Doppler Radar Breathing Rate Measurement via Cuff-Integrated Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring breathing rate, especially in patients with irregular or shallow breaths, require manual observation and sensor placement by a skilled person, which can be cumbersome and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A device using a transducer disposed on a sphygmomanometer cuff that employs Doppler radar to measure breathing rate by analyzing frequency shifts in reflected energy, eliminating the need for manual sensor placement and allowing for automated data processing and alarm issuance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation and sensor placement by a skilled person is used, then measurement can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the device to automatically measure breathing rate without requiring a skilled operator to manually observe or position sensors. The automated detection system performs the measurement function independently, eliminating the need for operator expertise while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation and sensor positioning with an automated detection system that uses electronic sensors and processing circuits. This substitution eliminates the need for skilled manual operation while improving measurement consistency and accuracy.
2Productivity
If manual sensor placement is required, then measurement can be conducted, but it increases the time and complexity of the measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning sensors in fixed locations on the patient monitor device, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual sensor placement during measurement. The sensors are already in place and ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated detection system performs self-service by automatically initiating measurements without requiring manual sensor positioning or operator intervention, thereby reducing the time loss associated with sensor placement and increasing measurement productivity.
3Ease of operation
If automated measurement system is used, then operator skill requirement is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the breathing rate measurement function into the existing patient monitor device, which already performs other vital sign measurements. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to add automated breathing rate measurement capability without requiring a completely separate complex device, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual measurement procedures with a simplified automated electronic detection system that uses standard sensors and processing circuits already common in medical devices. This substitution reduces device complexity by using well-established technological components rather than creating a entirely new complex measurement 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, accurate, and automated measurement of breathing rate without requiring a skilled person to position sensors, integrating breathing rate data with other vital signs for timely medical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
Since the chest of the subject is moving due to the subject's breathing the frequency of the reflected energy undergoes Doppler shift
Data Source
AI summary
A device (100) for monitoring a subject's breathing rate is disclosed. A transducer (107) radiates energy towards the chest of a subject and receives the reflected energy. An analyzer (105) receives a signal corresponding to the reflected energy. The reflected energy would have undergone Doppler frequency shifts due to the motion of the chest of the subject due to breathing, with reference to the transducer. The analyzer (105) analyzes the signal to calculate the breathing rate by measuring at least one of a periodicity of the signal and a number of cycles per unit time of the signal. In a preferred embodiment the transducer (107) is disposed in or on a sphygmomanometer cuff to radiate energy towards the chest of the subject and receive the energy reflected by the chest of the subject.