Offset Optical Unit in Segmented ECG Electrode Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring electrocardiogram (ECG) and PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) simultaneously face limitations in measurement quality and ergonomics, particularly when scaled for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A set of physiological measurement sensors comprising an electrode with an elongated contact surface and an optical unit with an interaction surface positioned between two sections of the contact surface, allowing for simultaneous ECG and PPG measurement with improved quality and ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical unit is integrated within the same device as the ECG electrode, then simultaneous ECG and PPG measurement is enabled, but measurement quality and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface of the electrode is segmented into two distinct sections: a first section for ECG measurement and a second section for PPG measurement. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific measurement function while maintaining separate contact areas on the user's finger, thereby improving measurement quality for both ECG and PPG simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single integrated contact area to a distributed contact surface with distinct sections arranged along the main direction. This dimensional organization separates the optical unit's interaction surface from the electrode's contact sections, allowing independent optimization of each measurement function without mutual interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical unit is integrated within the same device as the ECG electrode, then simultaneous ECG and PPG measurement is enabled, but ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is divided into distinct sections with the interaction surface positioned between them, creating a segmented layout that distributes contact points along the finger. This segmentation improves ergonomics by allowing natural finger placement while enabling both measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes the contact surface and interaction surface along the main direction (length dimension) rather than overlapping in the same space. This dimensional arrangement creates an ergonomic layout where the user's finger naturally contacts both the electrode sections and the optical unit's interaction surface during measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the contact surface is elongated in a main direction with the interaction surface positioned between sections, then measurement quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated contact surface serves multiple functions: the first section contacts for ECG measurement, the second section contacts for PPG measurement, and the interaction surface positioned between them facilitates optical measurement. This multi-functional design achieves high measurement quality while avoiding the need for completely separate sensor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ECG electrode contact surface and the PPG optical unit interaction surface into a single integrated sensor assembly. The contact surface is designed to accommodate both electrical and optical measurement functions within one structure, reducing overall device complexity compared to using separate independent sensors.
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
The solution enables high-quality simultaneous ECG and PPG measurements while enhancing ergonomics, facilitating mass production and user-friendly self-measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit comprising an optical sensor and an interaction surface configured to be in contact with a user
Implementation Method 2
an electrode comprising a contact surface, the contact surface being configured to be in contact with a user
Data Source
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AI summary
A set of physiological measurement sensors comprising: o an electrode comprising a contact surface (402), the contact surface (402) being configured to be in contact with a user, the contact surface (402) being elongated in a main direction (A), o an optical unit (116L) comprising an optical sensor and an interaction surface configured to be in contact with a user. The contact surface (402) comprises a first section (404a) and a second section (404b) along the main direction (A). The interaction surface is positioned along the main direction (A) between the first section (404a) and the second section (404b). The first section (404a) has a length greater than the second section (404b) along the main direction (A).