BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING DEVICE CAPABLE OF MEASURING MERIDIANS

Abstract

A meridian-measuring blood pressure measuring device (1) comprises an airway (30), an air filling and deflating unit (12), an air cushion unit (22), a signal acquisition unit (13), a pressure measurement unit (14), and a processing unit (11). The airway (30) comprises an upstream end (31) and a downstream end (32). The air filling and deflating unit (12) is connected to the upstream end (31) of the airway (30) and supplies a gas. The air cushion unit (22) is connected to the downstream end (32) of the airway (30). An interior space of the air cushion unit (22) and the airway (30) form a space (S) for filling the gas. The signal acquisition unit (13) is attached to a surface of the air cushion unit (22). The pressure measuring unit (14) is coupled to the room (S). The processing unit (11) is coupled to the signal acquisition unit (13) and the pressure measuring unit (14).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a blood pressure measuring device and in particular to a blood pressure measuring device that is capable of measuring meridians. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The sphygmomanometer is an important medical device in people's lives. It can accurately measure blood pressure, such as systolic and diastolic pressure. However, with current technology, the sphygmomanometer's function is limited and lacks variability; it cannot translate other data related to human blood flow into effective information that doctors can use to assess a person's physical condition. Its application is therefore restricted to general blood pressure measurement.

[0003] Therefore, Taiwanese utility model no. TW M465140 U discloses a sphygmomanometer-type pulse diagnostic device that simultaneously measures blood pressure and pulse rate using an array sensor. However, the parameter sampling for blood pressure and pulse rate measurements is not identical. If only a single detector is used for both blood pressure measurement and pulse rate determination, the measurement data will not be sufficiently accurate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A main objective of the invention is to solve the problem of insufficient accuracy in conventional pulse diagnostic devices of the sphygmomanometer type or pulse diagnostic sphygmomanometers.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention provides a blood pressure measuring device capable of measuring meridians, comprising an air path, an air filling and venting unit, an air cushion unit, a signal acquisition unit, a pressure measuring unit, and a processing unit. The air path comprises an upstream end and a downstream end. The air filling and venting unit is connected to the upstream end of the air path and supplies a gas. The air cushion unit is connected to the downstream end of the air path. An interior space of the air cushion unit and the air path form a space for filling the gas. The signal acquisition unit is mounted on a surface of the air cushion unit. The pressure measuring unit is coupled to this space. The processing unit is coupled to the signal acquisition unit and the pressure measuring unit.The blood pressure monitor is configured to perform one of the following actions: when the air inflation and deflation unit feeds gas into the room and the air pressure in the room reaches and maintains a certain value, the signal acquisition unit detects a continuous pulsation signal from a human body and transmits the continuous pulsation signal to the processing unit; and when the air cushion unit receives the gas supplied by the air inflation and deflation unit and continuously releases the gas from the room, the pressure measurement unit continuously detects a change in the air pressure in the room and transmits a waveform signal generated by the change in air pressure to the processing unit.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention further provides a blood pressure measuring device capable of measuring meridians, comprising an air path, an air inflation and deflation unit, an air cushion unit, a signal acquisition unit, a pressure measurement unit, and a processing unit. The air path comprises an upstream end and a downstream end. The air inflation and deflation unit is connected to the upstream end of the air path and supplies a gas. The air cushion unit is connected to the downstream end of the air path and is divided by a weld line into a first inflatable part and a second inflatable part, the air path and the interiors of the first and second inflatable parts forming a space for filling the gas. The signal acquisition unit is attached to a surface of the air cushion unit.The pressure measurement unit is coupled to the room. The processing unit is coupled to the signal acquisition unit and the pressure measurement unit. The blood pressure monitor is configured to perform one of the following actions: when the inflation and deflation unit supplies gas to the first inflatable part and the air pressure in the room reaches and maintains a certain value, the signal acquisition unit detects a continuous pulsation signal from a human body and transmits this continuous pulsation signal to the processing unit; and when the second inflatable part takes in the gas supplied by the inflation and deflation unit and continuously releases the gas from the room, the pressure measurement unit continuously detects a change in the air pressure in the room and transmits a waveform signal generated by the change in air pressure to the processing unit.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention further provides a blood pressure measuring device capable of measuring meridians, comprising an air path, an air filling and venting unit, a first air cushion unit, a second air cushion unit, a signal acquisition unit, a pressure measuring unit, and a processing unit. The air path comprises an upstream end and a downstream end. The air filling and venting unit is connected to the upstream end of the air path and supplies a gas. The first air cushion unit and the second air cushion unit are connected to the downstream end of the air path, the air path and the interiors of the first and second air cushion units forming a space for filling the gas. The signal acquisition unit is mounted on a surface of the air cushion unit. The pressure measuring unit is coupled to the space.The processing unit is coupled to the signal acquisition unit and the pressure measurement unit. The blood pressure monitor is configured to perform one of the following actions: when the air inflation and deflation unit supplies gas to the first air cushion unit and the air pressure in the room reaches and maintains a certain value, the signal acquisition unit detects a continuous pulsation signal from a human body and transmits this continuous pulsation signal to the processing unit; and when the second air cushion unit receives the gas supplied by the air inflation and deflation unit and continuously releases the gas from the room, the pressure measurement unit continuously detects a change in the air pressure in the room and transmits a waveform signal generated by the change in air pressure to the processing unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device design according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the airway connection according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the airway connection according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the airway connection according to a third embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0008] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and does not constitute a limitation of the invention. The singular forms "ein" and "der" used in this description may also include the plural form unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0009] Directional terms used herein, such as above, below, left, right, front, back and their derivatives or synonyms, refer to the orientation of the elements in the drawings and do not limit the invention unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0010] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The invention provides a blood pressure monitor 1 capable of measuring meridians. The blood pressure monitor 1 comprises a control component 10, a portable pressure-generating component 20, and an air path 30. The portable pressure-generating component 20 is connected to the control component 10, and the control component 10 is fixed to the portable pressure-generating component 20 for convenient portability. The air path 30 communicates with the control component 10 and the portable pressure-generating component 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the portable pressure-generating component 20 is an inflatable wristband, and the control component 10 is a device host for controlling the inflation and deflation of the portable pressure-generating component 20 and displaying the physiological values ​​measured by a user, such as systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, pulse, heart rate, etc.

