Rapid prototyping of a temperature, humidity, and pressure monitor electronic layer for Pressure Ulcer wound patch

Abstract

Pressure ulcer is a result of relieving pressure from skin or underlying tissues, causing localized injuries. In this study, a prototype of an electronic monitoring layer that can be placed on top of the wound patch is designed. The electronic layer is comprised of four force-sensitive pressure sensors, and an integrated temperature and humidity sensor to monitor the activities surrounding the wound site. In the simulated wound bed experiments, the results indicated that the utilization of the Bosch BME280 I2C module, when placed on top of a gauze pad, can deliver accurate and real-time monitoring of the temperature and humidity values. Furthermore, the force-sensitive resistors (FSR) installed can be utilized to detect external pressure beyond the set allowable force applied of 32 mmHg or 700g. Therefore, the electronic layer assembled from commercially available sensors can be used to monitor temperature and humidity while being able to detect externally applied pressure in real-time. However, improvements in the size and flexibility of the electronic layer are necessary to reduce the discomfort that patients suffering from pressure ulcers will experience.

Flexible Pressure and Temperature Microsensors for Textile-Integrated Wearables

“…The approach using intermediate flexPCB was considered, in general, moderately adequate for bedridden patients, particularly due to the flexPCB's rigidity and embroidery roughness. Different studies associate the development of new technologies to monitor changes in skin (pressure and temperature) to a more effective prevention of pressure ulcers, compared to diagnosis only by observation [46][47][48], in particular because wearables can trigger interventions and inform care delivery [49].…”