HK40057773B - Elastic wearable sensor - Google Patents

Description

Flexible wearable sensors

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/796,435, entitled “Elastic Wearable Sensor,” filed January 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

Some of the embodiments described herein generally relate to systems, methods, and devices for elastic wearable sensors capable of adapting to skin deformation.

Background Technology

Non-invasive measurement of potential differences (e.g., biosignals) between locations on the skin of a person or animal can be used to diagnose and monitor the condition of the person or animal. For example, the measurement of potential differences between locations on the skin can be used in electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). The measurement of potential differences between locations on the skin may include coupling electrodes at each location, electrically coupling each electrode to an electronic module, and comparing the potential measured at the location of at least one electrode with a reference potential (e.g., the potential measured at the location of another electrode).

Furthermore, in in vivo telemetry applications, sensors on the skin of humans or animals can be configured to communicate with implanted or digested devices (e.g., digital drugs). For example, an implanted or digested device placed inside a patient may be able to transmit signals to the patient's surface via body tissue. Utilizing body tissue as a conductive transmission medium, the signal can be detected as a potential difference on the patient's surface.

To detect events that may only occur occasionally, sensor devices can be attached to the patient's surface for extended periods of time (e.g., hours or days). For example, to detect occasional arrhythmias, Holter monitoring devices can be attached to the patient for 24 hours or longer.

However, human skin is highly elastic. For example, the elastic constant of human skin typically ranges from 0.1 to 2 MPa, and this can depend on factors including body position and age. Furthermore, natural patient movement can lead to significant compressive and tensile skin tension, sometimes even in the 30-50% range of the chest region. Maintaining adhesion between the electrode and the patient's skin can be challenging, especially if the skin moves significantly due to patient movement, and if the electrode is intended to maintain attachment for an extended period (e.g., hours, days, weeks). Skin tension can cause stress at the interface between the adhesive and the patient's skin, leading to patient discomfort and weakening adhesion. The use of strong adhesives for attaching sensor devices to a patient's skin can be uncomfortable for the patient due to a lack of breathability and/or skin irritation.

Therefore, there is a need for a sensor system, method, and device that can adapt to skin deformation caused by movement, while also improving adhesive durability, breathability, and conformability to the skin surface.

Summary of the Invention

In some embodiments, a system includes a first component, a second component, and a connecting member. The first component includes a first electrode and a first adhesive portion. The first component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second adhesive portion. The second component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the second adhesive portion. The connecting member has a first end, a second end, and a third adhesive portion. The first end is coupled to the first component, and the second end is coupled to the second component. The connecting member is configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a first distance. In the second configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a second distance. The second distance is different from the first distance. The connecting member can be configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via the third adhesive portion in both the first and second configurations.

Attached Figure Description

[Figure 1]

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 2A]

Figure 2A is a top view illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 2B]

Figure 2B is a side view of the sensor system of Figure 2A before the sensor system is coupled to the patient's skin surface.

[Figure 3A]

Figure 3A is an illustration of a side view of a sensor system in a first configuration according to an embodiment.

[Figure 3B]

Figure 3B is a side view illustration of the sensor system of Figure 3A in the second configuration.

[Figure 3C]

Figure 3C is a side view illustration of the sensor system of Figure 3A in the third configuration.

[Figure 4A]

Figure 4A is an illustration of a side view of a sensor system in a first configuration according to an embodiment.

[Figure 4B]

Figure 4B is a side view illustration of the sensor system in Figure 4A in the second configuration.

[Figure 5A]

Figure 5A is a bottom view illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 5B]

Figure 5B is a bottom view illustration of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 5C]

Figure 5C is a bottom view illustration of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 6]

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 7]

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 8A]

Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting member of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 8B]

Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting member of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 8C]

Figure 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting member of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 8D]

Figure 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting member of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 9]

Figure 9 is a top view of the sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 10]

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 11]

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 12]

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 13]

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 14A]

Figure 14A is a top view illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 14B]

Figure 14B is a side view illustration of the sensor system in Figure 14A.

[Figure 15A]

Figure 15A is a top view illustration of a sensor system according to an embodiment.

[Figure 15B]

Figure 15B is a side view of the sensor system in Figure 15A.

Detailed Implementation

In some embodiments, the system includes a first component, a second component, and a connecting member. The first component includes a first electrode and a first adhesive portion. The first component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second adhesive portion. The second component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the second adhesive portion. The connecting member has a first end, a second end, and a third adhesive portion. The first end is coupled to the first component, and the second end is coupled to the second component. The connecting member is configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a first distance. In the second configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a second distance. The second distance is different from the first distance. The connecting member can be configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via the third adhesive portion in both the first and second configurations.

In some embodiments, the system includes a first component, a second component, and a composite component. The first component includes a first electrode and a first housing. The first component is configured to be coupled to the surface of a patient's skin via a first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second housing. The second component is configured to be coupled to the surface of a patient's skin via a second adhesive portion. The composite component includes a processor and a composite plate having a flexible portion. The flexible portion has a first end and a second end. The processor is disposed between the first electrode and the first housing. The composite component is configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The distance between the first and second ends of the flexible portion in the first configuration is a first distance, and the distance between the first and second ends of the flexible portion in the second configuration is a second distance different from the first distance.

In some embodiments, the system includes a first component, a second component, and a composite component. The first component includes a first electrode and a first adhesive portion. The first component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second adhesive portion. The second component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the second adhesive portion. The composite component has a flexible portion. The flexible portion has a first end, a second end, and a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers has a conductor extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is coupled to the first component, and the second end is coupled to the second component. The composite component is configured to electrically couple the first component and the second component. The flexible portion is configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The distance between the first end and the second end of the flexible portion in the first configuration is a first distance. The distance between the first end and the second end of the flexible portion in the second configuration is a second distance different from the first distance. The flexible portion is configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via a third adhesive portion in both the first and second configurations.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a sensor system 100. The system 100 can be formed, for example, as a patch. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a first component 110, a second component 120, and a connecting member 130. The first component 110 includes a first electrode 112 and a first adhesive portion 114. The first component 110 is configured to be coupled to the surface of a patient via the first adhesive portion 114. The second component 120 includes a second electrode 122 and a second adhesive portion 124. The second component 120 is configured to be coupled to the surface of a patient via the second adhesive portion 124. The connecting member 130 has a first end 136 and a second end 138. The first end 136 is coupled to the first component 110, and the second end 138 is coupled to the second component 120. The first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 can be current-driven or non-current-driven.

The connecting member 130 is configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the distance between the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the connecting member 130 can be a first distance. In the second configuration, the distance between the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the connecting member 130 can be a second distance. The second distance is different from the first distance. For example, the second distance can be greater than or less than the first distance.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 includes a third adhesive portion 134. The connecting member 130 may be configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via the third adhesive portion 134 in both a first configuration and a second configuration. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may be configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via the third adhesive portion 134 during a transition from the first configuration to the second configuration and/or during a transition from the second configuration to the first configuration. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may include a skin-facing surface. The skin-facing surface may extend from a first end 136 to a second end 138 of the connecting member 130. The third adhesive portion 134 may be disposed on all or part of the skin-facing surface.

In some embodiments, system 100 includes a composite component 140. The composite component 140 can be included in and/or otherwise formed as an integrated circuit (IC), a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly including a printed circuit board, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other suitable circuit structure. For example, the composite component 140 can include a composite board (e.g., a printed circuit board) and any suitable electronic component. The electronic component can be electrically coupled to the composite board. The electronic component can be coupled to conductors (e.g., conductive traces) of the composite board via, for example, soldering, spot welding, conductive adhesive, and/or via tab contacts. The conductive traces can be etched into the composite board. The electronic component can include, for example, a processor, an energy storage device, a memory, a transmitter, and/or a receiver. The electronic component can also include, for example, biosignal acquisition electronics, such as an analog front-end (e.g., a preamplifier) and/or an analog-to-digital converter. The energy storage device can include, for example, a battery or a capacitor. In some embodiments, the energy storage device can include a coin cell battery. In some embodiments, the transmitter and/or receiver may include an antenna and be capable of wireless communication via, for example, Bluetooth (trademark), near-field communication, and/or WiFi. In some embodiments, the composite component 140, the first electrode 112, and the second electrode 122 may be configured together to perform any suitable type of monitoring, such as ECG, EEG, EMG, and/or conductance of skin response (GSR) monitoring. In some embodiments, the composite component 140 may include all the electronic components required for the system 100 to fully operate for monitoring operations (e.g., ECG) and to wirelessly transmit the collected data via the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 to any suitable receiving device (e.g., an external computer or smartphone).

In some embodiments, the composite panel of composite component 140 can be a one-piece integral structure. In some embodiments, the composite panel can be formed of an insulator. The insulator may include, for example, polyimide. In some embodiments, the composite panel can be formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). In some embodiments, composite component 140 can include any number of conductive layers physically and electrically separated by a corresponding number of insulating layers. The insulating layers can be formed of insulating and/or dielectric materials such as polyimide, glass fiber, cotton, silicone, and/or similar materials defined by any suitable resin material (e.g., epoxy resin, polyimide, etc.). Thus, the insulating layers can be, for example, dielectric layers and/or core layers that can physically and electrically separate the conductive layers.

