201032843 六、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 說明性實施例一般而言係關於 承關於醫學冶療系統，且更特定 而言係關於用於監控一租繃邮7由 、、且織。p位處之一壓力之壓力開關、 傳訊器、系統及方法。 【先前技術】 一患者身體上之組織部位常常因該患者之位置或行為而 經受若干變化壓力位準。-患者或護理者可期望知曉施加 於-特定組織部位上之壓力是否過多。舉例而言，一糖尿 病患者所經受之足部潰瘍可因某些行為（例如行走）而經歷 若干變μ力位準。可使用釋㈣絲來減輕足部清癌上 之壓力，但不始終有效地減小足部潰瘍上之壓力。另外， 多於82%的糖尿病患者亦可缺乏確定施加於潰瘍上之壓力 量是否過多之保護性知覺。保護性知覺之此缺少可係由週 邊神經病變引起，其常常折磨具有潰瘍之糖尿病患者。 【發明内容】 根據一說明性實施例，一種用於監控一施加於一組織部 位上之壓力之裝置包含一適於毗鄰該組織部位放置之壓力 開關。該壓力開關包含：一天線，其可操作以接收一第一 信號；一二極體，其毗鄰該天線安置；及—隔膜，其覆蓋 該天線及該二極體。該隔膜可在一力施加於該隔膜上時自 一未擠壓位置移動至一受擠壓位置而在該天線與該二極體 之間產生電通信。該天線可操作以在該隔膜處於該受擠壓 位置時發送一第二信號。該裝置亦可包含—可操作以將該 139166.doc 201032843 該傳訊器可在該傳訊器 第一信號發射至該天線之傳訊器。 接收到該第二信號時輸出一警報。 在另一實施例中 之壓力之方法包含 組織部位處之一力 至該傳訊器。 ，一種用於監控一施加於一組織部位上 :自一傳訊器接收一第一信號Μ貞測該 ，及回應於偵測該力將一第二信號發送 在另-實施例中，一種用於監控一施加於一組織部位上201032843 VI. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] Illustrative embodiments relate generally to medical treatment systems, and more particularly to monitoring a rental post, and weaving. Pressure switch, transmitter, system and method for pressure at one of the p positions. [Prior Art] A tissue site on a patient's body is often subjected to a number of varying pressure levels due to the location or behavior of the patient. - The patient or caregiver may desire to know if the pressure applied to the particular tissue site is excessive. For example, a foot ulcer experienced by a diabetic patient may experience several varying levels of force due to certain behaviors (e. g., walking). The release of the silk can be used to reduce the pressure on the cancer of the foot, but it is not always effective in reducing the pressure on the foot ulcer. In addition, more than 82% of diabetic patients may lack the protective perception to determine if the amount of pressure applied to the ulcer is excessive. This lack of protective perception can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, which often afflicts diabetic patients with ulcers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an illustrative embodiment, a device for monitoring a pressure applied to a tissue site includes a pressure switch adapted to be placed adjacent to the tissue site. The pressure switch includes an antenna operative to receive a first signal, a diode disposed adjacent to the antenna, and a diaphragm covering the antenna and the diode. The diaphragm can be moved from an uncompressed position to a compressed position to create electrical communication between the antenna and the diode when a force is applied to the diaphragm. The antenna is operable to transmit a second signal when the diaphragm is in the squeezed position. The apparatus can also include - operable to transmit the first signal of the transmitter to the antenna of the antenna to the 139166.doc 201032843. An alarm is output when the second signal is received. The method of pressure in another embodiment includes one of the tissue sites to force the transducer. a method for monitoring an application to a tissue portion: receiving a first signal from a transmitter to detect the signal, and in response to detecting the force, transmitting a second signal in another embodiment, one for Monitoring is applied to a tissue site
