CURRENT DEVICE IN THE MARKET

The device consisted of a wearable band, RF transmitter, and a battery. I planned to create a wearable device that provides power-efficient, effective tracking that is comfortable for patients who tend to wander in order to minimize incompliant behavior against the device.

Prototypes

Initial stages of different design prototypes of the wearable tracking devices

Design 1 – Alarm for the disabled device – low battery and cut off – either light or sound or both - need a backup battery to charge the sound source/ light source in case it dies or is disconnected.

Design 2 – patch

A patch would satisfy the need for the device to be wearable. The patch would have a way to insert and hold into the transmitter as well as a battery embedded into it to power the transmitter. The patch would have an adhesive on the side that is in contact with the body. This adhesive would have to withstand enough water and body movement to stay in place for at least 60 days (the current battery life) as well as to protect the transmitter from possible water damage. Then, after 60 days (once the battery is dead) an officer would replace the patch with a new one. The new patch would have a charged battery and the officer would transfer the transmitter from the old to the new patch

Design 3 – Watch with a tracker integrated

Altering the design of the product so that it acts as both a functioning watch and a tracker might allow patients to grow a sense of attachment to the device. Having a functioning watch, the device would have a purpose for the user and not only for the caretaker as a means of tracking. This functionality of the watch plus the act of wearing a watch every day being a norm may reduce a patient desire to remove the device, and may even coarse them to wear it out of desire. The watch would of course still contain the transmitter and battery so both components would need to be downsized significantly as to not increase the bulkyness of the product even more than the current design.

Design 4 – Magnet unlocking mechanism

A strong magnetic locking mechanism can prevent the patient from taking the device off themselves; only a caregiver can remove it if needed. This magnetic clasp also locks the wrist band to make it steady and secure which prevents falling off in daily life.

Design 5 – Silicone stress ball material for band – expandable

A wrapping or casing material can cover over the plastic band itself, already being used for the devices. This wrapping is made up of the same material as the silicon stress plush toys and squeezable balls currently on the market. The material will give, but not break, to applied forces of stress and impact, due to acute or chronic swelling, while the internal plastic skeleton band will continue to ensure that the strap itself cannot be easy broken. The material is also touch-friendly and is comfortable to most people, as the toys have been on the market for a long time.

Design 6 – All components in band (transmitter and battery) - flat device = just strap

This design will include the battery and the transmitter all placed without a casing with just a strap.

Design 7 – Solar powered battery system

Design 8 – Injectable tracker.

This design allows for the tracking device to be biocompatible and be inserted under the epidermis layer of the skin.

Design 9- Sole Insert Medium:

This is design includes the sole of a shoe as a carrier to the tracking transmitter and the battery circuit. The insert will be hollowed out to allow the device components to sit inside of it, surrounded by the cushion to keep them secure and to support the patient’s foot inconspicuously. The pressure is evenly distributed across the foot.