Capacitive Sensor Array With Dielectric Decoupling For Blood Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive blood pressure measurement techniques, such as ambulatory and home monitoring, fail to provide continuous and accurate measurements, often disturbing sleep patterns and lacking in precision due to anatomical variations and cross-talk issues between sensor nodes.
Innovation Solution
A wrist-worn device with a capacitive sensor array featuring decoupled nodes, including a dielectric layer with pillars and slits, to reduce cross-talk and improve signal resolution, allowing for accurate and continuous blood pressure monitoring without the need for bulky harnesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor array with multiple pressure sensing nodes is used to improve measurement accuracy and adapt to anatomical variations, then measurement precision is improved, but cross-talk between adjacent nodes increases causing signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple discrete capacitive nodes that are spatially separated and electrically isolated from each other. Each node independently measures pressure at its location, allowing the system to capture pressure distribution across the artery while maintaining measurement independence between nodes through physical segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each capacitive node in the array is designed with specific local characteristics including individual electrode configurations, spacing, and sensitivity profiles. This local optimization allows each node to be tuned for optimal pressure detection at its specific location while maintaining overall array performance and reducing interference with neighboring nodes.
2Measurement precision
If continuous blood pressure monitoring is implemented to provide accurate health data, then measurement precision is improved, but user comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky harnesses and sleep disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible, thin-worn structure that conforms to the wrist anatomy, replacing bulky traditional harnesses. The sensor array is integrated into a flexible substrate that allows natural wrist movement and comfortable wear during sleep, enabling continuous monitoring without compromising user comfort or ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional cuff-based volumetric compression to a surface-based sensor array approach. By distributing multiple pressure sensing nodes across the wrist surface, the system achieves continuous monitoring capability in a thin, wearable form factor that does not restrict movement or cause discomfort during sleep.
3Measurement precision
If sensor nodes are placed closer together to capture detailed pressure distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but cross-talk between adjacent nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary between adjacent capacitive nodes to reduce electromagnetic coupling and cross-talk. This intermediary layer acts as an electrical insulator that allows the nodes to be placed closer together for improved spatial resolution while maintaining signal integrity by blocking parasitic electromagnetic interactions between neighboring nodes.
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 device provides more accurate and convenient continuous blood pressure monitoring, reducing errors and enhancing user adoption by improving signal resolution and adapting to individual anatomical variations.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitance at each node may be measured as a representation of the pressure applied at that node
Implementation Method 2
These two layers of electrodes may be separated by compressible material such as a dielectric material (e.g., silicone or the like)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to the measuring and monitoring of blood pressure. More specifically, embodiments may apply the theory of applanation tonometry for the measurement of blood pressure. Some embodiments provide a method for measuring mean arterial pressure. Some embodiments provide a device that may be worn by a user that may non-invasively measure and monitor blood pressure of a user. In some embodiments, the invention generally relates to sensor arrays for use with a wrist-worn device to measure blood pressure. Embodiments of the sensor array designs described may be configured to improve resolution by decoupling nodes of the sensor array.