之壓力之方法包含：自一傳訊器發送一第-信號，及回應 於自一毗鄰該组織部位之壓力開關接收一第二信號輸出一 警報。 別 參照圖式及以下實施方式，該等說明性實施例之其他目 標、特徵及優點將變得顯而易見。 【實施方式】 在說明性實施例之以下實施方式中，參照形成其—部分 之隨附圖式。為使得熟習此項技術者能夠實踐本發明而足 夠詳細地描述該等實施例，且應理解，亦可利用其他實施 例，且可作出邏輯結構、機械、電氣及化學改變，而不背 離本發明之精神或範疇。為避免為使得熟習此項技術者能 夠實踐本文中所述實施例所不需要的細節，本描述可省略 熟習此項技術者所已知的某一資訊。因此，不應將以下實 施方式視為具有限制意義，且該等說明性實施例之範嘴僅 由隨附申請專利範圍加以界定。 參照圖1Α及1Β ’ 一根據一說明性實施例用於指示—施 加於一組織部位上之壓力之系統100包含一傳訊器1〇6及至 139166.doc 201032843 少一個壓力開關110。在圖1A及1B中所圖解說明之實施例 中’兩個組織部位102、104係位於一患者107之一足部 上。壓力開關110定位於組織部位1 〇2處，且一第二壓力開 關112定位於組織部位1〇4處。在系統1〇〇中，傳訊器106係 由患者107穿戴並發射一第一信號108。壓力開關110、U 2 自傳訊器106接收第一信號1〇8。壓力開關110、112中之每 一者皆能夠偵測施加於組織部位102、104上之壓力。壓力 開關110可在施加於組織部位1 〇2之壓力超過一改變壓力開 關110之狀態的量時發射一第二信號114 ^類似地，壓力開 關112可在施加於組織部位1 〇4之壓力超過一改變壓力開關 112之狀態的量時發射一第二信號丨16。在接收到第二信號 114、116中之任一者或兩者時’傳訊器ι〇6可以各種方式 警告患者107’例如藉由振動或發射一音訊或視覺警報。 第一及第二信號1〇8、U4、116可係任一無線信號，包含 (但不限於）：電磁信號、無線電信號或藍芽信號。 在圖1A及1B之實例中’組織部位ι〇2及ι〇4係足部潰癌 103、105。由傳訊器1〇6回應於足部潰瘍1〇3、ι〇5處之壓 力發射之警報可在足部潰瘍103、1〇5上存在過多壓力時馨 告患者107。在患者107可另外不能夠正確地確定正施加於 足部潰瘍1 〇3、105上之壓力時（例如在患者i 〇7遭受週邊神 經病變時），可使用此警報。藉由在過多壓力正施加至足 部潰瘍103、105時警告患者1〇7，患者1〇7可採取措施以減 輕足部潰瘍103、105上之壓力，例如變更該患者之位置、 重量分佈或移動。因此，可防止足部潰瘍1〇3、1〇5之加重 139166.doc 201032843 或惡化。 雖然壓力開關110、112已被描述為供足部潰瘍103 ' 105 使用’但壓力開關11 〇、112亦可替代地放置於患者107身 體之任一部分上或毗鄰於患者1〇7身體之任一部分，包含 其中潰瘍或其他傷口可經受延長壓力之彼等部分。舉例而 言，壓力開關110、112可放置於患者1〇7之踵、肩胛或臀 部上或毗鄰患者1 〇7之踵、肩胛或臀部。 另外，端視欲由系統100監控之組織部位之數目，可將 任一數目之壓力開關110、112放置於患者1〇7身體上。在 一個實施例中，在將多於一個壓力開關放置於患者1 〇7身 體上時，傳訊器106可端視自其接收第二信號之壓力開關 而輸出一不同警報。舉例而言，傳訊器可端視傳訊器1〇6 係接收到來自壓力開關11〇之第二信號114還是來自壓力開 關112之第一仏號116而輸出·一不同音訊警報。 壓力開關11 0、112可藉由將壓力開關11 〇、112附著至除 組織部位102、104本身之外的位置而毗鄰組織部位1〇2、 104放置。壓力開關11〇、112可附著或以其他方式放置於 由患者107穿戴之一衣服物品（包含但不限於一鞋、釋壓靴/ 鞋、襯衫或短犧）上，以使得壓力開關11〇、丨12在穿戴該 物品時她鄰組織部位102、ι〇4。舉例而言，壓力開關 110、II2可附著至一旨在減輕來自足部潰瘍1〇3、1〇5之壓 力之釋壓靴之一鞋墊或内表面，以使得壓力開關u〇、112 在患者107穿戴該靴時毗鄰足部潰瘍1〇3、ι〇5。 在一個貫施例中，傳訊器1 〇6係藉助一帶120緊固至患者 139166.doc 201032843 之腿部118。在其他實施例中，傳訊器1〇6可緊固至患者 1〇7身體之任一部分，一物品係由患者1〇7穿戴或耦合至壓 力開關110、112中之一者或多者。同樣’替代帶12〇或除 帶120之外，傳訊器106可使用任一附裝機構來直接地或間 接附裝至患者107之身體，例如一帶扣、搭扣、一磁鐵、 一鉤、一吊帶或任一其他附裝器件。在另—實施例中，傳 - Λ器106可不緊固至患者107之身體，但替代地保持或放置 . 於由患者107穿戴之一物品中，例如一口袋或錢包。由傳 訊器106使用之位置及附裝結構可相依於由傳訊器1 在接❹ 收到第二信號114、116時所發射之輸出。舉例而言，若傳 訊器106發射一音訊、視覺或振動輸出，則傳訊器1〇6可分 別定位於患者107可聽見、看見或感覺到傳訊器1〇6之位置 處。 在另一實施例中，一觸覺回饋器件（未顯示）可耦合至壓 力開關110、112中之一者或兩者、毗鄰壓力開關11〇、112 之一者或兩者或位於壓力開關11〇、112之一者或兩者内 部。在一個實例中，壓力開關11〇、112及一個或多個觸覺 © 回饋器件可位於一鞋類物品（例如一釋壓靴）内部。在壓力 開關110 112中之任一者或兩者债測到一力時，該觸覺回 饋器件可向患者107輸出一觸覺警報。該觸覺警報可包含 振動（包含一個或多個輕拍）或電刺激。 * 參照圖2、3Α及3Β，壓力開關110包含一天線122及一藉 由間隙126與天線122分開之二極體124。壓力開關！ ！ 〇亦 包含一隔膜128，其可基於一施加於隔膜128上之力134在 139166.doc -8 · 201032843 一未擠壓位置130與一受擠壓位置132之間移動。在力 134(其可係—壓力）施加於隔膜128上時，隔賴8自未擠壓 &置130移動至受擠塵位置132以在天線122與二極體⑶之 間產生電通信。天線122與二極體124之間的電通信致使天 . 線122發射第-心號114，該第二信號可由傳訊器1〇6接收 、 且致使傳訊器106輸出一警報。因此，在一組織部位上之 ' 壓力或力使隔膜128塌陷至受擠壓位置中時可警告一患 者0 天線122可係由一導線管136形成。導線管136可係由例 如金屬之任一導電材料製成。在一個實施例中用於形成 導線管136之金屬可係不銹鋼或任一能夠在力134移除之後 回復至一原始形狀之彈性材料。導線管136亦可形成一例 如圖2中所示之螺線。該螺線之一内部部分137可在壓力開 關110之中心138周圍終止，且該螺線之一外部部分139可 在壓力開關110之一週邊140處終止。在一個實施例中，外 • 部部分139可僅在到達二極體124之前終止以形成間隙 126 ° 壓力開關110可係一不需要一獨立電源之被動器件，例 * 如一電池。在一個實施例中，來自傳訊器106之第一信號 - 108可致使二極體124激勵或具有一電流。在受擠壓位置 132中，隔膜128可直接或間接接觸天線122及二極體124兩 者以電橋接天線122與二極體124之間的間隙126或關閉天 線122與二極體124之間的電路。以此方式，來自二極體 124之任一激勵或電流傳達至天線122，藉此致使天線122 139166.doc 201032843 發射第二信號114。 形成隔膜128之材料可在隔膜128接觸天線122及二極體 124兩者時促進天線122與二極體！ 24之間的電通信。在一 個實施例中，隔膜128可係由一例如金屬之導電材料形 成。在另一實施例中，隔膜128之一内表面142可塗佈或以 其他方式包含一導電材料。在又一實施例中，僅隔膜128 之内表面142之一部分144可塗佈或以其他方式包含一導電 材料。 雖然顯示隔膜128形成一拱頂形狀，但隔膜128亦可具有 任一允許隔膜128具有未擠壓位置及受擠壓位置之形狀。 舉例而言，隔膜128可係一在擠壓時藉由電橋接間隙126而 在天線122與二極體124之間產生電通信之按鈕。壓力開關 110亦具有一低外形，此可允許壓力開關11〇將在位於由— 患者穿戴之一衣服物品下方時被不顯眼地毗鄰一組織部位 放置或隱藏壓力開關110。舉例而言，壓力開關11〇之低外 形在患者穿戴一鞋或釋壓靴時促進將壓力開關ιι〇放置於 患者之腳邛上’且可幫助減小患者所體驗之不舒適感。 另外’雖然壓力開關110之周長146具有一大致正方形形 狀，但周長146亦可具有任一形狀，例如一圓形、橢圓 形矩形、多邊形或定製形狀。在其中壓力開關⑽之周 長146係-定製形狀之實施例中—使用者可切割或以其 他方式使壓力開關11 0成形㈣於此鄰於其施用壓力開關 110之組織部位或其他物件。 使隔膜128自未擠麼位置13()移動至受擠|位置⑺~ ^ I39166.doc 201032843 之力134的量可相依於各種各樣的因素。此等因素可包含 (但不限於）：隔膜128之形狀、隔膜128之厚度、形成隔膜 128之材料、隔膜128之曲率及隔膜128之導電率。出於各 種原因’期望調整使隔膜128自未擠壓位置13〇移動至受擠 壓位置132所需之力134的量。舉例而言，力134可係基於 毗鄰於其放置壓力開關110之組織部位之位置而變化以考 量通常由身體之若干不同部分所體驗之不同壓力量。 在力134之全部或一部分自隔膜128移除時，隔膜128可 自受擠壓位置132移動至未擠壓位置130,包含在受擠壓位 置132與未擠壓位置13〇之間中間的任一位置。在未擠壓位 置130 ’隔膜128不電橋接天線122與二極體124之間的間隙 126。在隔膜128處於未擠壓位置130時，跨越間隙U6幾乎 不發生電通信。 現具體參照圖3 A及3B，壓力開關11 〇可包含一填充層 148。