In some embodiments, the composite board can be a laminated composite board. For example, the conductive layer can be a relatively thin conductive sheet disposed on at least one surface of an insulating layer (i.e., the core layer). For example, the conductive layer can be copper, silver, aluminum, gold, zinc, tin, tungsten, graphite, conductive polymer, and/or any other suitable conductive material. In this way, the conductive sheet can be masked and unwanted portions of the conductive sheet can be etched away, leaving the desired set of conductive traces. Furthermore, the composite assembly 140 can include any number of alternately stacked insulating and conductive layers, and can include electrical interconnects (e.g., vias, pins, busbars, terminals, etc.) that allow the conductive layers to be selectively placed in electrical contacts. Thus, the composite assembly 140 can be configured to carry current (e.g., signals associated with power distribution, signals carrying information, and/or current induced by a magnetic source) along the length of the conductive traces.

In some embodiments, the composite board can include conductors (e.g., conductive traces) printed on one or both sides of the composite board, such that the composite assembly 140 can be configured to carry current (e.g., signals associated with power distribution, carrying information, and/or induced by a magnetic source) along the length of each of the conductors. For example, the composite board can include a carrier film (e.g., a PET or PEN carrier film) onto which the conductors can be printed via an additive manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the conductors can be formed of printed silver and/or printed copper. In some embodiments, the composite board can include any number of layers having printed conductors on one or both sides, and each of the conductor layers can be physically and electrically separated from each other by a corresponding number of insulating layers (e.g., the conductor layers and insulating layers can be stacked alternately). In some embodiments, the composite assembly 140 can include a two-layer conductor structure. The two-layer conductor structure can be formed via multilayer printing. Insulators can be printed at any conductor intersection. In some embodiments, the two-layer conductor structure can be formed using a substrate via-hole configuration.

In some embodiments, the composite assembly 140 may include a plurality of composite panels or layers. Each of the composite panels may be integrally formed. The composite panels or layers may be arranged relative to each other in any suitable arrangement (e.g., stacked).

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 (e.g., one or more composite plates in a composite assembly) can be flexible enough that when the first component 110 is moved relative to the second component 120 (e.g., due to movement of the skin position to which the first and second components 120 are coupled), the connecting member 130 can change shape while maintaining coupling to the first and second components 110 and 120. Therefore, compared to a connecting member with an undeformed shape, the connecting member 130 can adapt to skin deformation by reducing stress at the skin-adhesive interface, resulting in better adhesive durability and better wearing comfort for the user. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may include multiple portions (e.g., arranged in series) configured to move relative to each other when the first component 110 moves relative to the second component 120, such that the connecting member 130 remains coupled to the first and second components 110 and 120.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 (e.g., one or more composite plates of the composite assembly) can be flexible enough that the connecting member 130 can deform from its initial configuration or shape when the first component 110 is moved relative to the second component 120 (e.g., due to movement of the skin position to which the first component 110 and the second component 120 are coupled). In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 (e.g., one or more composite plates of the composite assembly) can be elastic enough that the connecting member 130 can function as a spring disposed between the first component 110 and the second component 120, allowing the length of the connecting member 130 to expand and contract relative to its balanced or undeformed length.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may have rigid or semi-rigid ends and a flexible portion extending between the ends. For example, the ends may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid PCB material (e.g., FR4), and the flexible portion between the ends may be formed of polyimide. In some embodiments, portions of the composite plate of the composite assembly 140 included in the first assembly 110 and/or the second assembly 120 may be rigid or semi-rigid (e.g., formed of an FR4-type PCB), and the composite plate included in the connecting member 130 may be flexible (e.g., formed of a flexible PCB including, for example, polyimide). In some embodiments, the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the connecting member 130 may include or be coupled to the first and second ends of the flexible portion of the composite plate included in the composite assembly 140. In some embodiments, the composite plate of the composite assembly 140 may be fully flexible, such that a portion of the composite plate included in the first assembly 110, a portion of the composite plate included in the second assembly 120, and a portion of the composite plate included in the connecting member 130 are all flexible. For example, composite panels can be formed into an integral flexible structure.

As shown in Figure 1, a portion of the composite component 140 may be included in or coupled to the first component 110, the second component 120, and/or the connecting member 130. For example, a deformable portion of the composite plate of the composite component may be included in the connecting member 130, and each electronic component may be included in the first component 110 or the second component 120 and coupled to a portion of the composite plate included in the first component or the second component 120. For example, an energy storage device may be included in the second component 120 and coupled to the composite plate, and other electronic components such as processors, memories, transmitters, and/or receivers may be included in the first component 110 and coupled to the composite plate. The connecting member 130 may include only a portion of the composite plate (also referred to herein as the "flexible portion"). The flexible portion of the composite plate may have a first end and a second end coupled to a first end 136 and a second end 138, respectively. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the composite plate of the composite component 140 is flexible and/or elastic.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 or a portion thereof may be flexible. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 or a portion thereof may be inelastic and/or rigid. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 or a portion thereof may be elastic. In some embodiments, a first configuration of the connecting member 130 may be an undeformed configuration in which the connecting member 130 is elastically biased. A second configuration of the connecting member 130 may be a deformed configuration different from the undeformed configuration. When a force is applied to a first end 136 and/or a second end 138 of the connecting member 130, the connecting member 130 may be configured to deform from the first configuration to the second configuration. The connecting member 130 may be configured to transition from the second configuration to the first configuration when the force is removed.

The connecting member 130 can have any suitable shape. A portion of the composite assembly 140 (e.g., a portion of the composite plate of the composite assembly 140) included within the connecting member 130 or forming the connecting member 130 (e.g., a flexible portion of the composite plate of the composite assembly 140) can have any suitable shape. The shape of the connecting member 130 can correspond to the shape of a portion of the composite plate included in the connecting member 130. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the composite plate of the composite assembly 140 is biased toward a first undeformed configuration, such that the connecting member 130 is biased toward the first configuration.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 can have an arcuate or curved shape extending from the first end 136 to the second end 138. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 can have a shape including a pattern with any suitable number of repeating portions. For example, the connecting member 130 can have any combination of serpentine, sinusoidal, sawtooth, repeating sawtooth, repeating triangle, and/or shapes. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 can be shaped as a sine wave including two, three, four, five, or more cycles. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 can be shaped as a sine wave having any suitable number of cycles with any suitable wavelength and/or amplitude. For example, the connecting member 130 can be shaped as a sine wave including one, two, three, four, five, or more cycles with any suitable wavelength, amplitude, and/or frequency. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 can be shaped as a sine wave having multiple cycles with different wavelengths and/or amplitudes from the first end 136 to the second end 138 of the connecting member 130. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may have a first sinusoidal shape and a second sinusoidal shape, the first sinusoidal shape having a first frequency in a first configuration and the second sinusoidal shape having a second frequency in a second configuration, the second frequency being different from the first frequency (e.g., greater than or less than).

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may include a plurality of inelastic segments coupled together by elastic portions. For example, the connecting member 130 may include a first segment, a second segment, and an elastic hinge coupling the first segment to the second segment. In some embodiments, the elastic hinge may form a curved portion, and each of the first and second segments may be curved or straight. In some embodiments, the curved portion may include an arc segment. In some embodiments, the elastic hinge may form an angled portion, and each of the first and second segments may be a straight portion. In some embodiments, for example, the elastic hinge, the first segment, and the second segment may be arranged such that the first segment is arranged at an angle of about 5° to about 120° relative to the second segment in a first undeformed configuration. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may have a plurality of elastic hinges coupling the segments of the connecting member 130 to each other. For example, the connecting member 130 may include three segments, four segments, five segments, seven segments, or any other suitable number of segments, each segment being coupled to an adjacent segment by an elastic hinge.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may have a length (e.g., the distance from the first end 136 to the second end 138) and a width (e.g., the distance from the outermost edge of the connecting member 130 extending in a first direction perpendicular to a line extending between the first component 110 and the second component 120 to the outermost edge of the connecting member 130 extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction). The length of the connecting member 130 may be measured in the X direction and the width may be measured in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. The connecting member 130 may have a first total length and a first width in a first configuration, and may have a second length and a second width in a second configuration. When the first component 110 and the second component 120 are closer to each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration, the second length may be less than the first length and the second width may be greater than the first width. When the first component 110 and the second component 120 are farther from each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration, the second length may be greater than the first length and the second width may be less than the first width.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may have the same overall shape (e.g., serrated or sinusoidal) in both the first and second configurations, and the shape may be compressed or expanded in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. For example, the angle between two segments coupled by the resilient hinge of the connecting member 130 may be a first angle in the first configuration and a second angle in the second configuration. The second angle may be smaller than the first angle when the first component 110 and the second component 120 are closer to each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration. The second angle may be larger than the first angle when the first component 110 and the second component 120 are farther from each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration.

