Blood Pressure Measurement Control Using Pulse-Based End Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood pressure measurement systems require a significant amount of time and exert high clamping pressure on the body part, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A control device that controls a measurement system by increasing and decreasing pressure in specific time periods, using a pressure sensor to measure pressure pulses, and determining an end measurement time point based on features of these pulses to reduce measurement time and clamping pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pressure applicator continuously raises clamping pressure until above systolic blood pressure, then accurate blood pressure measurement is achieved, but the measurement time increases and maximum clamping pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors pressure pulses via the pressure sensor and uses feedback from pulse characteristics (amplitude, duration, area) to dynamically adjust the clamping pressure. The measurement is terminated when pulse characteristics indicate sufficient data has been collected, eliminating the need to continuously raise pressure above systolic levels. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate measurement without excessive measurement time or pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of clamping pressure dynamically based on real-time pulse characteristics. Instead of a fixed continuous pressure increase, the control device adjusts pressure levels according to the detected pulse features, terminating measurement when pulse area, duration, and other characteristics indicate adequate data collection. This parameter adaptation allows accurate measurement with reduced time and lower maximum pressure.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure applicator continuously raises clamping pressure until above systolic blood pressure, then accurate blood pressure measurement is achieved, but the maximum clamping pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from pressure pulse characteristics to determine when sufficient measurement data has been collected. By monitoring pulse amplitude, duration, and area, the system can terminate measurement earlier than traditional methods, preventing unnecessary pressure accumulation above systolic levels. This feedback mechanism directly reduces maximum clamping pressure while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by raising clamping pressure only to the extent necessary to capture adequate pulse characteristics, rather than continuously raising pressure above systolic levels. The measurement is terminated when pulse features indicate sufficient data collection, avoiding excessive pressure application. This partial action principle resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate measurement with lower maximum pressure.
3Loss of time
If pressure pulses are analyzed to determine end measurement time point, then measurement time is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from pressure pulse characteristics (amplitude, duration, area) to dynamically determine when measurement should terminate. By continuously monitoring pulse features and comparing them against predetermined criteria, the system can confidently determine when sufficient data has been collected, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while reducing measurement time. The feedback loop validates that termination criteria are met before stopping measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement termination criterion from fixed time-based approaches to parameter-based criteria using pulse characteristics. By monitoring changes in pulse amplitude, duration, and area, the control device can determine the optimal termination point that balances measurement time and precision. This parameter transformation allows early termination when pulse features indicate adequate data collection, resolving the contradiction between time and precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for accurate blood pressure measurement in a shorter time with reduced clamping pressure, achieving precision comparable to invasive methods while minimizing tissue pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure on the skin of the encased part of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for controlling a blood pressure measurement system. An applicator applies increasing pressure to a subject's part in a measurement time period, while the pressure (TP) on the skin of the subject's part, which comprises a plurality of pressure pulses (9), is measured. For each pressure pulse of at least some of the plurality of pressure pulses, several features, which characterize the respective pressure pulse, are determined, wherein an end measurement time point (32), at or after which the measurement time period is to be stopped, is determined based on these features, and wherein, when or after the end measurement time point has been reached, i.e. when the measurement time period is to be stopped, the applied pressure is decreased to start the following post-blood-pressure-measurement time period. This allows for a reduced blood pressure measurement time and maximum tissue pressure exerted on the skin.