天線122及二極體124係安置於填充層148與隔膜128 之至少一部分之間。壓力開關110亦可包含一黏合劑層 150，其適於毗鄰一組織部位附著壓力開關11〇或將壓力開 關110附著至一組織部位上。黏合劑層15〇係位於壓力開關 110之一接觸側152上，其可附著或以其他方式接觸一組織 部位或一她鄰或接近該組織部位之物件。同樣，填充層 148、天線122或二極體124可安置於黏合劑層15〇與隔膜 128之至少一部分之間。 填充層148可減緩或以其他方式在天線122、二極體124 或隔膜128與將壓力開關110附著至其上之表面之間提供分 139166.doc 201032843 離。舉例而言，填充層148可防止天線122及二極體124(其 可係由金屬形成）刺激或接觸壓力開關110可附著至其之一 組織部位。填充層148可係由例如一凝膠之任一緩衝或減 震材料組成。在一個實施例中，填充層148可具有若干黏 合特性以便填充層148可併入黏合劑層150之功能，從而免 除對包含一獨立黏合劑層150之需要。 致使隔膜128自未播壓位置130移動至受擠壓位置132之 力134可係來自任一源，例如參照圖1 a及iB所述之彼等 源。在其中隔膜128之接觸側152接觸一組織部位之實例 中，力134可係來自與一因患者之位置或移動而壓在該組 織部位上之一物件的接觸。舉例而言，在壓力開關丨丨〇附 著至患者足部之一足底區時，一底層或鞋可因行走而壓在 隔膜128上。在其中隔膜丨28之接觸側152接觸一毗鄰組織 部位之物件（例如一衣服物品）之實例中，力134可源自與組 織部位本身的接觸。舉例而言，若壓力開關11〇附著至一 鞋之鞋墊，則在-患者行走時，該患者足部之^底部分可 直接或間接壓在隔膜128上。 在-個實施财’在壓力開關UG正自_傳訊器接收一 第-信號（例如圖五八及⑺中之第一信號1〇8)時，隔膜128可 因隔膜128上之力134而塌陷至受擠壓位置132中，且在天 線122與二極體124之間產生電通信。 大線U2可回應於天 線12 2與二極體12 5之間之j：卜雷；g /上； 間之此電通^而發射第二信號114。 第二信號114可由該傳訊器接收。 參照圖4,根據一說明性實施例顯示傳訊器1〇6。傳訊器 139166.doc -12- 201032843 106在自一壓力開關接收一第二信號（例如圖1及3B中之第 二信號114、116)時向一患者輸出一警報，藉此警告報一 患者壓力正施加於毗鄰該壓力開關之組織部位上。由傳訊 器106發射之第一信號1〇8可充當向該等壓力開關供電之電 源’其可係被動器件。得自第一信號1〇8之功率可允許該 等壓力開關將仏號傳輸回至傳訊器1〇6。另外，傳訊器^〇6 可持續或間斷地發射第一信號丨〇8。 傳訊器106可包含一個或多個允許傳訊器1〇6在自一壓力 開關接收一偽號時輸出一警報之輸出器件。舉例而言，傳 訊器106可包含一位於傳訊器1〇6内部致使傳訊器1〇6振動 之振動器件（未顯不）。因此，可警告一感覺傳訊器1〇6之振 動之患者一組織部位處過多壓力之存在。傳訊器1〇6亦可 包含一發光器件150，其在自一壓力開關接收一信號時發 射光以在視覺上警告一患者。傳訊器1〇6亦可包含一揚聲 器158，其在自一壓力開關接收一信號時發射一聲音以以 可聞方式警告一患者。傳訊器丨〇6亦可具有一電輸出器件 (未顯tf )，其在自一壓力開關接收一信號時電刺激一患 者。傳訊器106亦可包含若干其他類型之輸出器件。 傳訊器106亦可具有任一形狀或大小。舉例而言，傳訊 |§ 106之一個或多個表面可經彎曲以與一患者身體之輪廓 相符，例如傳訊器106穿戴在該患者身體上時。在另一實 例中，傳訊器106之大小可頗小以准許患者方便且不顯眼 地攜帶傳訊器106。 在一替代實施例中，傳訊器106可僅在傳訊器106自一壓 139166.doc -13· 201032843 力開關接收一信號達一預定時間週期（例如，一秒、五秒 或十秒）時輸出一警報。在此實施例中，患者將僅在施^ 於壓力開關上之壓力不明顯、瞬間或持續一極短時間週期 時不被傳訊器106警告。 雖然已在某些說明性、非限定性實施例之背景中揭示了 本文中所述之說明性實施例，但應理解，可作出各種改 變、替代、變換及變更，而不背離如由隨附申請專利範圍 界定之本發明範疇。將瞭解，結合任一個實施例所述之任 一特徵亦可適用於任一其他實施例。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1A圖解說明一根據一說明性實施例用於指示一施加於 一組織部位上之壓力之系統之一正視圖； 圖1B圖解說明圖1A中所示之足部之一仰視圖； 圖2圖解說明圖1A及1B之根據一說明性實施例之系統之 一壓力開關之一俯視圖； 圖3 A圖解說明圖2之壓力開關沿線3 A-3 A截取之一橫截 面側視圖； 圖3B圖解說明圖3A之壓力開關之一橫戴面側視圖，顯 示該壓力開關處於一受擠壓位置；且 圖4圖解說明圖1A之根據一說明性實施例之系統之一傳 訊器之一透視圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 100 系統 1 02 組織部位 139166.doc -14- 201032843The method of stressing includes: transmitting a first signal from a transmitter, and receiving a second signal outputting an alarm in response to a pressure switch adjacent to the tissue site. Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent from the Detailed Description. [Embodiment] In the following embodiments of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which the parts are formed. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the invention. The spirit or scope. To avoid detail not required by those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the following embodiments are not to be considered as limiting, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined by the scope of the accompanying claims. Referring to Figures 1A and 1A, a system 100 for indicating the pressure applied to a tissue site in accordance with an illustrative embodiment includes a transmitter 1〇6 and a 139166.doc 201032843 with one less pressure switch 110. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the two tissue sites 102, 104 are located on one of the feet of a patient 107. The pressure switch 110 is positioned at the tissue site 1 〇 2 and a second pressure switch 112 is positioned at the tissue site 1 〇 4. In system 1, the transmitter 106 is worn by the patient 107 and transmits a first signal 108. The pressure switch 110, U2 receives the first signal 1〇8 from the transmitter 106. Each of the pressure switches 110, 112 is capable of detecting the pressure applied to the tissue sites 102, 104. The pressure switch 110 can emit a second signal 114 when the pressure applied to the tissue site 1 超过 2 exceeds a state that changes the state of the pressure switch 110. Similarly, the pressure switch 112 can exceed the pressure applied to the tissue site 1 〇 4 A second signal 丨16 is emitted as soon as the amount of state of the pressure switch 112 is changed. Upon receiving either or both of the second signals 114, 116, the transmitter ι 6 can alert the patient 107' in various ways, for example by vibrating or transmitting an audio or visual alarm. The first and second signals 1〇8, U4, 116 can be any wireless signal, including but not limited to: an electromagnetic signal, a radio signal, or a Bluetooth signal. In the examples of Figs. 1A and 1B, 'the tissue sites ι〇2 and ι〇4 are the neck cancers 103, 105. The alarm by the transmitter 1〇6 in response to the pressure of the foot ulcers 1〇3, ι〇5 can sing the patient 107 when there is excessive pressure on the foot ulcers 103, 1〇5. This alert can be used when the patient 107 may otherwise be unable to correctly determine the pressure being applied to the foot ulcers 1 〇 3, 105 (e.g., when the patient i 〇 7 suffers from peripheral neuropathy). By alerting the patient 1〇7 when excessive pressure is being applied to the foot ulcers 103, 105, the patient 1〇7 can take steps to reduce the pressure on the foot ulcers 103, 105, such as changing the position, weight distribution or mobile. Therefore, the increase of foot ulcers 1〇3, 1〇5 can be prevented 139166.doc 201032843 or worsened. Although the pressure switches 110, 112 have been described for use with the foot ulcer 103' 105', the pressure switches 11 〇, 112 may alternatively be placed on either part of the body of the patient 107 or adjacent to any part of the body of the patient 1〇7 , including those parts of which ulcers or other wounds can withstand prolonged stress. For example, the pressure switches 110, 112 can be placed on the iliac crest, shoulder or hip of the patient 1 〇 7 or adjacent to the iliac crest, shoulder or hip of the patient 1 〇 7. In addition, any number of pressure switches 110, 112 can be placed on the patient's 1-7 body, depending on the number of tissue sites to be monitored by system 100. In one embodiment, when more than one pressure switch is placed on the patient 1 〇 7 body, the transmitter 106 can output a different alarm depending on the pressure switch from which it receives the second signal. For example, the transmitter can output a different audio alarm depending on whether the transmitter 1〇6 receives the second signal 114 from the pressure switch 11 or the first signal 116 from the pressure switch 112. The pressure switches 110, 112 can be placed adjacent to the tissue sites 1, 2, 104 by attaching the pressure switches 11 〇, 112 to locations other than the tissue sites 102, 104 themselves. The pressure switches 11A, 112 can be attached or otherwise placed on one of the articles of clothing worn by the patient 107 (including but not limited to a shoe, a release shoe/shoe, a shirt, or a short sacrifice) to cause the pressure switch 11丨12 her neighboring tissue site 102, ι〇4 when wearing the item. For example, the pressure switches 110, II2 can be attached to an insole or inner surface of a pressure release shoe intended to relieve pressure from the foot ulcers 1〇3, 1〇5 such that the pressure switches u〇, 112 are in the patient 107 Wear the boots adjacent to the foot ulcers 1〇3, ι〇5. In one embodiment, the transmitter 1 〇 6 is secured to the leg 118 of the patient 139166.doc 201032843 by means of a strap 120. In other embodiments, the transmitter 1〇6 can be secured