The connecting member 130 can have any suitable thickness along its length and/or height relative to its bottom surface. In some embodiments, the thickness of the connecting member 130 can vary along its length (e.g., one or more portions of the connecting member 130 can be thicker than a narrower portion of the connecting member 130). The height of the connecting member 130 can be a distance extending in the Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. The thickness can be a distance arranged in a plane including the X and Y directions (as described in more detail below). In some embodiments, the thickness and/or height of the connecting member 130 can be small enough that the connecting member 130 is sufficiently elastic (e.g., having a sufficiently small spring constant) to expand and contract based on skin-based (e.g., bending deformation) movements to prevent discomfort and/or detachment of the system 100 from the skin. For example, the thickness and/or height of the connecting member 130 can be small enough that the connecting member 130 has sufficient elasticity from its first end 136 to its second end 138 to expand and contract based on movement of the skin where the first component 110 and the second component 120 are attached (i.e., allowing the skin elasticity to be adapted by the connecting member 130). As an example, the elasticity of the skin surface to which the system 100 can be coupled can be in the range of 0.1 to 2 MPa, and the connecting member 130 can have an elasticity equal to or less than the elasticity of the skin surface to which the system 100 is coupled, such that the connecting member 130 can expand and contract in the X direction with deformation of the skin to which the first component 110 and the second component 120 are attached. In some embodiments, the thickness of the connecting member 130 can be, for example, equal to or less than 100 μm. In some embodiments, the height of the connecting member 130 can be, for example, equal to or less than 36 μm. In some embodiments, the spring constant (in the X direction) of the connecting member 130 can be increased proportionally to the cube of the thickness of the connecting member 130 and linearly with respect to the height of the connecting member 130.

In some embodiments, the first component 110 includes a first housing and the second component 120 includes a second housing. The connecting member 130 may optionally include a third housing. In some embodiments, a first adhesive portion 114 may be disposed on the skin-facing surface of the first housing, and a second adhesive portion 124 may be disposed on the skin-facing surface of the second housing. A third adhesive portion 134 may be disposed on the skin-facing surface of the third housing. The skin-facing surfaces of the first, second, and third housings may collectively form a continuous boundary along the outer edge of the system 100, which is configured to couple to a patient's surface (e.g., skin). The first adhesive portion 114 may partially or completely surround the first electrode 112, and the second adhesive portion 124 may partially or completely surround the second electrode. In some embodiments, the third housing may have a shape corresponding to the connecting member 130. The skin-facing surface of the third housing has sufficient surface area such that the third adhesive portion 134 has a sufficiently large surface area to maintain attachment between the connecting member 130 and the patient's surface and to maintain conformal fit between the system 100 and the patient's surface. By maintaining the adhesion between the connecting member 130 and the patient surface, the third adhesive portion 134 is able to reduce motion artifacts (e.g., noise caused by the movement of conductive traces in the connecting member 130) in the signal recorded by the composite assembly 140.

In some embodiments, the first housing, second housing, and third housing collectively form a cover layer and/or a bottom layer. The cover layer can be shaped and sized such that it protects the composite component 140 when the system 100 is disposed on a patient's surface. In some embodiments, the bottom layer can be shaped and sized such that the composite component 140 can be disposed between the cover layer and the bottom layer when the system 100 is coupled to the patient's surface, and the bottom layer can be disposed between the composite component 140 and the patient's surface. The bottom surface can be coupled to the patient's surface via a first adhesive portion 114, a second adhesive portion 124, and an optional third adhesive portion 134. In some embodiments, the bottom layer can define a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being configured to allow a first electrode 112 to contact the patient's surface through the first opening, and the second opening being configured to allow a second electrode 122 to contact the patient's surface through the second opening. In some embodiments, the cover layer can be formed integrally or monolithically. In some embodiments, the bottom layer can be formed integrally or monolithically.

In some embodiments, the overlay and bottom layer protect the system 100 from external influences (e.g., liquids (e.g., water or sweat) or mechanical shock). In some embodiments, the overlay and bottom layer provide a sealed enclosure around the composite component 140, protecting the composite component 140 from water during user activities such as showering or swimming. In some embodiments, the bottom layer may include an adhesive on the side of the bottom layer facing the composite component 140, allowing the bottom layer to be secured to the composite component 140. In some embodiments, the system 100 may be waterproof and/or breathable for skin comfort. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a hydrogel disposed on the skin-contact side of the first electrode 112 and the skin-contact side of the second electrode 122. In some embodiments, the hydrogel may include a cutting pad (e.g., cut from a hydrogel sheet). In some embodiments, the hydrogel may be in the form of a disposable adhesive. In some embodiments, the first electrode 112 and the second electrode 122 may be dry electrodes configured to be directly coupled to the patient's surface, rather than including a hydrogel.

The cover and bottom layers can be formed of, for example, medical-grade materials (e.g., medical-grade materials manufactured by 3M and/or Adhesive Research). In some embodiments, the cover and/or bottom layers can be formed of a multilayer material including an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the adhesive includes synthetic rubber, acrylate, and/or silicone. In some embodiments, the layers can include layers formed of polymers, PET, polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and/or polyamide (PA). The cover and bottom layers can include films, nonwoven materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cover and/or bottom layers can be formed of a polyurethane material bonded to an acrylic adhesive, such that the cover and/or bottom layers are waterproof, breathable, and minimize skin irritation for the user.

In some embodiments, the composite assembly 140 may include multiple electrical connections between electrical components arranged in the first assembly 110 and the second assembly 120. For example, the connecting member 130 may include multiple electrical connections extending from a first end 136 of the connecting member 130 to a second end 138 of the connecting member 130. In some embodiments, for example, the connecting member 130 may include a composite plate and one or more traces may be etched into the composite plate. In some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may include multiple stacked composite plates having at least one conductive trace etched into each composite plate. In some embodiments, the composite assembly 140 may include a multilayer composite plate and an elastically deformable portion of the multilayer composite plate included in the connecting member 130. For example, a first laminated composite layer having a first trace may be coupled to a second laminated composite layer having a second trace such that the first laminated composite layer and the first trace are higher in the vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) than the second laminated composite layer and the second trace. A third laminated composite layer having a third trace can be coupled to a second laminated composite layer such that the second laminated composite layer and the second trace are vertically higher than the third laminated composite layer and the third trace. The traces of the laminated composite layer can be electrically isolated by the insulating material forming the laminated composite layer. In some embodiments, the traces of each layer of the multilayer composite board can be electrically coupled via, for example, vias arranged in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the multiple electrical connections may include electrical wiring.

The third adhesive portion 134 can be coupled to any suitable portion of the connecting member 130. For example, the third adhesive portion 134 can be disposed on the skin-facing surface of one or more flexible hinges such that the skin-facing surface of one or more flexible hinges can be coupled to the patient's surface. Additionally or alternatively, the third adhesive portion 134 can be disposed on the skin-facing surface of a rigid segment coupled to a flexible hinge such that the rigid segment is coupled to the patient's surface. In some embodiments, the third adhesive portion 134 can be disposed at one or more locations on the skin-facing surface of the connecting member 130. The third adhesive portion 134 can include discrete adhesive portions disposed at different locations on the skin-facing surface of the connecting member 130 (e.g., on the flexible hinge and/or on the segment connecting the flexible hinge to other segments or the first component 110 or the second component 120).

The first adhesive portion 114, the second adhesive portion 124, the third adhesive portion 134, and any adhesive described herein can include any suitable type of adhesive. For example, the adhesive can be synthetic rubber, acrylate, and/or silicone. The adhesive can be applied in any suitable pattern.

In some embodiments, system 100 is able to adapt to skin deformation caused by movement (e.g., due to skin bending or stretching) while continuing to operate to measure potential differences between discrete skin locations, allowing for the use of weaker adhesives or smaller adhesive interfaces compared to rigid systems without elastic connecting members. Furthermore, system 100 is more breathable than rigid systems due to the reduced skin surface area covered by the adhesive. For example, when the first and second positions are initially configured relative to each other, the first component 110 can be coupled to the first position on the patient's surface via a first adhesive portion 114, and the second component 120 can be coupled to the second position on the patient's surface via a second adhesive portion 124. If (e.g., due to patient movement) the first position on the patient's surface moves closer to the second position on the patient's surface, the first component 110 can move toward the second component 120, thereby reducing the distance between the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the connecting member 130. This movement of the first component 110 toward the second component 120 can cause the connecting member 130 to be compressed. If (e.g., due to patient movement) the first position on the patient surface moves further from the second position on the patient surface, the first component 110 can move further from the second component 120, thereby increasing the distance between the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the connecting member 130. Movement of the first component 110 away from the second component 120 can cause the connecting member 130 to extend. In embodiments where the connecting member 130 is coupled to a third position on the patient surface via a third adhesive portion 134, the portion of the connecting member 130 coupled to the third position can move relative to the first component 110 and the second component 120 based on movement of the third position relative to the first and second positions. If the first and second positions return to their initial configurations, the connecting member 130 will return to its first undeformed configuration.

Figure 2A is a schematic top view of system 200. System 200 may be structurally and/or functionally the same as or similar to system 100 described above. For example, system 200 may include a first component 210, a second component 220, and a connecting member 230, which may be the same as or similar to the first component 110, the second component 120, and the connecting member 130, respectively. As shown in Figure 2A, the connecting member 230 includes a first end 236 and a second end 238. The connecting member 230 may be coupled to the first component 210 via the first end 236 and to the second component 220 via the second end 238. The connecting member 230 is configured to switch between a first configuration (as shown in Figure 2A) and a second configuration, wherein the first component 210 and the second component 220 are spaced apart from each other by a different distance than in the first configuration. For example, when system 200 is coupled to a patient's skin, forces (e.g., deformation due to skin bending or stretching) can be applied to the first component 210 and/or the second component 220 in any direction indicated by the double-ended arrow A (e.g., in the X direction), causing the length of connecting member 230 from the first end 236 to the second end 238 to increase or decrease and the connecting member 230 to compress or expand. In some embodiments, forces can be applied to the first component 210 and/or the second component 220 in any direction in the X-Y plane, causing the length of connecting member 230 from the first end 236 to the second end 238 to increase or decrease and the connecting member 230 to compress or expand.

Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of a side view of system 200 before it is applied to a patient's skin. As shown in Figure 2B, system 200 is movable in the direction of arrow B (e.g., along the Z direction) relative to the surface S of the patient's skin K, such that the first component 210, the second component 220, and the connecting member 230 are arranged to contact the surface S of the skin K. As shown in Figure 2B, each of the first component 210, the second component 220, and the connecting member 230 can have a skin-facing surface that collectively forms the bottom or skin-facing surface of system 200. The first component 210 can include a first electrode (not shown), and the second component can include a second electrode (not shown), the first and second electrodes forming part of the bottom surface of system 200 and configured to contact the surface S of the skin K. The first component 210 can be coupled to a first position on the surface S via a first adhesive portion (not shown), and the second component 220 can be coupled to a second position on the surface S via a second adhesive portion (not shown). The first component 210, the second component 220, and the connecting member 230 are each capable of including a portion of the composite component and are configured such that the system 200 can measure the potential difference between the first position and the second position via the first electrode and the second electrode.

In some embodiments, the connecting member may not include a third adhesive portion, such that the connecting member is vertically movable relative to the patient's surface. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connecting member may not have a shape that allows for expansion and contraction. Without a third adhesive portion and/or having the elastically deformable shape described with respect to the connecting member 130 above, however, a system including the connecting member may not maintain conformity to the patient's skin surface during patient movement. Figures 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of side views of the system 300 coupled to the surface S of the patient's skin K in the first, second, and third configurations, respectively. The system 300 may be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. For example, the system 300 may include a first component 310, a second component 320, and a connecting member 330. The connecting member 330 has a first end 336 coupled to the first component 310 and a second end 338 coupled to the second component 320.

As shown in Figure 3A, the first component 310 is coupled to the skin surface S at a first position and the second component 320 is coupled to the skin surface S at a second position. The patient's skin K is compressed under a first force applied in the direction of arrow C and a second force applied in the direction of arrow D opposite to the first force (i.e., an opposite force in the X direction resulting in compressive skin tension). As a result of the compressive force, the first and second positions are pushed closer to each other, causing the first end 336 and the second end 338 of the connecting member 330 to move closer to each other. Because the connecting member 330 is not coupled to the surface S via adhesive and is not configured to elastically deform in a plane perpendicular to the surface S, the connecting member 330 can bend or protrude away from the surface S, such that a gap G is defined between the connecting member 330 and the surface S. Furthermore, the compressive skin tension can also exert stress on the interface between the first component 310 and/or the second component 320 and the surface S of the skin K, potentially damaging the interface (e.g., breaking the adhesive) and causing discomfort for the wearer of the system 300.

As shown in Figure 3B, the first component 310 is coupled to the skin surface S at a first position, and the second component 320 is coupled to the skin surface S at a second position. The patient's skin K is deformed (e.g., under tension) by a first force applied in the direction of arrow E (i.e., along the Z direction away from system 300), causing the curvature of surface S to change from a flat configuration to a curved configuration. As a result of the deformation, the first and second positions are pushed closer to each other. Since the connecting member 330 is not coupled to surface S via adhesive, surface S can bend away from the connecting member 330, such that a gap G is defined between the connecting member 330 and surface S, and the connecting member 330 protrudes away from surface S. Furthermore, if the connecting member 330 is rigid, it may not be able to adapt to changes in the curvature of surface S, and any tension on the skin K can be applied along the length of system 300, causing stress at the interface (e.g., adhesive interface) between the first component 310 and/or the second component 320 and the surface S of the skin K.

As shown in Figure 3C, the first component 310 is coupled to the skin surface S at a first position, and the second component 320 is coupled to the skin surface S at a second position. The patient's skin K is stretched under a first force applied in the direction of arrow O and a second force applied in the direction of arrow P opposite to the first force (i.e., the opposing force in the X direction causes a tensile force on the skin). As a result of the tensile force, the first and second positions are pulled away from each other (i.e., the surface S is deformed by lateral expansion), causing the first end 336 and the second end 338 of the connecting member 330 to move away from each other. Because the connecting member 330 is not coupled to the surface S via adhesive and/or is not configured to elastically deform in a plane perpendicular to the surface S, the system 300 can induce forces M and N, respectively, at the interface between the first component 310 and the second component 320 and the surface S of the skin K. Forces M and N can disrupt the interface (e.g., by breaking the adhesive at the risk of adhesive failure) and can cause discomfort to the wearer of the system 300.

In some embodiments, the resilient connecting member and/or the third adhesive portion coupling the resilient connecting member to the patient's skin surface can improve the conformability between the connecting member and the surface, for example, to avoid undesirable obstruction of the connecting member due to gap G and/or to avoid forces exerted on the first or second component by the connecting member that could cause the first or second component to detach from the surface. Figures 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of side views of a system 400 coupled to the surface S of the patient's skin K in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The system 400 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. For example, the system 400 can include a first component 410, a second component 420, and a connecting member 430. The connecting member 430 has a first end 436 coupled to the first component 410 and a second end 438 coupled to the second component 420. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the system 400 can deform with and conform to the surface S of the skin K. Furthermore, although not shown, the connecting member 430 can be coupled to the surface S via the third adhesive portion to improve the conformability of the surface S during deformation.

As shown in Figure 4A, a first component 410 is coupled to the skin S at a first position and a second component 410 is coupled to the skin S at a second position. The patient's skin K is compressed under a first force applied in the direction of arrow C and a second force (i.e., an opposite force in the X direction) applied in the direction of arrow D, opposite to the first force. As a result of the compressive force, the first and second positions are pushed closer to each other, causing the first end 436 and the second end 438 of the connecting member 430 to move closer to each other. Since the connecting member 430 is coupled to the surface S via an adhesive and is configured to elastically deform in a plane perpendicular to the surface S, the connecting member 430 is able to remain conformal to the surface S such that no gap is defined between the connecting member 430 and the surface S. Therefore, the system 400 is able to adapt to compressive deformation such that the connecting member 430 remains conformal to the surface S of the skin K, with reduced stress at the adhesive interface between each of the first component 410, the second component 420, and the connecting member 430 and the surface S, compared to a system with non-deformable coupling members.

As shown in Figure 4B, a first component 410 is coupled to the skin S at a first position and a second component 410 is coupled to the skin S at a second position. The patient's skin K is stretched under a first force applied in the direction of arrow E (i.e., along the Z direction away from system 400). As a result of the first force, the first and second positions have been pushed closer to each other. Since the connecting member 430 is coupled to the surface S via an adhesive, the connecting member 430 remains conformal to the surface S such that no gap is defined between the connecting member 430 and the surface S.

As described above with respect to the third adhesive portion 134, the connecting member can be coupled to the patient's surface via one or more adhesive portions. Figures 5A-5C show variations of systems having examples of adhesive portions in various positions. Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of system 500. System 500 can be identical or similar in structure and/or function to any system described herein, such as system 100 described with respect to Figure 1. For example, system 500 includes a first component 510, a second component 520, and a connecting member 530, which can be identical or similar in structure and/or function to the first component 110, the second component 120, and the connecting member 130, respectively. The connecting member 530 has a first end 536 coupled to the first component 510 and a second end 538 coupled to the second component 520. The connecting member 530 can be shaped as a periodic sine wave. For example, the connecting member 530 includes a first segment 537A, a second segment 537B, and a third segment 537C. The connecting member 530 also includes a first elastic hinge 539A and a second elastic hinge 539B. The first segment 537A is coupled to the second segment 537B via the first elastic hinge 539A. The second segment 537B is coupled to the third segment 537C via the second elastic hinge 539B. The first segment 537A, the second segment 537B, the third segment 537C, the first elastic hinge 539A, and the second elastic hinge 539B together form a continuous and integral connecting member 530. The first component 510 and/or the second component 520 are movable in one of the directions indicated by the double arrow L, causing the connecting member 530 to be stretched or compressed. The connecting member 530 includes an adhesive portion 534 distributed along the entire length of the bottom of the connecting member 530 or its skin-facing surface.

Figure 5B is a schematic bottom view of system 500'. Except for a discrete adhesive portion 534' that covers only a portion of the length of the bottom or skin-facing surface of the connecting member 530', system 500' can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to system 500 shown in Figure 5A. For example, system 500' includes a first component 510', a second component 520', and a connecting member 530', which can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 510, the second component 520, and the connecting member 530, respectively. The connecting member 530' has a first end 536' coupled to the first component 510' and a second end 538' coupled to the second component 520'. The connecting member 530' includes a first segment 537A', a second segment 537B', and a third segment 537C'. The connecting member 530' also includes a first resilient hinge 539A' and a second resilient hinge 539B'. The first segment 537A' is coupled to the second segment 537B' via a first elastic hinge 539A'. The second segment 537B' is coupled to the third segment 537C' via a second elastic hinge 539B'. The connecting member 530' includes an adhesive portion 534' disposed on the second segment 537B'. Therefore, the second segment 537B' can be coupled to a location on the patient surface via the adhesive portion 534', allowing for additional flexibility and a reduced adhesive skin contact area compared to if the connecting member 530 were coupled to the patient surface along its entire length.