[0011] Referring to Fig. The control component 10 comprises a processing unit 11, an air filling and venting unit 12, a signal acquisition unit 13, a pressure measuring unit 14, a first valve unit 15, a second valve unit 16, an output unit 17, and an operating unit 18. The processing unit 11 is coupled to the air filling and venting unit 12, the signal acquisition unit 13, the pressure measuring unit 14, the first valve unit 15, the second valve unit 16, the output unit 17, and the operating unit 18 to receive or send signals, such as transmitting user-entered operating instructions via the operating unit 18, or receiving pressure changes from the portable pressure-exerting component 20 via the pressure measuring unit 14.

[0012] In one embodiment, the air filling and venting unit 12 is a pump. The signal acquisition unit 13 is a signal sensor, wherein the signal sensors may be arranged in one or more groups, and each group contains one or more sensors for measuring a radial artery of the user. The pressure measuring unit 14 is an air pressure sensor. The first valve unit 15 is a pressure relief valve. The second valve unit 16 is a two-way valve. The output unit 17 is a display screen, a loudspeaker, or a combination of the above. The operating unit 18 is a control button and a power switch. In other embodiments, the output unit 17 and the operating unit 18 are integrated into a touchscreen for operation and display of the measurement results.

[0013] The portable pressure-applying component 20 comprises a portable unit 21 and an air cushion unit 22. The portable unit 21 is attached to the air cushion unit 22 and is worn on the user's wrist to secure the portable pressure-applying component 20 to the user's wrist. The signal acquisition unit 13 is located on a surface of the air cushion unit 22. In one embodiment, the portable unit 21 can be used to repeatedly remove and reattach the portable pressure-applying component 20, such as by means of a strap, hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, or the like.

