GB2452258A - Sweat Rate Sensor - Google Patents
Sweat Rate Sensor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2452258A GB2452258A GB0716609A GB0716609A GB2452258A GB 2452258 A GB2452258 A GB 2452258A GB 0716609 A GB0716609 A GB 0716609A GB 0716609 A GB0716609 A GB 0716609A GB 2452258 A GB2452258 A GB 2452258A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- waterproof
- membrane
- skin
- measurement space
- breathable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/42—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems
- A61B5/4261—Evaluating exocrine secretion production
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/42—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems
- A61B5/4261—Evaluating exocrine secretion production
- A61B5/4266—Evaluating exocrine secretion production sweat secretion
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Endocrinology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Physiology (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
The Invention relates to a device to provide a portable method for the continuous measurement of local body sweat rate, in which a measurement space 5 and sensors 6,7 are protected from ambient airflows and other extraneous factors by the use of waterproof/breathable 2, 4 membranes.
Description
Sweat Rate Sensor
Background to Invention
When body temperature rises the hypothalamus sends nerve signals to the sweat producing glands. These glands secrete sweat onto the skin surface, where it evaporates. Water has a high latent heat of evaporation, so it takes heat from the body. Sweat evaporation is a passive process, and depends on the temperature and water vapour pressure of the skin and ambient air. Sweat losses are poorly estimated by subjects and thirst is a poor indicator of hydration.
Sweat contains a small amount (0.2 -1%) of solute -mainly sodium. Therefore, if an individual drinks too much and fails to replace this lost sodium a serious medical condition of sodium depletion (hyponatreamia) can occur. Dehydration may also result in a number of conditions that will hinder athlete performance, such as increased fatigue, decreased coordination and muscle cramping.
Sweat Rates Sweat rates vary widely, from 1 OOmls to 8,000mls per day, making estimation very complicated. Moreover, rates can vary further among individuals exercising under the same conditions. It is therefore extremely difficult to predict fluid loss or advise an individual how much and what to drink. The standard way of determining total body sweat losses is by measuring differences in an individuals body weight pre and post exercise.
Sweat Rate Devices The use of local sweat rate measurements devices such as US Patents 5131390, 4066068, and 3139085 has generally been restricted to laboratories and the medical field. The drawback of some of these devices is that they can be prone to disturbance caused by ambient alrflows generated by a subject moving or the wind. Indeed, US Patent 6,966,877 describes ambient airflows being formed by the simple action of opening or closing a door. An additional drawback is that some of these devices are relatively complex requiring the mechanical generation of a controlled airflow across the skin and therefore not lending themselves to being portable.
DESCRIPTION
Sweat Rate Sensor The invention relates to a device to provide a portable method for the continuous measurement of local body sweat rate, in which the measurement space and sensors are protected from ambient airf lows and other extraneous factors by the use of waterproof/breathable membranes.
With reference to FIGURE 1 and in accordance with the invention: The device has a chamber which is open on two sides. The openings are sealed by waterproof/breathable membranes (2 & 4). The chamber walls (1) and waterproof/breathable membranes (2 & 4) form a protected enclosed sealed measurement space.
Within the measurement space (5) there are sensors to measure water vapour pressure (6) and temperature (7). The waterproof/breathable membranes protect the sensors from ambient airflows and other extraneous factors whilst still allowing water vapour to pass through.
The chambers opening for membrane (4) may be located on top of the chamber as seen in figures 1 & 2, or around the side as seen the figures 3 & 4, or any combination or partial combination of both.
Membrane (4) allows an interface between ambient air and the measurement space.
The walls of the chamber (1) and rigid lattice (3) are made of a dense material, which does not bind with or release moisture. The spaces between the rigid lattice (3) allows the free movement of water vapour from the skin surface (8).
Application of the invention: When membrane (2) is firmly secured against the skin (8), a dermavmembrane interface between the skin (8) and the measurement space is formed, and the temperature and perspired water vapour pressure within the measurement space begins to increase. At the same time the second membrane (4) allows the measurement space environment to exhaust into the ambient air.
To ensure a firm, smooth and continuous dermal/membrane interface, membrane (2) is laid against the skin and is supported by a rigid lattice (3).
By firmly securing membrane (2) against the skin excessive moisture is continually expressed out from between the dermal/membrane interface allowing the accurate measurement of water vapour even when the skin is wet.
The measurement space (5) forms an internal microenvironment which proportionally and continually reflects changes in the skin's perspired water vapour. The properties of the membranes (2 & 4) overcome the problem of ambient airflow disrupting the measurement space whilst removing the need for a mechanically controlled airflow within the measurement space.
Sensors (6 & 7) within the measurement space measure changes in water vapour pressure and temperature.
Definitions of terms used: A waterproof/breathable membrane or membrane referred to in the invention: a fabric membrane that is protective, waterproof, and windproof whilst allowing water vapour to pass through. An example of such a fabric membrane is Gortex° fabric.
Extraneous factors referred to in the invention: indicate wind, rain, salt, sand, dust and or any other environmental factor which may affect the measurement space, sensors or measurements.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 and 2 illustrate a variation of design where membrane (4) is situated wholly across the top of the device. Figure 3 and 4 illustrate a variation in design where membrane (4) is situated in parts around the sides of the device. Figure 5 illustrates the dermal/membrane interface.
FIGURE 1 In accordance with the invention figure 1 shows the longitudinal cross section of the apparatus. The chamber waIls (1).
The waterproof/breathable membrane (4) is stretched across the top and waterproof/breathable membrane (2) is stretched across the bottom of the chamber and sealed at the edges.
A sealed measurement space (5) is formed by the waterproof/breathable membranes (2) and (4) and the chamber waIls (1).
The skin membrane interface is formed by the breathable membrane (2) and the skin (8).