Figure 5C is a schematic bottom view of system 500". Except that system 500" includes a first adhesive portion 534A" and a second adhesive portion 534B", system 500" can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to system 500 shown in Figure 5A. For example, system 500" includes a first component 510", a second component 520", and a connecting member 530", which can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 510, the second component 520, and the connecting member 530, respectively. The connecting member 530" has a first end 536" coupled to the first component 510" and a second end 538" coupled to the second component 520". The connecting member 530" includes a first segment 537A", a second segment 537B", and a third segment 537C". The connecting member 530” also includes a first elastic hinge 539A” and a second elastic hinge 539B”. The first segment 537A” is coupled to the second segment 537B via the first elastic hinge 539A”. The second segment 537B” is coupled to the third segment 537C via the second elastic hinge 539B”. The connecting member 530” includes a first adhesive portion 534A” disposed on the first elastic hinge 539A” (e.g., at a first node of the connecting member 530”) and a second adhesive portion 534B” disposed on the second elastic hinge 539B” (e.g., at a second node of the connecting member 530”). Therefore, the first elastic hinge 539A” and the second elastic hinge 539B” can be coupled to a position on the patient’s surface via the first adhesive portion 534A” and the second adhesive portion 534B”, respectively, such that the stress caused by skin deformation at the skin adhesive-skin interface of each adhesive portion is reduced compared to if the connecting member 530” were attached via only one adhesive portion.

In some embodiments, the first and second components can be coupled to each other via an inelastic, flexible connecting member. For example, FIG6 is a perspective view of a system 600 disposed on a patient surface S. System 600 can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any system such as system 100 described herein. For example, system 600 includes a first component 610, a second component 620, and a connecting member 630, which can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 110, the second component 120, and the connecting member 130, respectively. The connecting member 630 has a first end 636 coupled to the first component 610 and a second end 638 coupled to the second component 620. The connecting member 630 can be inelastic and flexible. For example, the connecting member 630 can include a flexible band. In some embodiments, the connecting member 630 can be coupled to the patient surface via an adhesive portion. The adhesive portion can be disposed on a portion or all of the skin contact surface of the connecting member 630. However, because the connecting member 630 is inelastic, the system 600 cannot adapt to deformation (e.g., tension) of the surface S. Instead, the system 600 will experience tensile forces along its length and these forces will be applied to the surface S, resulting in greater stress at the skin-adhesive interface between each of the first component 610 and the second component 620 and the surface S compared to if the connecting member 630 were elastic. Therefore, the skin-adhesive interface between the system 600 and the surface S can experience adhesive loss due to the stress applied to the surface S by the system 600 through deformation caused by the system 600.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of system 700. System 700 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any system such as system 100 described herein. For example, system 700 includes a first component 710, a second component 720, and a connecting member 730, which may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to first component 110, second component 120, and/or connecting member 130, respectively. First component 710 includes a first upper housing 752, a portion 746 of composite component 740, a first lower housing 762, and a first adhesive portion (not shown). Portion 746 may include any suitable electronic components (e.g., processor and memory). First lower housing 762 defines an opening 762A such that an electrode 741 disposed on the bottom side of portion 746 is accessible through opening 762A. First component 710 also includes a hydrogel portion 772.

The second component 720 includes a second upper housing 754, a portion 744 of the composite component 740, a second lower housing 764, and a second adhesive portion (not shown). The portion 744 can include any suitable electronic component (e.g., an energy storage device such as a button cell battery). The second lower housing 764 defines an opening 764A such that an electrode 743 disposed on the bottom side of the portion 744 is accessible through the opening 764A. The second component 720 also includes a hydrogel portion 774.

In some embodiments, the composite assembly 740 includes patch contacts 748. The patch contacts 748 are integrally formed with the composite plate of the composite assembly 740 and can be folded to contact the top of the energy storage device of the contact portion 744, as shown in FIG7. In some embodiments, the energy storage device can be coupled to the composite plate of the composite assembly 740 via a conductive adhesive. In some embodiments, the contacts of the energy storage device can be coupled to the composite plate via spot welding.

The connecting member 730 includes a third upper housing 756, a portion 742 of the composite assembly 740, a third lower housing 766, and a third adhesive portion (not shown). The third lower housing 766 has a skin-facing surface 745 along the entire length of the portion 742. The portion 742 may include a composite plate comprising an insulator and at least one conductive trace (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board). The insulator may comprise, for example, polyimide. The at least one conductive trace may comprise, for example, copper. In some embodiments, the composite plate may comprise polyimide having double-sided copper conductors. In some embodiments, the portion 742 may include multiple layers (e.g., two, three, or more layers), each layer including at least one conductive trace. In some embodiments, the portion 742 may include multiple layers comprising at least one conductive trace, each layer including at least one conductive trace coupled via an insulating layer to another layer comprising at least one conductive trace. The third adhesive portion may cover the entire skin-facing surface 745 of the third lower housing 766. In some embodiments, the system 700 includes three conductive traces extending from the first assembly 710 to the second assembly 720. For example, a first conductive trace can extend from the positive electrode side of the energy storage device in portion 744 to portion 746, a second conductive trace can extend from the negative electrode side of the energy storage device in portion 744 to portion 746, and a third conductive trace can extend from electrode 743 to portion 746. Similar to what has been described above with reference to connecting member 130, in some embodiments, connecting member 730 (and/or portion 742) can have a thickness equal to or less than 100 μm. In some embodiments, the height of connecting member 730 (and/or portion 742) can, for example, be equal to or less than 36 μm. In some embodiments, the spring constant of connecting member 730 (and/or portion 742) (in the X direction) can increase proportionally to the cube of the thickness of connecting member 730 (and/or portion 742) and linearly with respect to the height of connecting member 730 (and/or portion 742).

As shown in Figure 7, the first upper housing 752, the second upper housing 754, and the third upper housing 756 can collectively form a cover layer 750. The first lower housing 762, the second lower housing 764, and the third lower housing 766 can collectively form a bottom layer 760. The bottom layer 760 can be coupled to the skin surface via a first adhesive portion, a second adhesive portion, and/or a third adhesive portion, thereby fixing the composite component 740 to the skin surface. In some embodiments, the cover layer 750 (including the first upper housing 752, the second upper housing 754, and the third upper housing 756) can be formed integrally or integrally. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 760 (including the first lower housing 762, the second lower housing 764, and the third lower housing 766) can be formed integrally or integrally.

Figures 8A-8D illustrate various example arrangements of conductive traces within the connecting member. Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion 1842A of a composite component that is structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the composite component 740 described above with reference to Figure 7. Portion 1842A includes an insulating portion 1847' and a first conductive trace 1843A', a second conductive trace 1843B', and a third conductive trace 1843C' disposed within the insulating portion 1847'. For example, the first conductive trace 1843A', the second conductive trace 1843B', and the third conductive trace 1843C' can be etched into or printed on the insulating portion 1847'. Portion 1842A has a skin-facing surface 1845'. The first conductive trace 1843A', the second conductive trace 1843B', and the third conductive trace 1843C' can be arranged at different positions relative to the skin-facing surface 1845', such that at least one of the first conductive trace 1843A', the second conductive trace 1843B', and the third conductive trace 1843C' is arranged further away from the skin-facing surface 1845'. Therefore, at least some of the conductive traces of portion 1842A can be arranged perpendicularly relative to the other conductive traces, such that portion 1842A can be narrower (i.e., have a reduced thickness in the XY plane parallel to the patient surface) and more flexible than if portion 1842A only included horizontally distributed conductive traces. Although not shown, portion 1842A can include any suitable number of through-holes electrically coupling the conductive traces to another conductive trace in any suitable arrangement.

Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of portion 2 842B of a composite component that is structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the composite component 740 described above with reference to Figure 7. Portion 2 842B is a multilayer composite board comprising a first layer 849A” and a second layer 849B”. The first layer 849A” includes an insulating portion 2A 847A”, a first conductive trace 2 843A”, and a second conductive trace 2 843B”. The first conductive trace 2 843A” and the second conductive trace 2 843B” can be etched onto or printed on the first layer 849A”. The second layer 849B” includes an insulating portion 2B 847B”, a third conductive trace 2 843C”, and a fourth conductive trace 2 843D”. The third conductive trace 2 843C” and the fourth conductive trace 2 843D” can be etched onto or printed on the second layer 849B”. The second layer 849B” has a skin-facing surface 2 845. Part 2 842B can include an insulating layer 849C disposed between the first layer 849A” and the second layer 894B”. The first layer 849A” can be stacked relative to the second layer 849B” such that the first conductive trace 2 843A” is disposed further from the skin-facing surface 2 845” than the second conductive trace 2 843B”. Although each of the first layer 849A” and the second layer 849B” is shown to include two conductive traces, each of the first layer 849A” and the second layer 849B” can include any suitable number of conductive traces (e.g., one, three, four, or more). Furthermore, although part 2 842B is shown to have only two layers including conductive traces, part 2 842B can have any suitable number of conductive trace layers (e.g., three, four, or more). Each of the layers including the conductive traces can be separated by an insulating layer similar to insulating layer 849C. Therefore, portion 2 842B can include vertically stacked layers, each layer including at least one conductive trace, such that portion 2 842B can be narrower and more flexible than if portion 2 842B included horizontally distributed conductive traces.

