Piezoresistive Sensor Array for Objective Pulse Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse diagnosis methods rely heavily on subjective examiner experience and fail to accurately measure pressure, leading to inconsistent results and limited utilization of pulse data due to inability to precisely position blood vessels and measure pressure variations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using an array of piezoresistive pressure sensors to simultaneously measure applied pressure and pulse pressure, with a controller positioning the sensors to compute pulse characteristics like depth and length, and display results in four dimensions for visual confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pulse diagnosis methods are used relying on examiner's subjective sensing, then the method is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to inability to accurately measure pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing function is divided into multiple independent piezoresistive pressure sensors arranged in an array, with each sensor measuring pressure at a specific location. This segmentation enables precise pressure measurement at multiple points simultaneously while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor design
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pressure application and sensing method is replaced with an automated system using piezoresistive pressure sensors that electronically measure and transmit pressure data. This substitution eliminates subjective human sensing while providing objective, quantifiable pressure measurements
2Measurement precision
If an array of pressure sensors is used to accurately measure pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for sensor positioning and signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The array of pressure sensors serves multiple functions simultaneously: positioning the blood vessel through systematic scanning, measuring pulse pressure at multiple points, and providing comprehensive pulse data for analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning devices and simplifies overall operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor array automatically positions itself by scanning through different locations and identifying the optimal positioning point based on the detected pulse signal characteristics. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for manual positioning by examiners, reducing operational complexity
3Quantity of substance
If multiple pressure sensors are deployed to measure pulse characteristics, then the quantity of pulse data collected is improved, but loss of information increases due to difficulty in fully utilizing the collected data
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse data is transformed from simple one-dimensional pressure readings into four-dimensional pulse profiles by incorporating spatial position, time variation, pressure magnitude, and pulse waveform characteristics. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive utilization of all collected data, converting what would be redundant information into meaningful diagnostic parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple types of pulse information (pressure data, positional data, temporal data) are integrated into a composite pulse profile that combines all measurement dimensions. This composite representation ensures that all collected data from the sensor array is utilized synergistically, eliminating information loss and providing comprehensive diagnostic value
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 objective and precise measurement of pulse data, allowing for comparison of different techniques and providing detailed visual representation of pulse characteristics, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of pulse diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of piezoresistive pressure sensors measuring the pressure applied to a pulse diagnosis site and the pulse pressure there
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing pulse using an array of pressure sensors comprising: an array of pressure sensors that measures the pulse data with a plurality of piezoresistive pressure sensors; a moving part that moves the array of pressure sensors; a controller that controls the moving part, so that the array of pressure sensors can be positioned at the pulse diagnosis site, and analyzes the pulse data measured by the array of pressure sensors; and a display that displays the pulse profile analyzed by the controller. Since both the applied pressure and the pulse pressure can be measured simultaneously using the piezoresistive pressure sensors, various pulse diagnosis techniques can be applied and since pulse length, pulse thickness, etc. can be displayed in four dimensions, softness or roughness of the pulse and other pulse information can be conveyed visually.