Digit-Mounted Blood Pressure Sensor Using Capacitive Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring blood pressure on a digit, such as a finger, are cumbersome due to the need for inflatable cuffs and multiple power sources, making them unsuitable for frequent or continuous use and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A non-inflatable, digit-mounted blood pressure monitoring device that uses sensors to measure blood pressure without an inflatable cuff, allowing for both on-demand and continuous monitoring, and is designed to be smaller, less expensive, and more precise, utilizing a sensor mount and brace to secure the device to the finger and a processor to provide readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inflatable cuff is used to measure blood pressure on a digit, then blood pressure can be measured, but the device becomes large and cumbersome requiring multiple batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the inflatable cuff component from the blood pressure measurement system. Instead of using a traditional cuff that requires inflation mechanisms and multiple batteries, the invention employs a simplified sensor assembly that directly contacts the digit to measure blood pressure, thereby removing the cumbersome inflation apparatus while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inflation system with an electronic sensor-based system. The traditional mechanical cuff inflation mechanism is substituted with electronic pressure sensors that directly detect blood pressure through contact with the digit, eliminating the need for pneumatic components and reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If an inflatable cuff is used for blood pressure measurement, then accurate readings can be obtained, but the inflation process takes time making it unsuitable for frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the sensor assembly in direct contact with the digit before measurement begins. The sensor is already in place and ready to detect blood pressure immediately, eliminating the time required for cuff inflation while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper sensor placement on the digit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical inflation process with an immediate electronic detection system. The electronic sensor provides instant blood pressure readings without requiring the gradual inflation process, enabling rapid sequential measurements suitable for frequent monitoring
3Measurement precision
If traditional blood pressure monitoring devices are used, then blood pressure can be measured, but the manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes expensive components from the traditional blood pressure monitoring system. By eliminating the inflatable cuff, pump mechanism, and associated pneumatic components, the invention significantly reduces the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity while maintaining core measurement functionality through simpler electronic sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified sensor assembly that can be manufactured at lower cost, potentially as a disposable or single-use component. This approach trades the durability and reusability of expensive traditional devices for lower unit costs, making the system more economical for frequent or continuous monitoring applications
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 enables accurate, convenient, and continuous monitoring of blood pressure, providing systolic and diastolic values on demand and alerting patients to unwanted blood pressure levels, while being compact and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive sensor configured to collect one or more pressure of blood data readings
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member, an insulation layer separating the capacitive element from the resilient member
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring pressure of blood in an artery may include contacting a non-invasive sensor of a pressure of blood monitoring device at an area above an artery of a finger, collecting with the sensor one or more pressure data readings, other than readings corresponding to an air pressure reading, from the area after the contacting and after a pressure is exerted at the area on the sensor; and analyzing with a computing device the one or more pressure data readings to generate at least one of a blood pressure reading and a heart pulse reading.