Figure 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of part 3 842C of a composite component that is structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the composite component 740 described above with reference to Figure 7. Part 3842C includes an insulating portion 3847”' and a first conductive trace 3843A”', a second conductive trace 3843B”', a third conductive trace 3843C”', and a fourth conductive trace 3843D”' disposed within or coupled to the insulating portion 3847”'. For example, the first conductive trace 3843A”' and the third conductive trace 3843C”' can be etched onto or printed on a first layer of the insulating portion 3847”', and the second conductive trace 3843B”' and the fourth conductive trace 3843D”' can be etched onto or printed on a second layer of the insulating portion 3847”'. Part 3842C has a skin-facing surface 3845”'. The first layer is stacked on top of the second layer, such that the first conductive trace 3843A”' and the third conductive trace 3843C”' are arranged further from the skin-facing surface 3845”' than the second conductive trace 3843B”' and the fourth conductive trace 3843D”'. By arranging at least some of the conductive traces (e.g., 843A”' and 843C”') above the other conductive traces (e.g., 843B”' and 843D”'), portion 3842C is able to be narrower and more flexible compared to if the conductive traces were horizontally distributed.

Figure 8D is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of portion 4842D of a composite component that is structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the composite component 740 described above with reference to Figure 7. Portion 4842D includes an insulating portion 4847”” and a first conductive trace 4843A””, a second conductive trace 4843B””, and a third conductive trace 4843C”” which are located within or coupled to the insulating portion 4847””. For example, the first conductive trace 4843A””, the second conductive trace 4843B””, and the third conductive trace 4843C”” can be etched onto or printed on the insulating portion 4847””. The first conductive trace 4843A””, the second conductive trace 4843B””, and the third conductive trace 4843C”” are horizontally distributed (i.e., arranged parallel to each other in a plane that is arranged parallel to the skin-facing surface 4845”” of portion 4842D). Although the first conductive trace 4843A””, the second conductive trace 4843B””, and the third conductive trace 4843C”” are shown as being arranged on the skin-facing surface 4845”” of portion 4842D, the first conductive trace 4843A””, the second conductive trace 4843B””, and the third conductive trace 4843C”” can be arranged on any suitable side or any suitable layer of portion 4842D.

Figure 9 is a top view of system 900. System 900 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any system described herein, such as system 100 or system 700. For example, system 900 includes a first component 910, a second component 920, and a connecting member 930, which may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 710, the second component 720, and the connecting member 730, respectively. System 900 includes a cover layer 950 and an adhesive layer 960. Cover layer 950 includes a first housing 952, a second housing 954, and a third housing 956.

In some embodiments, the system may include additional components. For example, FIG10 is a schematic diagram of system 1000. System 1000 includes a first component 1010, a second component 1020, and a third component 1080. The first component 1010 may be coupled to the third component 1080 via a first connecting member 1030A, and the second component 1020 may be coupled to the third component 1080 via a second connecting member 1030B. System 1000 may be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. For example, the first component 1010 and the second component 1020 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 110 and/or the second component 120. The first connecting member 1030A and the second connecting member 1030B may each be identical or similar to any connecting member described herein, such as, for example, connecting member 130.

The third component 1080 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any component described herein, such as, for example, the first component 110 and/or the second component 120. The third component 1080 may include a portion of a composite component similar to the composite component 140. For example, electronic components of the composite component (e.g., a processor and/or a battery) may be included in the third component 1080. In some embodiments, the third component 1080 includes a housing portion. In some embodiments, the third component 1080 includes an adhesive portion (not shown) configured to couple the third component 1080 to a patient surface. In some embodiments, the third component 1080 includes electrodes (not shown) configured to couple to a patient surface.

In some embodiments, the first component 1010 may include a first electrode and the second component 1020 may include a second electrode. The third component 1080 may include a processor and a battery. The first and second electrodes may be optimized for electrode performance, respectively. For example, since the first and second electrodes are not housed in the same housing as the electronic components of the third component 1080 (e.g., the processor and/or battery), the first and second electrodes may be made flexible and compact. Therefore, each of the first and second electrodes may be a conformal electrode. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first component 1010 and the second component 1020 may include a backing layer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) on which silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) can be printed. A skin adhesive layer may be disposed on the skin-facing surface of the backing and may define an opening around a portion of the Ag/AgCl (e.g., an opening with a diameter of about 10 mm). The skin adhesive layer may include, for example, a soft, flexible polyurethane film with a thin acrylic absorbent adhesive (e.g., MED5577A manufactured by Avery Dennison). A hydrogel pillow having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening in the skin adhesive layer (e.g., approximately 6 mm) can be arranged within an opening defined by the skin adhesive and printed Ag/AgCl electrodes that are in contact with the skin-facing surface of the backing. The hydrogel pillow can be, for example, AG625 Sensing Gel manufactured by Axelgaard Manufacturing Ltd.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of system 1100. System 1100 includes a first component 1110, a second component 1180, and a third component 1190. The first component 1110, the second component 1180, and/or the third component 1190 can be arranged on a patient's surface in any suitable configuration. The first component 1110 can be coupled to the second component 1180 via a first connecting member 1130A. The second component 1180 can be coupled to the third component 1190 via a second connecting member 1130B. The first component 1110 can be coupled to the third component 1190 via a third connecting member 1130C. System 1100 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. For example, the first component 1110, the second component 1180, and/or the third component 1190 can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 110 and/or the second component 120 described above with respect to system 100. Each of the first connecting member 1130A, the second connecting member 1130B, and/or the third connecting member 1130C can be the same as or similar to any connecting member described herein, such as, for example, connecting member 130. For example, the first connecting member 1130A can be shaped as a sine wave comprising five periods. The second connecting member 1130B can be shaped as a sine wave comprising two periods. The third connecting member 1130C can be shaped as an arch.

The second component 1180 and/or the third component 1190 may include a portion of a composite component similar to the composite component 140. For example, electronic components of the composite component may be included in the second component 1180 and/or the third component 1190. In some embodiments, the second component 1180 and/or the third component 1190 includes a housing portion. In some embodiments, the second component 1180 and/or the third component 1190 includes an adhesive portion (not shown) configured to couple the second component 1180 and/or the third component 1190 to a patient surface. In some embodiments, the second component 1180 and/or the third component 1190 includes electrodes (not shown) configured to be coupled to a patient surface.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of system 1200. System 1200 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. System 1200 includes a first electrode 1212, a second electrode 1222, an energy storage device 1282, and an electronic module 1292. The first electrode 1212 can be coupled to the energy storage device 1282 via a first connecting member 1230A. The energy storage device 1282 can be coupled to the electronic module 1292 via a second connecting member 1230B. The electronic module 1292 can be coupled to the second electrode 1222 via a third connecting member 1230C. Each of the first connecting member 1230A, the second connecting member 1230B, and/or the third connecting member 1230C can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any connecting member described herein. In some embodiments, the first electrode 1212, the second electrode 1222, the energy storage device 1282, and the electronic module 1292 each include an adhesive portion (not shown) configured to couple the first electrode 1212, the second electrode 1222, the energy storage device 1282, and the electronic module 1292 to a patient's surface. System 1200 may include a cover or multiple discrete covers (e.g., a housing) shaped and sized to cover part or all of the first electrode 1212, the second electrode 1222, the energy storage device 1282, the electronic module 1292, the first connecting member 1230A, the second connecting member 1230B, and/or the third connecting member 1230C. The first electrode 1212 and the second electrode 1222 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first electrode and second electrode or the first component 1010 and the second component 1020 described with respect to system 1000.

The first electrode 1212, the second electrode 1222, the energy storage device 1282, and the electronic module 1292 can be arranged on the patient's surface in any suitable configuration. The electronic module 1292 can include any electrical component similar to the composite component 140 described above. Each of the first electrode 1212 and the second electrode 1222 can be optimized for electrode performance. For example, since the first electrode 1212 and the second electrode 1222 are not directly coupled to separate housings and/or are electronic components of the electronic module 1292 or the energy storage device 1282 within separate housings, the first electrode 1212 and the second electrode 1222 can be made flexible and compact. Because they are not directly coupled to and/or not within the same housing as the first electrode 1212 and the second electrode 1222, the electronic module 1292 can be optimized separately. For example, the size of the energy storage device 1282 and/or the electronic module 1292 can be increased while keeping the first electrode 1212 and the second electrode 1222 small.