[0014] Referring to Fig. In a first embodiment of the invention, the air path 30 is connected to the air filling and venting unit 12, the pressure measuring unit 14, the first valve unit 15, the second valve unit 16 and the air cushion unit 22.

[0015] The air path 30 comprises an upstream end 31, a downstream end 32, and an air leakage section 33. The air filling and venting unit 12 is coupled to the upstream end 31 and supplies a gas. In one embodiment, the gas is air. The air cushion unit 22 is connected to the downstream end 32. An interior space of the air cushion unit 22 and the air path 30 form a chamber S for filling with the gas. The pressure measuring unit 14, the first valve unit 15, and the second valve unit 16 are each connected to the air path 30 and coupled to the chamber S. The air leakage section 33 is normally open and is located at the downstream end 32 so that the gas can be quantitatively vented from the chamber S. In this embodiment, the pressure measuring unit 14 is arranged at the downstream end 32 to detect a change in air pressure in space S.The signal detection unit 13 is located on a surface of the air cushion unit 22 and is in close contact with the user's skin during use to detect the user's pulse. The first valve unit 15 is located at the downstream end 32 to allow the airway 30 to communicate with the outside or to close off from the outside. The second valve unit 16 is located upstream of the air cushion unit 22.

[0016] Specifically, the downstream end 32 of the air path 30 comprises a first downstream end 321, a second downstream end 322, and a third downstream end 323. The pressure measuring unit 14 is connected to the first downstream end 321. The air leakage part 33 and the first valve unit 15 are connected to the second downstream end 322. The air cushion unit 22 is connected to the third downstream end 323. The second valve unit 16 is arranged on the air path 30 and is located between the third downstream end 323 and the other downstream ends 32 (the first downstream end 321 and the second downstream end 322). The signal acquisition unit 13 is arranged on a surface of the air cushion unit 22.

[0017] In one example of the first embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 1 is configured to perform the following.

[0018] The portable pressure-applying component 20 is worn on the user's wrist and the blood pressure monitor 1 is switched on by the control unit 18.

[0019] The air filling and venting unit 12 begins filling with gas, which is introduced via the upstream end 31 of the air path 30. The processing unit 11 controls the first valve unit 15 to close and the second valve unit 16 to open, and the gas enters the air cushion unit 22 through the third downstream end 323 to fill the space S with the gas.

[0020] When the air pressure in room S reaches and remains at a certain value, the second valve unit 16 closes, the signal acquisition unit 13 transmits a detected continuous pulsation signal (e.g., amplitude and frequency) from a human body to the processing unit 11, and the pulsation signal is converted into pulse state information. The processing unit 11 then controls the first valve unit 15 and the second valve unit 16 to open in order to release the remaining gas.

[0021] Output unit 17 outputs the pulse status information.

[0022] In another example of the first embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 1 is configured to perform the following.

[0023] The portable pressure-applying component 20 is worn on the user's wrist and the blood pressure monitor 1 is switched on by the control unit 18.

[0024] The air filling and venting unit 12 begins filling with gas, which is introduced via the upstream end 31 of the air path 30. The processing unit 11 controls the first valve unit 15 to close and the second valve unit 16 to open, and the gas enters the air cushion unit 22 through the third downstream end 323 to fill the space S with the gas.

[0025] The air filling and venting unit 12 stops filling with gas. If the air cushion unit 22 continuously supplies gas to chamber S, the gas in chamber S is quantitatively released to the outside via the air leakage part 33. The pressure measuring unit 14 continuously detects changes in the air pressure in chamber S and transmits these changes to the processing unit 11 to obtain blood pressure information for the user. The processing unit 11 then controls the first valve unit 15 to open and release the remaining gas.

[0026] Output unit 17 displays the blood pressure information. (Referring to) Fig. In a second embodiment of the invention, the air cushion unit 22 comprises a first inflatable part 221 and a second inflatable part 222. The first inflatable part 221 and the second inflatable part 222 are separated into independent compartments by a weld line 223. The air passage 30 and the interiors of the first inflatable part 221 and the second inflatable part 222 form the gas filling chamber S. The second valve unit 16 is located upstream of the first inflatable part 221, and the downstream end 32 of the air passage 30 further comprises a fourth downstream end 324.

