Photoplethysmographic Device with Pressure Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoplethysmographic devices lack a straightforward method for determining the optimal pressure for heart rhythm measurement, often resulting in either inadequate or excessive contact pressure, leading to skin irritation, discomfort, and unreliable signal quality due to varying tightening forces.
Innovation Solution
A photoplethysmographic device equipped with a pressure sensor and a control unit that determines if the applied pressure is within suitable ranges for measurement, using threshold values to ensure reliable signal capture and providing feedback through indicators like audible alarms, ensuring comfortable and accurate heart rhythm measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the fastening band is tightened to increase contact pressure for better PPG signal, then signal quality improves, but skin irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PPG signal quality is continuously monitored and used to adjust the contact pressure. The system provides real-time feedback to the user about whether the current pressure is sufficient for accurate measurement, eliminating the need for trial-and-error tightening. This resolves the contradiction by automatically maintaining optimal pressure without requiring excessive tightening that would cause skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error tightening process with an electronic sensing and control system. Instead of relying on user guesswork or manual adjustment, the system uses PPG signal analysis to electronically determine optimal pressure conditions and provides automated guidance, substituting mechanical adjustment with intelligent control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fastening band is loosened to improve comfortability, then skin irritation decreases, but contact pressure becomes insufficient for accurate PPG measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors PPG signal quality and provides feedback indicators to guide users in achieving sufficient contact pressure. By showing whether the current pressure is adequate, the system enables users to wear the device comfortably without compromising measurement accuracy, as the feedback confirms when optimal pressure is reached without excessive tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the device to self-assess its own measurement conditions through PPG signal analysis. The system automatically determines whether sufficient contact pressure is applied and guides the user to adjust accordingly, making the device self-regulating and eliminating the need for external monitoring or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If trial and error method is used to find optimal tightness, then suitable pressure can be found, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of contact pressure sufficiency immediately upon device attachment. The PPG sensor continuously evaluates signal quality and provides instant feedback indicators, allowing users to know within seconds whether proper contact is achieved, eliminating the need for prolonged trial-and-error adjustment periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback mechanism provides immediate information about whether contact pressure is sufficient, allowing users to make quick adjustments if needed. This eliminates the time-consuming trial-and-error process by giving users clear, actionable information about the current measurement conditions.
4Measurement precision
If excessive pressure is applied to ensure PPG signal, then signal quality improves, but blood circulation is reduced due to compressed capillaries
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors PPG signal characteristics to detect signs of excessive pressure, such as signal saturation or loss of pulse waveform integrity. When excessive pressure is detected, the feedback indicator alerts the user to loosen the band, preventing harmful reduction in blood circulation while maintaining sufficient signal quality for accurate measurement.
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 immediate and reliable heart rhythm measurement by ensuring optimal pressure is maintained, reducing skin irritation and discomfort while improving signal quality by using pressure sensors and threshold values to adjust and validate the attachment.
Implementation Method 1
Light reflected from deeper layers in the skin is detected by a photodetector
Implementation Method 2
light transmitted through the skin and tissue may be measured
Implementation Method 3
Light reflected from deeper layers in the skin is detected by a photodetector
Implementation Method 4
a pressure sensor attached to the contacting surface in close proximity to the photoplethysmographic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Photoplethysmographic device for measuring a heart rhythm, comprising a housing having a contacting surface and a control unit, a photoplethysmographic sensor mechanically attached to the contacting surface and connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged to receive a photoplethysmographic signal from the photoplethysmographic sensor, a fastening band having a first end and a second end, the first end and second end attached to the device for attaching the device to a subject with the contacting surface contacting the subject's skin, a pressure sensor attached to the contacting surface in close proximity to the photoplethysmographic sensor. The control unit is arranged determining whether the pressure from the pressure sensor is in a range suitable for photoplethysmographic measurement by the photoplethysmographic sensor.