In some embodiments, the system may include two or more separate electronic modules instead of a single electronic module. For example, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of system 1300. System 1300 may be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. System 1300 includes a first electrode 1312, a second electrode 1322, an energy storage device 1382, a first electronic module 1392, and a second electronic module 1394. The first electrode 1312 may be coupled to the energy storage device 1382 via a first connecting member 1330A. The energy storage device 1382 may be coupled to the first electronic module 1392 via a second connecting member 1330B. The first electronic module 1392 may be coupled to the second electronic module 1394 via a third connecting member 1330C. The second electronic module 1394 may be coupled to the second electrode 1322 via a fourth connecting member 1330D. Each of the first connecting member 1330A, the second connecting member 1330B, the third connecting member 1330C, and/or the fourth connecting member 1330D can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any connecting member described herein. In some embodiments, the first electrode 1312, the second electrode 1322, the energy storage device 1382, the first electronic module 1392, and the second electronic module 1394 each include an adhesive portion (not shown) configured to couple the first electrode 1312, the second electrode 1322, the energy storage device 1382, the first electronic module 1392, and the second electronic module 1394 to the surface of the patient. System 1300 may include a cover or multiple discrete covers (e.g., housings) shaped and sized to cover part or all of the first electrode 1312, second electrode 1322, energy storage device 1382, first electronic module 1392, second electronic module 1394, first connecting member 1330A, second connecting member 1330B, third connecting member 1330C, and/or fourth connecting member 1330D. The first electrode 1312 and second electrode 1322 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first electrode and second electrode or the first component 1010 and second component 1020 described with respect to system 1000.

The first electrode 1312, the second electrode 1322, the energy storage device 1382, the first electronic module 1392, and the second electronic module 1394 can be arranged on the patient's surface in any suitable configuration. The first electronic module 1392 and the second electronic module 1394 can include any electrical components similar to those in the composite component 140 described above. Each of the first electrode 1312 and the second electrode 1322 can be optimized for electrode performance. For example, because the first electrode 1312 and the second electrode 1322 are not directly coupled to and/or not housed in the same housing as the electronic components of the first electronic module 1392, the second electronic module 1394, or the energy storage device 1382, the first electrode 1312 and the second electrode 1322 can be made flexible and compact. Because they are not directly coupled to and/or not housed in the same housing as each other or in the same housing as the first electrode 1312 and the second electrode 1322, the first electronic module 1392 and/or the second electronic module 1394 can be optimized separately. For example, the energy storage device 1382, the first electronic module 1392, and/or the second electronic module 1394 can have dimensions larger than the perimeter of the electrodes (e.g., circumference), while the first electrode 1312 and the second electrode 1322 can have dimensions smaller than the energy storage device 1382, the first electronic module 1392, and/or the second electronic module 1394 (e.g., circumference). As shown in FIG13, the system 1300 can be arranged in a zigzag pattern, making the system 1300 flexible.

In some embodiments, the system may include connecting members configured to transition between various heights relative to a patient surface. For example, Figures 14A and 14B are schematic illustrations of a top view and a side view of system 1400, respectively. System 1400 includes a first component 1410, a second component 1420, and a third component 1480. The first component 1410 may be coupled to the third component 1480 via a first connecting member 1430A, and the second component 1420 may be coupled to the third component 1480 via a second connecting member 1430B. System 1400 may be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. For example, the first component 1410 and the second component 1420 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to the first component 110 and/or the second component 120. The first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B may each be identical or similar to any connecting member described herein (e.g., connecting member 130).

The third component 1480 may be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any component described herein, such as, for example, the first component 110 and/or the second component 120. The third component 1480 may include a portion of a composite component similar to the composite component 140. For example, electronic components of the composite component (e.g., a processor and/or a battery) may be included in the third component 1480. In some embodiments, the third component 1480 includes a housing portion. In some embodiments, the third component 1480 includes an adhesive portion (not shown) configured to couple the third component 1480 to a patient surface. In some embodiments, the third component 1480 includes electrodes (not shown) configured to be coupled to a patient surface.

The first connecting member 1430A has a first end 1436A coupled to the first component 1410 and a second end 1438A coupled to the third component 1480. The second connecting member 1430B has a first end 1436B coupled to the second component 1420 and a second end 1438B coupled to the third component 1480. In some embodiments, the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B can each be sufficiently flexible to change shape or deform from an initial configuration or shape while maintaining their coupling to the third component 1480 and the first component 1410 or the second component 1420 (e.g., due to movement of the skin position to which the first component 1410, the second component 1420, and/or the third component 1480 are coupled). Therefore, by reducing stress at the skin-adhesive interface compared to connecting members with an undeformed shape, the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B can adapt to skin deformation, resulting in better adhesive durability and better wearing comfort for the user. In some embodiments, each of the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B (e.g., one or more composite plates of a composite component) can be sufficiently elastic such that the first connecting member 1430A and/or the second connecting member 1430B can respectively function as a spring arranged between the third component 1480 and the first component 110 or between the third component 1480 and the second component 120, allowing the length of the first connecting member 1430A and/or the second connecting member 1430B to stretch and contract relative to a balanced or undeformed length.

The first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B each have a total length (e.g., the distance from the first end 1436A to the second end 1438A and the distance from the first end 1436B to the second end 1438B, respectively), a total width (e.g., the distance from the outermost edge of each connecting member 1430A and 1430B extending in a first direction to the outermost edge of each connecting member 1430A and 1430B extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first direction extending perpendicularly to a line extending between the first component 1410 and the third component 1480 or between the third component 1480 and the second component 1420, respectively), and a total height (e.g., the vertical distance from the portion of each connecting member 1430A and 1430B closest to the patient to the portion of the surface furthest from the patient when the system 1400 is coupled to a surface). The length of each connecting member 1430A and 1430B can be measured in the X direction, the width of each connecting member 1430A and 1430B can be measured in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, and the height of each connecting member 1430A and 1430B can be measured in the Z direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. For example, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the first connecting member 1430A has a length L, a width W, and a height H. Each connecting member 1430A and 1430B can have a first total length, a first total width, and a first total height in a first configuration, and a second total length, a second total width, and a second total height in a second configuration. The first width and the second width can be equal. When the first component 1410 and the third component 1480 are closer to each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration, the second length can be less than the first length and the second height can be greater than the first height. When the first component 1410 and the third component 1480 are farther from each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration, the second length can be greater than the first length and the second height can be less than the first height. Similarly, when the second component 1420 and the third component 1480 are closer to each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration, the second length can be less than the first length and the second height can be greater than the first height. When the second component 1420 and the third component 1480 are farther from each other in the second configuration than in the first configuration, the second length can be greater than the first length and the second height can be less than the first height.

As shown in Figure 14B, in some embodiments, the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B can each include an arched or curved shape. For example, in some embodiments, the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B can each include an arched or curved shape in an initial or undeformed configuration. In some embodiments, the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B can each be straight in an initial or undeformed configuration, and can include an arched or curved shape in a contracted configuration. In some embodiments, the more contracted the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B become, the lower the frequency and/or the larger the amplitude of the arch or curve in each of the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B. In some embodiments, the first connecting member 1430A may include an arched or curved shape extending from a first end 1436A to a second end 1438A (e.g., closer to the second end 1438A than the first end 1436A), and the second connecting member 1430B may include an arched or curved shape extending from the first end 1436B to the second end 1438B (e.g., closer to the second end 1438B than the first end 1436B). As shown in FIG14B, each of the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B may be shaped and attached to the third assembly 1480 such that the arched or curved shape is outside the third assembly 1480 (e.g., the second end 1438A and the second end 1438B are outside the housing of the third assembly 1480).

In some embodiments, a portion of each of the first and second connecting members can be arranged within the housing of the component. For example, Figures 15A and 15B are schematic illustrations of a top and side view of system 1500. System 1500 includes a first component 1510, a second component 1520, and a third component 1580. The first component 1510 can be coupled to the third component 1580 via a first connecting member 1530A, and the second component 1520 can be coupled to the third component 1580 via a second connecting member 1530B. System 1500 can be structurally and/or functionally similar to any system described herein. For example, the first component 1510 and the second component 1520 can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any component described herein such as first component 1410 and/or second component 1420. The third component 1580 can be structurally and/or functionally identical or similar to any component described herein such as third component 1480. The first connecting member 1530A and the second connecting member 1530B can each be the same as or similar to any connecting member described herein, such as, for example, the first connecting member 1430A and the second connecting member 1430B.

The first connecting member 1530A has a first end 1536A coupled to the first component 1510 and a second end 1538A coupled to the third component 1580. The second connecting member 1530B has a first end 1536B coupled to the second component 1520 and a second end 1538B coupled to the third component 1580. As shown in FIG15B, the second ends 1538A and 1538B can be arranged within the housing of the third component 1580 such that a smaller portion of each of the first connecting member 1530A and the second connecting member 1530B is available from outside the system 1500. For example, the third component 1580 can include an opening configured to receive a portion of the first connecting member 1530A, and the first connecting member 1530A can move within the opening when the first connecting member 1530A changes between an initial configuration or shape and an expanded or contracted configuration or shape. Therefore, the area or space defined by the skin-facing surface of the first connecting member 1530A, the outer surface of the third component 1580, and the patient surface to which the system 1500 is coupled can be smaller than the space defined by the skin-facing surface of the first connecting member 1430A and the patient surface to which the system 1400 is coupled when the first connecting member 1530A and the first connecting member 1430A are otherwise in the same configuration.