to any portion of the patient's body 1-7, and an item is worn by the patient 1〇7 or coupled to one or more of the pressure switches 110, 112. Similarly, instead of or in addition to the strap 120, the transmitter 106 can be attached directly or indirectly to the body of the patient 107 using any attachment mechanism, such as a buckle, a buckle, a magnet, a hook, a Sling or any other attached device. In another embodiment, the transilluminator 106 may not be secured to the body of the patient 107, but instead be held or placed. In an item worn by the patient 107, such as a pocket or wallet. The position and attachment structure used by the transmitter 106 can be dependent on the output transmitted by the transmitter 1 when the second signal 114, 116 is received. For example, if the transmitter 106 transmits an audio, visual, or vibratory output, the transmitters 1〇6 can be positioned at locations where the patient 107 can hear, see, or feel the microphones 1〇6. In another embodiment, a haptic feedback device (not shown) may be coupled to one or both of the pressure switches 110, 112, adjacent one or both of the pressure switches 11 〇, 112, or at the pressure switch 11 〇 One of 112, or both. In one example, the pressure switches 11A, 112 and one or more haptic feedback devices can be located inside an article of footwear (eg, a pressure release shoe). The haptic feedback device can output a haptic alarm to the patient 107 when either or both of the pressure switches 110 112 are being tested for a force. The tactile alert can include vibration (including one or more taps) or electrical stimulation. * Referring to Figures 2, 3A and 3B, the pressure switch 110 includes an antenna 122 and a diode 124 separated from the antenna 122 by a gap 126. Pressure Switch! ! The crucible also includes a diaphragm 128 that is movable between an uncompressed position 130 and a squeezed position 132 based on a force 134 applied to the diaphragm 128 at 139166.doc -8 · 201032843. When a force 134 (which can be tied to the diaphragm) is applied to the diaphragm 128, the barrier 8 moves from the uncompressed & 130 position to the dusted position 132 to create electrical communication between the antenna 122 and the diode (3). Electrical communication between the antenna 122 and the diode 124 causes the antenna 122 to transmit a first-heart number 114, which can be received by the transmitter 1〇6 and causes the transmitter 106 to output an alarm. Thus, a pressure or force on a tissue site can alert a patient that the antenna 128 can be formed by a conduit 136 when it collapses into the compressed position. The conduit 136 can be made of any electrically conductive material such as a metal. The metal used to form the conduit 136 in one embodiment can be stainless steel or any resilient material that can return to an original shape after the force 134 is removed. The conduit 136 can also be formed as an example of a spiral as shown in FIG. One of the spiral inner portions 137 can terminate around the center 138 of the pressure switch 110, and one of the spiral outer portions 139 can terminate at one of the perimeters 140 of the pressure switch 110. In one embodiment, the outer portion 139 may terminate only to form a gap 126 ° before reaching the diode 124. The pressure switch 110 may be a passive device that does not require an independent power source, such as a battery. In one embodiment, the first signal - 108 from the transmitter 106 can cause the diode 124 to energize or have a current. In the squeezed position 132, the diaphragm 128 can directly or indirectly contact both the antenna 122 and the diode 124 to electrically bridge the gap 126 between the antenna 122 and the diode 124 or to close the antenna 122 and the diode 124. Circuit. In this manner, any excitation or current from diode 124 is communicated to antenna 122, thereby causing antenna 122 139166.doc 201032843 to transmit second signal 114. The material forming the diaphragm 128 facilitates the antenna 122 and the diode when the diaphragm 128 contacts both the antenna 122 and the diode 124! 