Miniature Noninvasive Blood Pressure Sensor With Gel Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force sensors are difficult to integrate easily and cost-effectively into disposable blood pressure monitoring devices, which are required to meet market demand for low-cost, sterilized solutions while adhering to performance standards.
Innovation Solution
A miniature size force sensor package design with a gel-based coupling technology, utilizing deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) processing and snap structures for assembly, which minimizes size and cost, and includes a radial seal ring structure to seal the force sensing device into the housing without glue joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional force sensor designs are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture and integration into disposable devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is divided into distinct functional segments: a diaphragm portion exposed to fluid pressure, a support structure with through-holes, and a separate transducer element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled into disposable configurations, directly addressing the integration challenge while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure features through-holes that receive and nest the transducer element, creating a compact integrated assembly. The diaphragm nests over the support structure, forming a hierarchical nested configuration that reduces overall device complexity while enabling precise force transmission from the diaphragm through the support holes to the transducer.
2Reliability
If conventional force sensor designs are used, then reliability is maintained, but cost-effectiveness for disposable applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor design is explicitly configured for disposable use, with the diaphragm, support structure, and transducer assembled as a single-use unit. The through-holes in the support structure facilitate easy assembly and sealing in disposable configurations, eliminating the need for complex reconfiguration or cleaning procedures required by reusable sensors, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement reliability during the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with through-holes acts as an intermediary element that transmits force from the diaphragm to the transducer while providing a standardized interface for assembly into disposable housings. This intermediary design simplifies manufacturing by decoupling the sensing mechanism from the housing requirements, enabling cost-effective production across different disposable device configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If miniature size force sensor is used, then adaptability to disposable devices is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The miniature sensor is segmented into the diaphragm, support structure with through-holes, and transducer, allowing each component to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances. The through-holes provide built-in alignment features that guide assembly, reducing the need for high-precision machining while enabling the compact form factor required for disposable device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure's through-holes serve a dual function: they reduce the overall sensor size for better adaptability while simultaneously providing self-alignment features during assembly. The geometry of the through-holes guides the transducer element into correct positioning, making the assembly process self-correcting and reducing dependency on high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
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 solution enables the integration of force sensors into disposable blood pressure monitoring devices at a lower cost, meeting market demand while maintaining performance standards and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a gel-based coupling technology... providing a coupling interface that enables the miniature size force sensor to be integrated
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Example systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for sensing a force applied by an external source in a fluid monitoring tube. An example system comprises a force sensing device and signal conditioning circuitry configured to be electrically coupled to the force sensing device. The example system further comprises a housing configured to enclose the force sensing device and the signal conditioning circuitry. The housing comprises a snap structure configured to attach the housing to a base plate and retain the force sensing device and the signal conditioning circuitry in the housing.