Although shown in Figures 14B and 15B as having an arched or curved shape in the vertical direction (Y direction), in some embodiments, the connecting members (1430A, 1430B, 1530A, and 1530B) can include, contract, and/or deform into any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the connecting members can have any combination of meandering, sinusoidal, serrated, repeating serrated, repeating triangular, and/or shapes located in the XZ plane (e.g., as viewed from a side view).

In some implementations, a system such as any system described herein may include one or more connecting members having a combination of the features described herein. For example, a connecting member may have a general horizontal width and vertical height relative to the patient surface to which the system including the connecting member is attached, both configured to change in response to skin deformation as the connecting member deforms (e.g., contraction or expansion). For example, in a default or contracted configuration, a connecting member may have, for example, any combination of meandering, sinusoidal, zigzag, repeating zigzag, repeating triangular, and/or shapes located in the XY plane (e.g., as viewed in a top view), and may have an arched or curved shape located in the XZ plane (e.g., as viewed from a side view).

In some embodiments, the electrodes of any system described herein (e.g., system 100) may be configured to detect conducted or sensed signals generated by an ingestible event marker of an ingestible pill disposed in a patient’s body or by any other ingestible or implantable device.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. In cases where specific events occur in a particular order as indicated by the methods described above, the order of the specific events can be modified. Furthermore, the specific events can be performed simultaneously in parallel processes where possible, or sequentially as described above.

In some embodiments, the system described herein (or any component thereof) can include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing operations in various computer implementations. A computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not, in itself, include transient propagating signals (e.g., propagating electromagnetic waves carrying information over transmission media such as space or cables). The medium and the computer code (also referred to as code) can be those designed and constructed for a particular purpose or multiple purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical storage media such as optical discs/digital video discs (CD/DVD), optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical discs; carrier signal processing modules; and hardware devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), read-only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM) devices specifically configured to store and execute program code.

Although various embodiments have been described as combinations of specific features and/or components, other embodiments having combinations of any features and/or components from any embodiment are also possible where appropriate.

In some embodiments, the system includes a first component, a second component, and a connecting member. The first component includes a first electrode and a first adhesive portion. The first component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second adhesive portion. The second component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the second adhesive portion. The connecting member has a first end, a second end, and a third adhesive portion. The first end is coupled to the first component, and the second end is coupled to the second component. The connecting member is configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a first distance. In the second configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a second distance different from the first distance. The connecting member is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the third adhesive portion in both the first and second configurations.

In some embodiments, the connecting member is configured to switch from a first configuration to a second configuration at least in part based on the movement of the first component relative to the second component due to deformation of the patient surface.

In some embodiments, the connecting member is biased toward the first configuration.

In some embodiments, the connecting member is configured to be coupled to the patient’s surface via a third adhesive portion during a transition from a first configuration to a second configuration.

In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a skin-facing surface, and a third adhesive portion is configured to cover a portion of the skin-facing surface.

In some embodiments, the connecting member further includes a fourth adhesive portion. A third adhesive portion is disposed at a first location on the skin-facing surface of the connecting member. A fourth adhesive portion is disposed at a second location on the skin-facing surface of the connecting member.

In some embodiments, the connecting member includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment is coupled to the second segment via a first flexible hinge. The second segment is coupled to the third segment via a second flexible hinge.

In some embodiments, the connecting member includes one or more conductive members configured to electrically couple the first component to the second component.

In some embodiments, the connecting member has a first sinusoidal shape having a first frequency in a first configuration and a second sinusoidal shape having a second frequency in a second configuration, the second frequency being different from the first frequency.

In some embodiments, the system includes a first component, a second component, and a composite component. The first component includes a first electrode and a first housing. The first component is configured to be coupled to the surface of a patient's skin via a first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second housing. The second component is configured to be coupled to the surface of the patient's skin via a second adhesive portion. The composite component includes a processor and a composite plate having a flexible portion. The flexible portion has a first end and a second end. The processor is disposed between the first electrode and the first housing. The composite component is configured to switch from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the flexible portion is a first distance. In the second configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the flexible portion is a second distance different from the first distance.

In some embodiments, the system includes a connecting member having a third housing, and a flexible portion of the composite assembly is disposed within the third housing. The third housing, the first housing, and the second housing together form a cover layer and a bottom layer. The flexible composite assembly is disposed between the cover layer and the bottom layer.

In some embodiments, the composite component includes an energy storage device. The energy storage device is disposed within a second housing.

In some embodiments, the system includes a first component, a second component, and a composite component. The first component includes a first electrode and a first adhesive portion. The first component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the first adhesive portion. The second component includes a second electrode and a second adhesive portion. The second component is configured to be coupled to a patient's surface via the second adhesive portion. The composite component has a flexible portion having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers has a conductor extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is coupled to the first component, and the second end is coupled to the second component. The composite component is configured to electrically couple the first component and the second component. The flexible portion is configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the distance between the first end and the second end of the flexible portion is a first distance. In the second configuration, the distance between the first end and the second end of the flexible portion is a second distance different from the first distance. The flexible portion is configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via a third adhesive portion in both the first and second configurations.

In some embodiments, the conductor of the first layer of the plurality of layers is arranged at a first distance from the bottom surface of the flexible portion, and the conductor of the second layer of the plurality of layers is arranged at a second distance from the bottom surface of the flexible portion.

In some embodiments, the first layer of a plurality of layers is directly stacked on top of the second layer of a plurality of layers.

In some embodiments, the composite component includes a printed circuit board.

Claims (12)

1. A system for an elastic wearable sensor capable of adapting to skin deformation, comprising: A first component, the first component including a first electrode and a first adhesive portion, the first component being configured to be coupled to the surface of a patient via the first adhesive portion; A second component, the second component including a second electrode and a second adhesive portion, the second component being configured to be coupled to the surface of the patient via the second adhesive portion; and A connecting member having a first end, a second end, and a third adhesive portion, the first end being coupled to a first component and the second end being coupled to a second component, the connecting member being configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a first distance, and in the second configuration the distance between the first and second ends of the connecting member is a second distance different from the first distance, the connecting member being configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via the third adhesive portion in both the first and second configurations. Specifically, when a force is applied to the first end and/or the second end of the connecting member, the connecting member can be configured to deform from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the connecting member can be configured to revert from the second configuration to the first configuration when the force is removed. The connecting member is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration at least in part based on the movement of the first component relative to the second component due to deformation of the patient's surface. The connecting member has a composite component portion 1 (842A), which has an insulating portion 1 (847') and a plurality of conductive traces. The plurality of conductive traces are arranged within the insulating portion 1 (847') and are used for electrically coupling the first component and the second component. The plurality of conductive traces include a first conductive trace 1 (843A’) and a second conductive trace 1 (843B’). The first conductive trace 1 (843A’) and the second conductive trace 1 (843B’) are arranged at different positions relative to the skin-facing surface 1 (845’) of the composite component portion 1 (842A), such that the first conductive trace 1 (843A’) is arranged further away from the skin-facing surface 1 (845’) than the second conductive trace 1 (843B’). 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first conductive trace 1 (843A’) is arranged perpendicularly relative to the second conductive trace 1 (843B’), such that the composite component portion 1 (842A) is narrower than if the composite component portion 1 (842A) only includes horizontally distributed conductive traces. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of conductive traces have a third conductive trace 1 (843C’) that electrically couples the first component and the second component. The third conductive trace 1 (843C’) is arranged close to the skin-facing surface 1 (845’) and side by side with the second conductive trace 1 (843B’). 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The first conductive trace 1 (843A’) is arranged perpendicularly relative to the second conductive trace 1 (843B’) and the third conductive trace 1 (843C’), such that the composite component portion 1 (842A) is narrower than the composite component portion 1 (842A) if the composite component portion 1 (842A) only includes horizontally distributed conductive traces. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of conductive traces have a third conductive trace 3 (843C”’) and a fourth conductive trace 3 (843D”’), the fourth conductive trace 3 (843D”’) being electrically coupled to the first component and the second component, the fourth conductive trace 3 (843D”’) being arranged close to the skin-facing surface 3 (845”’) and alongside the second conductive trace 3 (843B”’), while the third conductive trace 3 (843C”’) being arranged away from the skin-facing surface 3 (845”’) and alongside the first conductive trace 3 (843A”’). 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The first conductive trace 3 (843A”’) and the third conductive trace 3 (843C”’) are arranged perpendicularly relative to the second conductive trace 3 (843B”’) and the fourth conductive trace 3 (843D”’), such that the composite component portion 1 (842A) is narrower than if the composite component portion 1 (842A) only includes horizontally distributed conductive traces. 7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting member is biased toward the first configuration. 8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting member is configured to be coupled to the patient's surface via the third adhesive portion during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. 9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting member includes the skin-facing surface, and the third adhesive portion is configured to cover a portion of the skin-facing surface. 10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting member further includes a fourth adhesive portion. The third adhesive portion is disposed at the first position on the skin-facing surface of the connecting member. The fourth adhesive portion is disposed at the second position on the skin-facing surface of the connecting member. 11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting component includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first segment is coupled to the second segment via a first flexible hinge. The second segment is coupled to the third segment via a second flexible hinge. 12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting member has a first sinusoidal shape in the first configuration and a second sinusoidal shape in the second configuration, the first sinusoidal shape having a first frequency and the second sinusoidal shape having a second frequency, the second frequency being different from the first frequency.