The breathable membrane (2) is supported by a rigid lattice (3).
The measurement space water vapour pressure and temperature sensors (6) and (7) can be seen in the measurement space.
FIGURE 2 In accordance with the inventior figure 2 shows the plan cross section of the apparatus.
The chamber walls (1).
The waterproof/breathable membrane (2) is stretched across the bottom of the chamber and sealed at the edges.
The breathable membrane (2) is supported by a rigid lattice (3).
The water vapour pressure and temperature sensors (6 & 7) can be seen in the measurement space.
FIGURE 3 In accordance with the invention figure 3 shows the longitudinal cross section of the apparatus. The chamber walls (1).
The waterproof/breathable membrane (2) is stretched across the bottom of the chamber and sealed at the edges.
The waterproof/breathable membrane (4) is stretched around the side of the chamber and sealed at the edges.
The sealed measurement space is formed by the waterproof/breathable membranes (2) and (4) and the chamber waIls (1).
The waterproof/breathable membrane (2) is supported by a rigid lattice (3).
The skin interface is formed by the waterproof/breathable membrane (2) and the skin (8).
The water vapour pressure and temperature sensors (6) and (7) can be seen in measurement space.
FIGURE 4 In accordance with the invention figure 4 shows the plan cross section of the apparatus.
The chamber walls (1).
The waterproof/breathable membrane (4) is stretched around the side of the chamber and sealed at the edges.
The waterproof/breathable membrane (2) is stretched across the bottom of the chamber and sealed at the edges.
The breathable membrane (2) is supported by a rigid lattice (3).
The water vapour pressure and temperature sensors (6 & 7) can be seen In the measurement space.
FIGURE 5 In accordance with the invention figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross section of the dermaVniembrane Interface.
The support rigid lattice (3) The waterproof/breathable membrane (2), The Skin (8)
Claims (12)
- What is claimed: 1. The invention relates to a device to provide a portable real-time method for the continuous measurement of local body sweat rate, in which the measurement space and sensors are protected from ambient airfiows and other extraneous factors by the use of a waterproof/breathable membrane.
- 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the walls of the chamber and rigid lattice are made of a dense material, which does not bind with or release moisture.
- 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chambers opening for the ambient air interface membrane may be located on top or around the side of the chamber or any combination or partial combination of both.
- 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chambers walls and waterproof/breathable membranes create an enclosed sealed measurement space.
- 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the measurement space and sensors are enclosed and protected from ambient airf lows and other extraneous factors by the use of the chamber's waterproof/breathable membranes and walls.
- 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof/membranes protect the measurement space from ambient airfiows and other extraneous factors whilst still allowing water vapour to pass through.
- 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein by using a waterproof/breathable membrane an ambient air/membrane interface between the measurement space and the ambient air is formed.
- 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein by placing a waterproof/breathable membrane firmly against the skin a dermal/membrane interface between the skin and the measurement space is formed.
- 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein to ensure a firm, smooth and continuous dermal/membrane interface, the waterproof/breathable membrane is laid against the skin and is supported by a rigid lattice.
- 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spaces between the rigid lattice allows the free movement of water vapour by conventional air flow.
- 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein by firmly securing the device against the skin excessive moisture is continually expressed out from between the dermaVmembrane interface allowing the accurate measurement of water vapour, even when the skin is wet.
- 12. A method according to claim 1 and 11, whereIn allows the continuous monitoring of local skin sweat rates.12. A method of measuring the degree of evaporation of water vapour through the skin, comprising: a) a sealed measurement space formed by two waterproof/breathable membranes and the chamber walls; b) a waterproof/breathable membrane is laid against the skin and to ensure a smooth and continuous contact between the skin the waterproof/breathable membrane is supported by a rigid lattice; c) a second membrane allows an interface between ambient air and the measurement space; d) the measurement space develops an internal micro environment which immediately and continuously reflects changes in the local skins sweat rate and temperature; e) sensors within the measurement space measure the water vapour pressure and temperature.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0716609A GB2452258A (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2007-08-28 | Sweat Rate Sensor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0716609A GB2452258A (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2007-08-28 | Sweat Rate Sensor |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0716609D0 GB0716609D0 (en) | 2007-10-03 |
| GB2452258A true GB2452258A (en) | 2009-03-04 |
Family
ID=38599273
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0716609A Withdrawn GB2452258A (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2007-08-28 | Sweat Rate Sensor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2452258A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2335567A1 (en) | 2009-12-21 | 2011-06-22 | Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives | Device and method for assessing the water lost by a person or an animal through sweating |
| WO2011050382A3 (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2011-07-07 | Peter Hagl | Sensor device |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4066068A (en) * | 1974-11-28 | 1978-01-03 | Servo Med Ab | Method and apparatus for determining the amount of a substance emitted by diffusion from a surface such as a derm surface |
| US5131390A (en) * | 1989-09-14 | 1992-07-21 | Suzuken Co. | Device for continuously measuring the skin local sweating rate |
-
2007
- 2007-08-28 GB GB0716609A patent/GB2452258A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4066068A (en) * | 1974-11-28 | 1978-01-03 | Servo Med Ab | Method and apparatus for determining the amount of a substance emitted by diffusion from a surface such as a derm surface |
| US5131390A (en) * | 1989-09-14 | 1992-07-21 | Suzuken Co. | Device for continuously measuring the skin local sweating rate |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011050382A3 (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2011-07-07 | Peter Hagl | Sensor device |
| US8869596B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-10-28 | Peter Hagl | Sensor device |
| EP2335567A1 (en) | 2009-12-21 | 2011-06-22 | Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives | Device and method for assessing the water lost by a person or an animal through sweating |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0716609D0 (en) | 2007-10-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |