Conductive Grid PPG Sensor for Compact ECG Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices struggle to measure blood pressure efficiently while being compact and lightweight, especially for elderly users, as they require separate and bulky sensors for photoplethysmography (PPG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus with a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor unit incorporating a conductive grid that serves as a signal input electrode for ECG signals, minimizing space and weight, and featuring a design where the grid can be directly touched by the user to receive ECG signals, thereby integrating both functions into a smaller form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate PPG sensor and ECG sensor are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PPG sensor unit and ECG sensor unit into a single integrated wearable device. The conductive grid structure serves dual purposes: as part of the PPG sensor housing and as the ECG signal acquisition electrode, eliminating the need for separate ECG sensor components and reducing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive grid is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural housing for the PPG sensor, the contact electrode for ECG signal acquisition, and the pathway for electrical signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining measurement accuracy for both PPG and ECG signals.
2Measurement precision
If separate PPG sensor and ECG sensor are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the PPG sensor unit and ECG sensor unit into a single compact structure. The conductive grid housing of the PPG sensor simultaneously serves as the ECG electrode, merging what would traditionally be separate sensor volumes into one unified component, thereby reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECG sensor functionality is nested within the PPG sensor unit structure. The conductive grid that forms the housing of the PPG sensor also serves as the ECG electrode, creating a nested arrangement where one sensor system is incorporated within the structural framework of another, minimizing total device volume.
3Device complexity
If conductive grid is used as ECG electrode, then device complexity is reduced, but signal quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive grid is designed to fulfill multiple roles without compromising performance. As an ECG electrode, it provides sufficient electrical conductivity for signal acquisition; as a PPG sensor housing, it maintains structural integrity and optical properties. This universal design reduces device complexity while preserving signal quality through careful material and structural optimization.
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 design allows for accurate measurement of blood pressure with reduced size and weight, improving user convenience and accuracy by minimizing noise and ambient light interference, specifically beneficial for elderly users.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive grid can serve as one of the signal input electrodes for receiving the electrocardiography (ECG) signal
Implementation Method 2
a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor unit adapted to be implemented in a wearable apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable apparatus and a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor unit are provided. The wearable apparatus includes a wearable holder and a physiological information measurement module configured to the wearable holder. The physiological information measurement module includes a circuit board, an electrocardiograph (ECG) sensor unit and a PPG sensor unit. The PPG sensor unit is disposed on the circuit board and adapted to be used in conjunction with the ECG sensor unit electrically connected to a first pad and a second pad on the circuit board. The PPG sensor unit includes a grid having a plurality of accommodating spaces, a lighting element arranged in one of the accommodating spaces, and a photo sensor arranged in another accommodating space. The grid includes an inner conductive contact portion exposed from the wearable holder, facing an inner side of the wearable holder and electrically connected to the second pad.