Wearable Blood Pressure Sensor Module with Step Difference Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable blood pressure measuring devices using pressure sensors are inconvenient due to the need for wrist compression, which can be uncomfortable and limits portability.

Innovation Solution

A sensor module with a base portion, first and second pressure sensor portions, and a hard structure layer, where a step difference is formed between the upper portions, allowing the controller to estimate the distance to the blood vessel and calculate blood pressure without compression, integrated into a wrist-worn portable device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an air pump is used to compress the wrist for measuring blood pressure, then blood pressure measurement is enabled, but user convenience deteriorates due to the compression process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood pressure measurement capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience during measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compression system (air pump) with an optical detection system. The optical sensor detects blood volume changes in the wrist, and the processor calculates blood pressure from these optical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical compression and improving user convenience while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical sensors as an intermediary to detect blood volume changes, which then serve as the basis for calculating blood pressure. This intermediary approach allows blood pressure measurement without direct mechanical compression of the wrist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an air pump and compression mechanism are included in the wrist band, then blood pressure measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood pressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity of wrist band

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex air pump and compression mechanism from the wrist band, retaining only the essential optical sensor and processor components. This extraction simplifies the device structure while preserving blood pressure measurement functionality through optical detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical compression system with an optical detection system, replacing complex mechanical components (air pump, compression chamber, valves) with simpler optical sensors and electronic processing, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If optical sensor and pressure sensor are used to measure blood pressure, then portability is improved, but measurement precision may be affected without proper distance compensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and convenienceVSAvoidblood pressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct pressure detection to optical blood volume change detection. The processor then converts these optical parameter changes into blood pressure values through calculation algorithms, maintaining precision while enabling portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical pressure sensing with optical detection, using light absorption or scattering changes to infer blood volume and pressure information. This substitution maintains measurement precision while significantly improving device portability and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables convenient and portable blood pressure measurement without the need for wrist compression, simplifying manufacturing and increasing user convenience, while providing accurate blood pressure readings.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure sensor portion (110) and a second pressure sensor portion (120) which are coupled to a base portion (150) and arranged adjacent to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20230108062A1Sensor module for measuring blood pressure and wrist-worn portable blood pressure measuring device

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 CHARMCARE

AI summary

Provided is a sensor module according to the present disclosure including a base portion, a first pressure sensor portion and a second pressure sensor portion coupled to the base portion and arranged adjacent to each other, and a hard structure layer coupled to an upper portion of the first pressure sensor portion. A step difference of a first distance is formed between an upper portion of the hard structure layer and the upper portion of the second pressure sensor portion.