24 electrical communication between. In one embodiment, the diaphragm 128 can be formed from a conductive material such as metal. In another embodiment, one of the inner surfaces 142 of the diaphragm 128 can be coated or otherwise comprise a conductive material. In yet another embodiment, only a portion 144 of inner surface 142 of diaphragm 128 may be coated or otherwise comprise a conductive material. Although the diaphragm 128 is shown to have a dome shape, the diaphragm 128 can have any shape that allows the diaphragm 128 to have an unsqueezed position and a pressed position. For example, the diaphragm 128 can be a button that creates electrical communication between the antenna 122 and the diode 124 by bridging the gap 126 when squeezed. The pressure switch 110 also has a low profile which allows the pressure switch 11 to place or hide the pressure switch 110 inconspicuously adjacent to a tissue site when placed underneath a garment item. For example, the low profile of the pressure switch 11〇 facilitates placement of the pressure switch on the patient's ankle when the patient wears a shoe or release shoe' and can help reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient. Additionally, although the perimeter 146 of the pressure switch 110 has a generally square shape, the perimeter 146 can have any shape, such as a circular, elliptical rectangle, polygon, or custom shape. In embodiments in which the circumference of the pressure switch (10) is 146-customized, the user can cut or otherwise shape (e) the pressure switch 110 to the tissue site or other item to which the pressure switch 110 is applied. The amount of force 134 that moves the diaphragm 128 from the uncompressed position 13 () to the squeezed | position (7) to ^ I39166.doc 201032843 can be dependent on a variety of factors. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, the shape of the diaphragm 128, the thickness of the diaphragm 128, the material from which the diaphragm 128 is formed, the curvature of the diaphragm 128, and the conductivity of the diaphragm 128. The amount of force 134 required to move the diaphragm 128 from the uncompressed position 13 到 to the squeezed position 132 is desired for various reasons. For example, the force 134 can be varied based on the location of the tissue site adjacent to where the pressure switch 110 is placed to account for the different amounts of pressure typically experienced by several different portions of the body. When all or a portion of the force 134 is removed from the diaphragm 128, the diaphragm 128 can be moved from the compressed position 132 to the uncompressed position 130, including between the compressed position 132 and the uncompressed position 13〇. a location. The diaphragm 128 does not electrically bridge the gap 126 between the antenna 122 and the diode 124 at the undecompressed position 130'. When the diaphragm 128 is in the undecompressed position 130, little electrical communication occurs across the gap U6. Referring now specifically to Figures 3A and 3B, the pressure switch 11A can include a fill layer 148. Antenna 122 and diode 124 are disposed between fill layer 148 and at least a portion of diaphragm 128. The pressure switch 110 can also include an adhesive layer 150 adapted to attach