receiving device (40). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a measuring module (101) and a display module (102), wherein the measuring module (101), the fastening device (22), the sensor module (50), the evaluation unit (60) and the output unit (70). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (70) is a communication module, with which a signal to the display module (102) is transferable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has at least one measuring device (31) for further vital parameters. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrochemical gas sensor (30) comprises at least a first and a second electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte contains at least one solvent, a conducting salt and / or an organic mediator. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes is a carbon electrode. Method for the non-invasive continuous analysis of metabolic products on the skin, which allow the determination of lactate values a device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps a. Applying the device, such that the contact surface (51) bears against the skin surface of the person to be examined, b. Measuring the ammonia concentration emitted via the skin by means of the gas sensor (30), c. Transmitting the measured value to the evaluation device (60), d. Correlating the measured ammonia value with a lactate value stored in the evaluation device (60), e. Transmitting the lactate value to the output device (70), f. Repeat steps b. until e ..

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