Dual-Sensor Physiological Sensing for Reliable Long-Term Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face challenges in continuously and reliably measuring physiological parameters of a living subject while ensuring the subject's comfort, especially when the measurement is required for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises a force sensor and a displacement sensor mechanically coupled with an organ of the subject, such as the skin, using a coupler. The force sensor generates a signal representing force displacement, while the displacement sensor generates a signal representing displacement velocity. A processor calibrates the signals to determine the physiological parameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor system is designed to continuously and reliably measure physiological parameters, then measurement reliability is improved, but subject comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensing elements (force sensor and displacement sensor) that work together to measure physiological parameters. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
A coupler is introduced as an intermediary component that mechanically connects the force sensor and displacement sensor to the subject's skin. The coupler ensures reliable force transmission while distributing the mechanical load, thereby maintaining measurement reliability without compromising subject comfort
2Duration of action of moving object
If a sensor system is designed for extended wear, then measurement duration is improved, but subject comfort and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to the subject's movements and physiological changes over time. The force sensor and displacement sensor can dynamically adjust to maintain reliable measurements during extended wear periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from both force and displacement sensors to continuously monitor and adjust measurements. This dual-sensor feedback mechanism ensures measurement reliability is maintained over extended periods by compensating for drift or changes in sensor performance
3Duration of action of moving object
If a sensor system is designed for extended wear, then measurement duration is improved, but subject comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system uses flexible mounting structures and thin-film sensors that can conform to the subject's skin and move with their natural motions. This flexibility allows for extended wear comfort while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler serves as a comfortable intermediary that distributes mechanical pressure across a larger area of the subject's skin, reducing discomfort during extended wear while maintaining reliable force transmission for measurements
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 solution enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of physiological parameters like cardiac activity and blood pressure, improving the reliability and comfort of long-term measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor configured to generate a first signal representing force displacement of an organ of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a displacement sensor associated with the force sensor, the displacement sensor configured to generate a second signal representing displacement velocity of the organ of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus 100 for sensing a physiological parameter of a subject comprises a force sensor 102 configured to generate a first signal representing force displacement of an organ of the subject and a displacement sensor 104 associated with the force sensor 102. The displacement sensor 104 is configured to generate a second signal representing displacement velocity of the organ of the subject. A coupler 106 is arranged on one of the force sensor 102 and the displacement sensor 104, the coupler 106 being configured to mechanically couple the force sensor 102 and the displacement sensor 104 with the organ.