[0027] In this embodiment, the pressure measuring unit 14 is connected to the first downstream end 321. The air leakage part 33 and the first valve unit 15 are connected to the second downstream end 322. The first inflatable part 221 of the air cushion unit 22 is connected to the third downstream end 323. The second inflatable part 222 of the air cushion unit 22 is connected to the fourth downstream end 324. The second valve unit 16 is arranged on the air path 30 and is located between the third downstream end 323 and the fourth downstream end 324. The signal acquisition unit 13 is arranged on a surface of the first inflatable part 221 of the air cushion unit 22.

[0028] In an example of the second embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 1 is configured to perform the following.

[0029] The portable pressure-applying component 20 is worn on the user's wrist and the blood pressure monitor 1 is switched on by the control unit 18.

[0030] The air filling and venting unit 12 begins filling with gas, which is introduced via the upstream end 31 of the air path 30. The processing unit 11 controls the first valve unit 15 to close and the second valve unit 16 to open, and the gas enters the first inflatable part 221 and the second inflatable part 222 of the air cushion unit 22, respectively, through the third downstream end 323 and the fourth downstream end 324, to fill space S with the gas.

[0031] When the air pressure in room S reaches and remains at a certain value, the second valve unit 16 closes, the signal acquisition unit 13 transmits a detected continuous pulsation signal (e.g., amplitude and frequency) from a human body to the processing unit 11, and the pulsation signal is converted into pulse state information. The processing unit 11 then controls the first valve unit 15 and the second valve unit 16 to open in order to release the remaining gas.

[0032] Output unit 17 outputs the pulse status information.

[0033] In another example of the second embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 1 is configured to perform the following.

[0034] The portable pressure-applying component 20 is worn on the user's wrist and the blood pressure monitor 1 is switched on by the control unit 18.

[0035] The air filling and deflating unit 12 begins filling with gas, which is introduced via the upstream end 31 of the air path 30. The processing unit 11 controls the first valve unit 15 and the second valve unit 16 to close, and the gas enters the second inflatable part 222 of the air cushion unit 22 through the fourth downstream end 324 to fill the space S with gas.

[0036] The air filling and venting unit 12 stops filling with gas. While the second inflatable part 222 continuously feeds gas into chamber S, the gas present in chamber S is quantitatively released to the outside via the air leakage part 33. The pressure measuring unit 14 continuously detects changes in the air pressure in chamber S and transmits these changes to the processing unit 11 to obtain blood pressure information for the user. The processing unit 11 then controls the first valve unit 15 to open and release the remaining gas.

[0037] Output unit 17 displays the blood pressure information.

[0038] Referring to Fig.In a third embodiment of the invention, the air cushion unit 22 is divided into a first air cushion unit 22a and a second air cushion unit 22b. The first air cushion unit 22a and the second air cushion unit 22b are independent compartments. The second valve unit 16 is located upstream of the first air cushion unit 22a. The air passage 30 and the interiors of the first air cushion unit 22a and the second air cushion unit 22b form the gas filling chamber S.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pressure measuring unit 14 is connected to the first downstream end 321. The air leakage part 33 and the first valve unit 15 are connected to the second downstream end 322. The first air cushion unit 22a is connected to the third downstream end 323. The second air cushion unit 22b is connected to the fourth downstream end 324. The second valve unit 16 is arranged on the air path 30 and is located between the third downstream end 323 and the fourth downstream end 324. The signal acquisition unit 13 is arranged on a surface of the air cushion unit 22.

[0040] In an example of the third embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 1 is configured to perform the following.

[0041] The portable pressure-applying component 20 is worn on the user's wrist and the blood pressure monitor 1 is switched on by the control unit 18.

