Compression Therapy Pressure Sensor With Reference Impedance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression therapy arrangements face challenges in achieving accurate pressure determination due to the influence of external factors such as temperature, moisture, and electromagnetic fields, while also requiring robust and simple construction.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor arrangement with a sensing impedance dependent on external pressure and a reference impedance independent of external pressure is used, compensating for external influences by deriving pressure signals from both, allowing for accurate and robust pressure determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used to determine external pressure in compression therapy, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is influenced by external factors such as temperature, moisture, and electromagnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
A reference impedance is introduced as an intermediary element that experiences the same external influences (temperature, moisture, electromagnetic fields) as the sensing impedance but does not respond to pressure changes. This reference impedance acts as a mediator to compensate for the harmful effects on the pressure measurement, allowing the pressure signal to be isolated by comparing the sensing impedance changes against the reference impedance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the reference impedance and using its signal to compensate for external influences on the sensing impedance. The reference impedance provides a feedback signal that indicates the effect of external factors, allowing the system to adjust or correct the pressure measurement accordingly.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor arrangement is used to determine external pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference impedance and sensing impedance are merged into a single integrated pressure sensor structure. Both impedances share common components such as the substrate, electrode patterns, and encapsulation layers, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining the functionality of both pressure sensing and environmental compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference impedance serves multiple functions: it acts as a compensation reference for environmental factors, provides a stable baseline for pressure measurement, and can be used for calibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device construction.
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 provides a simple and robust construction for accurate pressure determination in compression therapy, compensating for external factors like temperature and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor for determining the external pressure... comprising at least one pressure circuitry having a sensing impedance which is dependent on the external pressure and at least one reference circuitry having a reference impedance which is essentially independent from the external pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangement for compression sensing between two objects, preferably for compression treatment, in particular compression therapy arrangement, comprising a first object, e.g. a compression garment adapted to exert external pressure on a second object, e.g. a body portion and at least one sensor device associated with the first object and having at least one pressure sensor for determining the external pressure, wherein the pressure sensor comprises at least one pressure circuitry, having a sensing impedance which is dependent on the external pressure and at least one reference circuitry having a reference impedance which is essentially independent from the external pressure, wherein a cumulative signal which is dependent on the external pressure and other external influences acting in the vicinity of the sensing impedance is derivable from the pressure circuitry and a reference signal which is essentially independent from the external pressures but dependent on other external influences acting in the vicinity of the reference circuitry.