Background
Since 2015, Medicomp has relied on Porticos to help them develop and launch wearable medical monitors. From early branding concepts, through design, launch, and support, Porticos has contributed engineering expertise on numerous Medicomp medical devices.
The TelePatch is a system for cardiac monitoring. It includes several elements: a pendant, battery pack, charger, cable assembly, and patches. Porticos worked closely with Medicomp engineers to leverage the knowledge of past products in the development of the TelePatch.
Challenges
As with all wearable devices, the TelePatch needed to be versatile, providing protection against sweat, dust, and shower spray (IPX4), along with the impacts of an active lifestyle. Additionally, the pendant required easily-accessible fingertip electrodes, and a removable, rechargeable battery pack, all in a tough, compact package.
Our deep expertise in rugged design and wearable electronics suggested some strategies:
- Overmolded TPE main housing seal
- O-ring fingertip electrodes seals
- Closed-cell foam battery contact seals
- Electrical contacts pressed into molded plastics
- Custom-designed coin cell battery contacts
- Careful material selection for all custom parts
Outcome
Porticos worked with Medicomp from initial ID concept sketches, through prototype, and eventual FCC and IEC 60601 certification. The TelePatch has been in production for many years and has proven to be a versatile, rugged, and successful solution to ambulatory cardiac monitoring.
