Dual Sensor Sphygmomanometer Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic sphygmomanometers for home use lack mechanisms to ensure the precision and reliability of blood pressure measurements over time, as they are not periodically corrected for sensor drift and are susceptible to external disturbances, leading to uncertainty about measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two pressure sensors with a specialized peripheral structure, including a pressure sensor air tube with a stress reduction function, where the second connection tube is thinner and more flexible than the first, allowing for uniform stress distribution and improved reliability of blood pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used for blood pressure measurement, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to sensor drift and lack of correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copy of the pressure sensor (second pressure sensor) to monitor and detect abnormalities in the first pressure sensor. The second pressure sensor, positioned away from the first, serves as a reference copy that can identify when the first sensor is malfunctioning or drifting, enabling the system to compensate for single-sensor failures without requiring complex correction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output of the second pressure sensor is continuously monitored and fed back to the control unit. When the control unit detects that the first pressure sensor's output deviates from expected ranges or shows abnormal patterns, it uses the second sensor's feedback signal to trigger corrections or alerts, maintaining measurement reliability through continuous self-monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If pressure sensors are not periodically corrected after purchase, then the ease of operation is improved and user convenience is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to accumulated sensor drift and external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sphygmomanometer to self-monitor and self-correct measurement abnormalities. The control unit automatically compares the first pressure sensor's readings against the second sensor's reference values and against predetermined reference ranges. When abnormalities are detected, the system automatically generates correction signals or user notifications without requiring manual intervention or periodic user-initiated corrections, maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical correction method (manual calibration by user or technician) with an electronic automated correction system. The control unit uses electronic comparison of sensor outputs and automated generation of correction values or alerts, substituting the mechanical process of manual correction with electronic self-diagnosis and self-correction mechanisms that maintain precision without user burden.
3Reliability
If two pressure sensors are used with different functions (one for blood pressure calculation and one for abnormality detection), then the reliability is improved through safety monitoring, but the device complexity increases and the malfunction rate doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both pressure sensors serve multiple functions. The first pressure sensor primarily calculates blood pressure but also provides data for abnormality detection. The second pressure sensor primarily monitors for abnormalities but also serves as a reference for validating the first sensor's readings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of blood pressure measurement and abnormality detection into a unified dual-sensor system where both sensors contribute to both functions. The control unit integrates outputs from both sensors to perform blood pressure calculation and simultaneous abnormality monitoring, combining what could have been separate systems into one coordinated unit that reduces overall complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pressure sensor is susceptible to external disturbances such as temperature changes, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for temperature-induced parameter changes in the pressure sensor by using the second pressure sensor as a reference that experiences similar environmental conditions. The control unit calculates correction values based on the difference between the two sensors' readings and applies these corrections to the first sensor's output, compensating for temperature drift and other environmental variations without requiring complex temperature compensation circuits or expensive temperature-stable sensor materials.
Data Source
AI summary
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, the thickness of the second connection tube is set to be lower than the thickness of the first connection tube, and therefore, even if error has occurred in the structural dimensions of the pressure sensor air tube, the error can be absorbed as a result of the second connection tube extending/contracting. It is therefore possible to provide an electronic sphygmomanometer that includes, in a structure in which a pressure sensor used in the electronic sphygmomanometer is disposed, a peripheral structure for the pressure sensor that can improve the reliability of blood pressure measurement values.