Piezoelectric Pulse Sensing Module with Protective Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood pressure measurement devices are inconvenient for users, especially those with mobility issues, as they require manual tightening of a tourniquet or insertion of the arm into a circular space, leading to discomfort and difficulty in obtaining accurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A pulse sensing module using a piezoelectric layer with electrode lines and a protective layer, attached to the skin via a bendable module, generates a voltage signal based on the piezoelectric effect to calculate systolic, diastolic, and blood pressure variation, utilizing big data analysis to derive accurate pressure values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a compression part with tourniquet shape is used for blood pressure measurement, then blood pressure can be measured, but the testee experiences inconvenience when manually tightening the compression part
Solution Approach 1:
The compression part automatically swells to tighten the upper arm when the testee inserts their arm and pushes a button, eliminating the need for manual tightening by the testee. The device serves itself by automatically applying the necessary compression force through pneumatic or hydraulic swelling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical tightening action is replaced with an automated pneumatic or hydraulic swelling system. The compression part transitions from requiring manual screw-tightening to automatic inflation/swelling through fluid pressure, reducing physical effort and complexity for the user.
2Extent of automation
If a circular space is formed for arm insertion, then automatic compression can be achieved, but the testee must move the entire body to insert the arm, causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is divided into separate functional modules: a compression mechanism, a sensing module, and a display unit. The compression part can be independently controlled to swell automatically without requiring the testee to maneuver their entire arm through a large circular opening, as the compression function is segmented and automated.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the testee to move their arm through a large circular space in three-dimensional space, the device provides a smaller, more accessible insertion opening while using pneumatic/hydraulic pressure in another dimension to achieve the necessary compression force automatically.
3Device complexity
If the piezoelectric layer is exposed without protection, then electrical connection is simplified, but the piezoelectric material is vulnerable to damage and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is designed with differential properties: it provides comprehensive protection over the piezoelectric layer while incorporating localized openings at specific positions to expose the electrode lines for electrical connection. This local quality differentiation allows the protective layer to fulfill both protection and connection functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer acts as an intermediary between the piezoelectric material and the external environment. It protects the piezoelectric layer from damage and pollution while including controlled openings that allow electrical connection, serving as a mediator that balances protection and accessibility requirements.
4Measurement precision
If the device is attached to curved skin surfaces, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device must accommodate various body shapes and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes flexible, thin-film structures that can conform to curved skin surfaces. The piezoelectric layer and protective layer are designed as flexible films that bend and adapt to various body shapes and positions, maintaining close contact with the skin to ensure accurate pulse detection while accommodating different measurement locations.
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 accurate and convenient blood pressure measurement by attaching the device to the skin, improving user experience and measurement precision, particularly on curved surfaces, without the need for manual arm movement or tourniquet tightening.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric layer that includes a piezoelectric material for generating a piezoelectric effect due to a pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse sensing module used in a blood pressure measuring device attached to the skin to allow at least one of systolic pressure Psystolic, diastolic pressure Pdiastolic, and blood pressure variation to be measured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a piezoelectric layer that includes a piezoelectric material for generating a piezoelectric effect due to a pulse and a protective layer that is applied to the piezoelectric layer to protect the piezoelectric layer, allows a poling process of applying a high voltage to the first electrode line and the second electrode line formed on the piezoelectric layer to improve the polarity of the piezoelectric material, and has an opening for allowing a portion of the first electrode line and a portion of the second electrode line to be exposed.