PMUT Array Beamforming for Real-Time Blood Pressure Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current monitoring systems lack suitable methods for early detection of hypertension, which is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease and health care costs, due to the absence of effective real-time blood pressure monitoring solutions.

Innovation Solution

A wearable system utilizing piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) with an active sensor and analog front-end for wireless communications, employing acoustic beamforming and line-scanning to optimize ultrasonic energy and signal strength, and integrated into a flexible substrate for real-time blood pressure monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional monitoring methods are used, then blood pressure can be measured, but real-time monitoring capability is lost and early detection of hypertension becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidtime for early detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical cuff-based blood pressure measurement with piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) that use ultrasonic waves to detect arterial diameter changes. This substitution enables continuous, real-time monitoring without the intermittent measurements required by traditional cuffs, thereby eliminating time loss and enabling early detection of hypertension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The PMUT-based system provides continuous blood pressure monitoring by continuously detecting arterial diameter changes through ultrasonic waves. This continuous measurement approach ensures that blood pressure is monitored at all times rather than periodically, maintaining real-time awareness of cardiovascular status and enabling immediate detection of abnormalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If PMUT array with beamforming is used, then signal strength and stability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strength and stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent PMUT elements arranged in an array, with each element capable of independent operation and control. This segmentation allows for beamforming capability where individual elements can be activated or adjusted based on the target location, improving signal strength and stability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic beamforming where the phase and amplitude of signals from individual PMUT elements can be adjusted in real-time based on the position and characteristics of the target. This dynamic adjustment optimizes signal reception and maintains stability across varying conditions, improving measurement precision without requiring a fixed, overly complex hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If acoustic beamforming is applied, then ultrasonic energy is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasonic energy optimizationVSAvoidfabrication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes ultrasonic energy by dynamically adjusting parameters such as phase, amplitude, and frequency of the ultrasonic signals generated by individual PMUT elements. These parameter changes enable beamforming and focal point control without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the system can compensate for variations through software-based parameter adjustment rather than relying solely on precise hardware fabrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides reliable, real-time blood pressure monitoring with improved signal-to-noise ratio and stability, capable of capturing cardiovascular metrics like inflection points and dicrotic notches, and aligns with traditional cuff measurements.

Implementation Method 1

piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) for blood pressure monitoring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

acoustic beamforming and line-scanning methods are disclosed to increase the stability and signal strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

signals measured by the PMUT sensor are analyzed and post-processed in an analog front-end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260053463A1Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers for Blood Pressure Monitoring

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

An array of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers is used for blood pressure monitoring.