Grip-Type Blood Pressure Sensor Array for Cuffless Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cuff-less blood pressure measurement technologies, such as Pulse Transit Time (PTT) and Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA), are cumbersome and lack accuracy, with PTT requiring additional ECG signals and PWA not enabling precise measurements.
Innovation Solution
A grip-type blood pressure measuring apparatus with a ring-type pulse wave measuring sensor array that selects and analyzes first and second pulse waves to calculate blood pressure based on pulse wave velocity, using a blood pressure estimation equation, and includes a user interface and communicator for output and transmission of results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PTT method is used to measure blood pressure, then blood pressure can be measured indirectly, but additional ECG signal is required and both hands must be touched making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the requirement for ECG signals from the blood pressure measurement process. By using only pulse wave signals from a single hand to calculate PTT, the system eliminates the need for additional ECG sensors and dual-hand contact, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse wave sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects pulse waves for PTT calculation, provides contactless measurement capability, and enables blood pressure estimation without requiring separate ECG hardware. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and improves ease of use
2Ease of operation
If PWA method is used to analyze only waveform of pulse waves, then measurement process is simplified, but accurate blood pressure measurement cannot be enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from analyzing only waveform characteristics (PWA) to utilizing pulse transit time (PTT) calculated from pulse wave signals. This parameter change enables more accurate blood pressure estimation while maintaining the simplicity of using only pulse wave signals without ECG
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the pulse wave signal analysis into distinct components: detecting pulse waves at multiple points along the arterial path, calculating travel time between these points to determine PTT, and then estimating blood pressure from PTT. This segmented approach improves accuracy while keeping the overall process simple
3Measurement precision
If multiple pulse wave sensors are used to measure pulse waves, then more data is obtained for analysis, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ring-shaped array of pulse wave sensors arranged in a circular pattern. This curved geometric arrangement allows multiple sensors to be integrated compactly while maintaining optimal spacing for accurate pulse wave detection at different arterial locations, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pulse wave sensors are merged into a unified ring-shaped array structure that functions as an integrated detection system. The sensors work together to capture pulse wave signals at multiple points simultaneously, enabling accurate PTT calculation while maintaining a compact and manageable device structure
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 accurate, cuff-less blood pressure measurement by analyzing pulse waves without the need for additional signals, providing reliable and user-friendly output and communication of blood pressure data.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of pulse wave measuring sensors may emit light to a subject, detect the light reflected from the subject, and obtain the plurality of pulse waves from the detected light.
Data Source
AI summary
A grip-type blood pressure measuring apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus are provided. The grip-type blood pressure measuring apparatus may include a pulse wave measuring sensor array comprising a plurality of pulse wave measuring sensors that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval; and a blood pressure measurer configured to select a first pulse wave and a second pulse wave from among a plurality of pulse waves measured by the plurality of pulse wave measuring sensors, analyze the selected first pulse wave and second pulse wave, and determine a blood pressure based on an analysis result of the first pulse wave and the second pulse wave.