the pressure switch 11A adjacent to a tissue site or to attach the pressure switch 110 to a tissue site. The adhesive layer 15 is located on one of the contact sides 152 of the pressure switch 110 that can be attached or otherwise contact a tissue site or an item adjacent to or adjacent to the tissue site. Likewise, fill layer 148, antenna 122, or diode 124 can be disposed between adhesive layer 15A and at least a portion of diaphragm 128. The fill layer 148 may slow or otherwise provide a separation between the antenna 122, the diode 124 or the diaphragm 128 and the surface to which the pressure switch 110 is attached. 139166.doc 201032843. For example, the fill layer 148 can prevent the antenna 122 and the diode 124 (which can be formed of metal) from stimulating or contacting the pressure switch 110 to one of its tissue sites. Filler layer 148 can be comprised of any cushioning or damping material such as a gel. In one embodiment, the fill layer 148 can have a number of bonding characteristics such that the fill layer 148 can incorporate the functionality of the adhesive layer 150, thereby eliminating the need to include a separate adhesive layer 150. The force 134 that causes the diaphragm 128 to move from the unembossed position 130 to the compressed position 132 can be from any source, such as those described with reference to Figures 1a and iB. In instances where the contact side 152 of the septum 128 contacts a tissue site, the force 134 may be from contact with an object that is pressed against the tissue site due to the position or movement of the patient. For example, when the pressure switch is attached to one of the patient's foot regions, a bottom layer or shoe can be pressed against the diaphragm 128 by walking. In instances where the contact side 152 of the diaphragm 28 contacts an article (e.g., an item of clothing) adjacent to the tissue site, the force 134 may originate from contact with the tissue site itself. For example, if the pressure switch 11 is attached to the insole of a shoe, the bottom portion of the patient's foot can be pressed directly or indirectly onto the septum 128 while the patient is walking. In the case where the pressure switch UG is receiving a first signal from the _transmitter (for example, the first signal 1 〇 8 in FIGS. 58 and (7)), the diaphragm 128 may collapse due to the force 134 on the diaphragm 128. Into the squeezed position 132, electrical communication occurs between the antenna 122 and the diode 124. The large line U2 can respond to the j:bray between the antenna 12 2 and the diode 12 5; g / upper; and the second signal 114 is transmitted. The second signal 114 can be received by the transmitter. Referring to Figure 4, a transmitter 1 〇 6 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The transmitter 139166.doc -12- 201032843 106 outputs an alarm to a patient upon receiving a second signal (eg, the second signals 114, 116 in FIGS. 1 and 3B) from a pressure switch, thereby alerting a patient to a pressure Is being applied to the tissue site adjacent to the pressure switch. The first signal 1 〇 8 transmitted by the transmitter 106 can act as a power source that supplies power to the pressure switches, which can be passive devices. The power from the first signal 1 〇 8 allows the pressure switches to transmit the apostrophe back to the transmitter 1 〇 6. In addition, the transmitter 〇6 continuously or intermittently transmits the first signal 丨〇8. The transceiver 106 can include one or more output devices that allow the transceiver 1 to output an alarm when receiving a pseudo-number from a pressure switch. For example, the transmitter 106 can include a vibrating device (not