Blood Pressure Sensor Array Radial Artery Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood pressure measuring apparatuses face challenges in accurately locating the radial artery for precise measurement, particularly in compact designs without actuators, leading to reduced sensitivity and increased time for finding the correct position.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure measuring apparatus comprising multiple blood pressure sensors and optical sensors on a flexible printed circuit board, where the control unit analyzes signals from both to determine the optimal sensor position for measurement, reducing the time and improving sensitivity by identifying the sensor with the largest artery pulse variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used without an actuator, then the device complexity is reduced and compact design is achieved, but the sensitivity of finding the radial artery position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure sensing function into multiple discrete pressure sensors arranged in an array on the substrate, rather than using a single sensor. This segmentation allows the system to scan and identify the radial artery position by detecting signals from multiple sensor locations, thereby maintaining high sensitivity without requiring complex actuator mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with an optical detection system. Instead of mechanically moving a single sensor to find the radial artery, the system uses optical sensors to detect blood flow characteristics at multiple pressure sensor locations simultaneously, substituting mechanical positioning with optical field-based detection.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pressure sensors is increased to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity of finding the radial artery is improved, but the time required to find the radial artery position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a systematic periodic scanning process where pressure sensors are activated in sequences or groups across the substrate. The control unit periodically evaluates signals from different sensor regions, allowing efficient identification of the radial artery position through structured temporal patterns rather than random or exhaustive searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from optical sensor signals to guide the pressure sensor activation process. By detecting optical characteristics of blood flow at different locations, the system receives feedback that directs subsequent pressure sensor measurements toward regions with higher probability of containing the radial artery, reducing the overall search time while maintaining sensitivity.
3Weight of moving object
If small pressure sensors are disposed in a row to eliminate actuator, then the device becomes compact and lightweight, but the sensitivity of finding the position of radial artery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pressure sensing functionality with optical detection capabilities into an integrated system. Multiple small pressure sensors are combined with corresponding optical sensors in a coordinated array, where the optical sensors provide positional guidance that compensates for the small size and limited individual sensitivity of each pressure sensor, achieving high overall sensitivity in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate with multiple pressure sensors serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural platform and the scanning mechanism. The same substrate that provides mechanical support also enables systematic positional scanning through its array of sensors, eliminating the need for separate actuator components and reducing overall device weight while maintaining detection sensitivity.
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
This approach enhances the sensitivity and speed of finding the radial artery, allowing for more accurate and efficient blood pressure measurement by utilizing multiple sensors to quickly determine the correct position.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an optical signal according to each of the optical sensors by emitting and receiving light from the optical sensors
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure outputs a pressure value as an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is processed so as to be read as blood pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a blood pressure measuring apparatus and a method of measuring blood pressure. The blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a plurality of blood pressure measuring units disposed on a substrate, a plurality of optical sensors disposed on the substrate to correspond to the blood pressure measuring units, and a control unit that measures blood pressure by analyzing signals received from the optical sensors and the blood pressure measuring units, wherein each of the blood pressure measuring units comprises a plurality of blood pressure sensors.