Technical Name Lightweight Flexible Electromagnetic Patch for Non-contact Health Monitoring
Project Operator National Tsing Hua University
Project Host 王廷瑋
Summary
This study presents a lightweight (6 g), flexible, and wireless patch (9 × 5 × 0.9 cm) for non-contact cardiopulmonary monitoring. An LC resonant circuit generates a magnetic field that penetrates clothing and couples with underlying conductive tissues in the heart and lungs. Physiological motion alters impedance, shifting the resonant frequency. The patch integrates sensing and wireless modules on a flexible PCB. Signals are sampled at 12.5 Hz and transmitted to a mobile app and cloud platform.
Scientific Breakthrough
The lightweight, flexible, non-contact cardiopulmonary patch maintains signal stability under the 11.15 mm bending radius, demonstrating strong adaptability to body curvature. Cardiac and respiratory signal sensitivities (Δf/f₀) reach 0.018% and 0.035%, with HR and RR accuracies within ±5 bpm and ±3 rpm. The patch operates through clothing up to 5.35 mm thick and supports monitoring at the carotid, radial, and femoral arteries, enabling potential assessment of arterial stiffness.
Industrial Applicability
Emergency waiting areas are often overcrowded, with limited medical staff and resources. This study introduces a lightweight, flexible, non-contact patch for rapid cardiopulmonary monitoring without removing clothing. Data are wirelessly uploaded to a cloud platform for real-time physiological assessment and objective triage decisions. The system also applies to long-term care, disaster response, and other settings requiring fast screening, offering strong clinical and commercial potential.
Keyword Wearable devices Patch Flexible electronics Non-contact measurement Eddy current Magnetic coupling Cardiopulmonary monitoring Internet of Things Emergency room Nursing shortage
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  • Ting-Wei Wang