Finger Press Sensor for Combined Blood Pressure and Edema Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy are often too late due to insufficient routine checks, and there is a need for a cost-effective, user-friendly solution to detect early signs of high blood pressure and edema, which are symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first sensor for generating a swelling signal, a second sensor for measuring blood volume, and a force sensor to determine indications of swelling and blood pressure, processed by a processor to assess the likelihood of pre-eclampsia based on these indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routine prenatal checks are increased in frequency to detect pre-eclampsia earlier, then diagnostic timeliness is improved, but healthcare costs and system pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables pregnant women to self-monitor their own blood pressure and swelling at home using a portable device, eliminating the need for frequent professional medical visits. The device allows users to independently track their health metrics and receive alerts when pre-eclampsia symptoms are detected, transferring the monitoring function from healthcare providers to the patients themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual blood pressure measurement and swelling assessment with automated electronic sensors. The device uses pressure sensors to measure blood pressure and optical sensors to detect swelling, automatically processing these measurements to identify pre-eclampsia risks without requiring manual intervention from healthcare professionals.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurements (blood pressure and swelling) are performed to detect pre-eclampsia, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines blood pressure measurement and swelling detection functions into a single integrated device. The device simultaneously performs both measurements using multiple sensors positioned on the finger, consolidating what would traditionally require separate medical instruments and procedures into one portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions within a single system: it measures blood pressure, detects swelling, processes both measurements, and provides health guidance. This multi-functionality allows the device to comprehensively monitor for pre-eclampsia symptoms without requiring separate specialized instruments for each measurement type.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurements (blood pressure and swelling) are performed to detect pre-eclampsia, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines blood pressure measurement and swelling detection functions into a single integrated device. The device simultaneously performs both measurements using multiple sensors positioned on the finger, consolidating what would traditionally require separate medical instruments and procedures into one portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables pregnant women to self-monitor their own blood pressure and swelling at home using a portable device, eliminating the need for frequent professional medical visits. The device allows users to independently track their health metrics and receive alerts when pre-eclampsia symptoms are detected, transferring the monitoring function from healthcare providers to the patients themselves.
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 early detection of pre-eclampsia through a single, easy-to-use device that integrates into daily routines, reducing unnecessary medical visits and improving timely diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for generating a swelling signal based on the user pressing on the first sensor with a body part
Implementation Method 2
A blood pressure measurement is obtained by detecting the pressure applied by the finger as well as from blood volume oscillation from a PPG sensor
Implementation Method 3
a force sensor for measuring the force applied by the body part to the first sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a first sensor for generating a swelling signal based on the user pressing on the first sensor with a body part, a second sensor for generating a blood signal which is indicative of the volume of blood in the body part when the user presses on the first sensor and a force sensor for measuring the force applied by the body part to the first sensor when the user presses on the first sensor. The system also comprises a processor configured to determine an indication of swelling for the body part based on the swelling signal when the force sensor measures a first pre-determined value, determine an indication of blood pressure at the body part based on a force value measured by the force sensor when the blood signal reaches a second pre-determined value.