[0042] The air filling and venting unit 12 begins filling with gas, which is introduced via the upstream end 31 of the air path 30. The processing unit 11 controls the first valve unit 15 to close and the second valve unit 16 to open, and the gas enters the first air cushion unit 22a and the second air cushion unit 22b via the third downstream end 323 and the fourth downstream end 324, respectively, to fill the space S with the gas.

[0043] When the air pressure in room S reaches and remains at a certain value, the second valve unit 16 closes, the signal acquisition unit 13 transmits a detected continuous pulsation signal (e.g., amplitude and frequency) from a human body to the processing unit 11, and the pulsation signal is converted into pulse state information. The processing unit 11 then controls the first valve unit 15 and the second valve unit 16 to open in order to release the remaining gas.

[0044] Output unit 17 outputs the pulse status information.

[0045] In another example of the third embodiment, the blood pressure monitor 1 is configured to perform the following.

[0046] The portable pressure-applying component 20 is worn on the user's wrist and the blood pressure monitor 1 is switched on by the control unit 18.

[0047] The air filling and venting unit 12 begins filling with gas, which is introduced via the upstream end 31 of the air path 30. The processing unit 11 controls the first valve unit 15 and the second valve unit 16 to close, and the gas enters the second air cushion unit 22b through the fourth downstream end 324 to fill the space S with gas.

[0048] The air filling and venting unit 12 stops filling with gas. When the second air cushion unit 22b continuously feeds gas into chamber S, the gas present in chamber S is quantitatively released to the outside via the air leakage part 33. The pressure measuring unit 14 continuously detects changes in the air pressure in chamber S and transmits these changes to the processing unit 11 to obtain blood pressure information for the user. The processing unit 11 then controls the first valve unit 15 to open and release the remaining gas.

[0049] Output unit 17 displays the blood pressure information.

[0050] In summary, the invention enables the blood pressure monitor to measure both the user's pulse and blood pressure by arranging the signal acquisition unit and the pressure measurement unit accordingly. The pulse and blood pressure are measured by the two sensor units, thereby increasing the accuracy of the measurement results. Furthermore, the user does not need to use a separate pulse diagnostic device and a sphygmomanometer for the measurement, which has the advantages of reducing equipment acquisition costs, shortening measurement time, and saving storage space.

