Modular vertically-integrated skin patch for biosignal measurements

Abstract This paper presents research on a novel and modular vertically-integrated wearable skin patch for biosignal measurements. The flexible patch consists of a disposable skin-contacting electrode layer and a durable electronics part. The durable part is designed to include a printed re-chargeable battery, a solar cell, electronics for the measurement of electrocardiogram (ECG), galvanic skin response, acceleration, temperature and humidity and a covering visually appealing jewellery-like functional crystal layer for decoration and user interaction. The patch can store measurement data and transmit it to a mobile phone via a bluetooth low-energy radio. Integration process is developed for the vertical stacking that limits the skin-patch area to achieve a desirable form factor. The sensing electrodes are printed on stretchable thermoformable polyurethane substrate with vias through the substrate to couple skin-contacting electrodes to the upper functional layers. A removable adhesive layer between the disposable and durable parts is developed to enable separating the two parts after wear and then to couple the durable part with a new disposable part. The patch is tested on body for ECG sensing.