The innovative use of resonant sensors coupled with microfluidic channels enables the ability to measure sweat rate and conductivity, allowing additional information to be gathered such as electrolyte loss. A wireless reader gives access to this information without the need for onboard power and through PPE (no line-of-sight required).
Human health and performance monitoring are growing fields for private, public, and military use. In consumer health care, sensors for measuring athletic performance, sleep cycles, and general health and well-being have become increasingly popular. In high risk or dangerous jobs, the ability to accurately monitor the health of individuals such as pilots or firefighters can improve efficiency, health, and reduce risk of injury, death, or destruction of property.
Sweat sensors do not currently make up for any significant percentage of the wearable sensors market. Monitoring the rate and composition of sweat can indicate potential health issues such as dehydration, allowing proactive measures to be taken and reduce risk to the individual.
Use of resonant sensors coupled with microfluidic channels allows the measurement of sweat rate and other important elements related to sweat such as electrolyte levels. The sticker sensor is composed of fluid-handling, laser-ablated, PDMS channels with an adhered resonator etched out of copper-coated polyimide that can easily be fabricated (possible to print). A reader/antenna is able to measure amplitude and frequency changes in the microfluidic that relates to rate of fluid movement and composition of the fluid, respectively. The measurement does not require line-of-sight and can be conducted through personal protective equipment (PPE).
Athletes, firefighters, military personnel or other users where hydration levels are important to monitor.
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