Claims

[1] A blood pressure measuring device capable of measuring meridians (1), comprising: an airway (30) comprising an upstream end (31) and a downstream end (32); an air filling and venting unit (12) which is connected to the upstream end (31) of the air path (30) and provides a gas; an air cushion unit (22) connected to the downstream end (32) of the airway (30), wherein an interior space of the air cushion unit (22) and the airway (30) form a space (S) for filling the gas; a signal detection unit (13) attached to a surface of the air cushion unit (22); a pressure measuring unit (14) coupled to the room (S); and a processing unit (11) coupled with the signal acquisition unit (13) and the pressure measurement unit (14); wherein the blood pressure monitor (1) is configured to perform one of the following actions: When the air filling and venting unit (12) supplies the gas to the room (S) and an air pressure in the room (S) reaches and maintains a certain value, then the signal detection unit (13) detects a continuous pulsation signal from a human body and transmits the continuous pulsation signal to the processing unit (11); and When the air cushion unit (22) receives the gas provided by the air filling and venting unit (12) and continuously releases the gas from the room (S), the pressure measuring unit (14) continuously detects a change in the air pressure in the room (S) and transmits a waveform signal generated by the change in air pressure to the processing unit (11). [2] A blood pressure measuring device (1) capable of measuring meridians according to claim 1, wherein the blood pressure measuring device (1) further comprises a first valve unit (15) and a second valve unit (16), wherein the first valve unit (15) is arranged at the downstream end (32) of the airway (30) to enable the airway (30) to communicate with the outside or to close off from an outside, wherein the second valve unit (16) is arranged on the airway (30) and is located upstream of the air cushion unit (22). [3] A blood pressure measuring device (1) capable of measuring meridians according to claim 1, wherein the air path (30) further comprises an air leakage part (33) and the air leakage part (33) is arranged at the downstream end (32) so that the gas can be quantitatively drained from the space (S). [4] A blood pressure measuring device capable of measuring meridians (1), comprising: an airway (30) comprising an upstream end (31) and a downstream end (32); an air filling and venting unit (12) which is connected to the upstream end (31) of the air path (30) and provides a gas; an air cushion unit (22) connected to the downstream end (32) of the airway (30), wherein the air cushion unit (22) is divided by a weld line (223) into a first inflatable part (221) and a second inflatable part (222), wherein the airway (30) and the interiors of the first inflatable part (221) and the second inflatable part (222) form a space (S) for filling with gas; a signal detection unit (13) attached to a surface of the air cushion unit (22); a pressure measuring unit (14) coupled to the room (S); and a processing unit (11) coupled with the signal acquisition unit (13) and the pressure measurement unit (14); wherein the blood pressure monitor (1) is configured to perform one of the following actions: When the air inflation and deflation unit (12) supplies gas to the first inflatable part (221) and an air pressure in the space (S) reaches and maintains a certain value, the signal detection unit (13) detects a continuous pulsation signal from a human body and transmits the continuous pulsation signal to the processing unit (11); and When the second inflatable part (222) receives the gas provided by the air filling and venting unit (12) and continuously releases the gas from the space (S), the pressure measuring unit (14) continuously detects a change in the air pressure in the space (S) and transmits a waveform signal generated by the change in air pressure to the processing unit (11). [5] A blood pressure measuring device (1) capable of measuring meridians according to claim 4, wherein the blood pressure measuring device (1) further comprises a first valve unit (15) and a second valve unit (16), wherein the first valve unit (15) is arranged at the downstream end (32) of the airway (30) to enable the airway (30) to communicate with the outside or to close off from an outside, wherein the second valve unit (16) is arranged on the airway (30) and is located between the first inflatable part (221) and the second inflatable part (222). [6] A blood pressure measuring device (1) capable of measuring meridians according to claim 4, wherein the air path (30) further comprises an air leakage part (33), the air leakage part (33) being arranged at the downstream end (32) so that the gas can be quantitatively drained from the space (S). [7] A blood pressure measuring device capable of measuring meridians (1), comprising: an airway (30) comprising an upstream end (31) and a downstream end (32); an air filling and venting unit (12) which is connected to the upstream end (31) of the air path (30) and provides a gas; a first air cushion unit (22a) and a second air cushion unit (22b) connected to the downstream end (32) of the airway (30), wherein the airway (30) and the interiors of the first air cushion unit (22a) and the second air cushion unit (22b) form a space (S) for filling the gas; a signal detection unit (13) attached to a surface of the air cushion unit; a pressure measuring unit (14) coupled to the room (S); and a processing unit (11) coupled with the signal acquisition unit (13) and the pressure measurement unit (14); wherein the blood pressure monitor (1) is configured to perform one of the following actions: When the air filling and venting unit (12) supplies the gas to the first air cushion unit (22a) and an air pressure in the room (S) reaches and maintains a certain value, then the signal detection unit (13) detects a continuous pulsation signal from a human body and transmits the continuous pulsation signal to the processing unit (11); and When the second air cushion unit (22b) receives the gas provided by the air filling and venting unit (12) and continuously releases the gas from the room (S), the pressure measuring unit (14) continuously detects a change in the air pressure in the room (S) and transmits a waveform signal generated by the change in air pressure to the processing unit (11). [8] A blood pressure measuring device (1) capable of measuring meridians according to claim 7, wherein the blood pressure measuring device (1) further comprises a first valve unit (15) and a second valve unit (16), wherein the first valve unit (15) is arranged at the downstream end (32) of the airway (30) to enable the airway (30) to communicate with the outside or to close off from an outside, wherein the second valve unit (16) is arranged on the airway (30) and is located between the first air cushion unit (22a) and the second air cushion unit (22b). [9] A blood pressure measuring device (1) capable of measuring meridians according to claim 7, wherein the air path (30) further comprises an air leakage part (33) and the air leakage part (33) is arranged at the downstream end (32) so that the gas can be quantitatively drained from the space (S).

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