shown) that causes the transmitter 1 振动 6 to vibrate within the transmitter 1 〇 6. Therefore, it is possible to warn a patient who feels the vibration of the transmitter 1〇6 to have excessive pressure at a tissue site. The transmitter 1〇6 can also include a light emitting device 150 that emits light when a signal is received from a pressure switch to visually alert a patient. The transmitter 1〇6 can also include a speaker 158 that emits a sound to alert a patient in an audible manner when receiving a signal from a pressure switch. The transmitter 丨〇6 can also have an electrical output device (not shown) that electrically stimulates a patient upon receipt of a signal from a pressure switch. The transceiver 106 can also include several other types of output devices. The transmitter 106 can also have any shape or size. For example, one or more surfaces of the communication |§ 106 may be curved to conform to the contours of a patient's body, such as when the transmitter 106 is worn on the patient's body. In another example, the size of the transmitter 106 can be quite small to permit the patient to carry the transmitter 106 conveniently and inconspicuously. In an alternate embodiment, the transmitter 106 may output only when the transmitter 106 receives a signal from a voltage 139166.doc -13· 201032843 force switch for a predetermined period of time (eg, one second, five seconds, or ten seconds). An alarm. In this embodiment, the patient will not be alerted by the transmitter 106 only if the pressure applied to the pressure switch is not significant, instantaneous or for a short period of time. Although the illustrative embodiments described herein have been disclosed in the context of some illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, changes and The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the patent application. It will be appreciated that any of the features described in connection with any one embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a system for indicating a pressure applied to a tissue site in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; FIG. 1B illustrates one of the feet illustrated in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one of the pressure switches of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an illustrative embodiment; FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional side of the pressure switch of FIG. 2 taken along line 3 A-3 A Figure 3B illustrates a side view of one of the pressure switches of Figure 3A showing the pressure switch in a squeezed position; and Figure 4 illustrates one of the systems of the system of Figure 1A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment One perspective. [Main component symbol description] 100 System 1 02 Organizational site 139166.doc -14- 201032843
103 足部潰瘍 104 組織部位 105 足部潰瘍 106 傳訊器 107 患者 108 第一信號 110 壓力開關 112 壓力開關 114 第二信號 116 第二信號 118 患者之腿部 120 帶 122 天線 124 二極體 126 間隙 128 隔膜 130 未擠壓位置 132 壓擠壓置 134 力 136 導線管 137 内部部分 138 中心 139 外部部分 140 週邊 139166.doc -15- 201032843 142 内表面 144 部分 146 周長 148 填充層 150 黏合劑層 152 接觸側 156 發光裝置 158 揚聲器103 Foot ulcer 104 Tissue site 105 Foot ulcer 106 Transmitter 107 Patient 108 First signal 110 Pressure switch 112 Pressure switch 114 Second signal 116 Second signal 118 Patient's leg 120 with 122 Antenna 124 Dipole 126 Clearance 128 Diaphragm 130 Uncompressed position 132 Pressed 134 Force 136 Conduit 137 Internal section 138 Center 139 External section 140 Peripheral 139166.doc -15- 201032843 142 Inner surface 144 Part 146 Circumference 148 Filler layer 150 Adhesive layer 152 Contact Side 156 illuminator 158 speaker
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