Pressure Measuring Shell With Height Sensing for Blood Pressure Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure measuring devices struggle to accurately determine physiological parameters like blood pressure due to the influence of hydrostatic pressure and height variations, leading to inaccuracies in measurements.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measuring device with a shell that includes a pressure sensing area, a pressure application element, and a height sensor attached to the shell, allowing for the consideration of both pressure and height measurements to improve accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pressure measurement is performed without considering height variations, then the measurement process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to hydrostatic pressure influence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysiological parameter determination accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical height adjustment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based height sensor system. The magnetic field sensor detects height variations through magnetic flux changes, eliminating the need for mechanical measurement devices while improving measurement precision and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the pressure measurement system and height detection. The magnetic field serves as a mediator that translates height variations into detectable signals without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex measurement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If height sensor is integrated into the shell, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure signal measurement accuracyVSAvoidshell structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the height sensor integration with the existing shell structure, merging two separate functions (pressure measurement and height detection) into a unified device. This integration improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the pressure sensing device, and integrates the height sensor. This multi-functionality approach allows the same component to perform multiple roles, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensing device is located in the pressure sensing area of the shell, then measurement precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue pressure signal detection accuracyVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressure sensing system into distinct modular components: the shell with integrated height sensor, the pressure sensing device, and the pressure application element. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and testing of each module, improving measurement precision while facilitating easier assembly through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 integration of a height sensor with the pressure measuring device enhances the accuracy of determining physiological parameters by accounting for hydrostatic pressure and height variations, resulting in improved measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

The measured pressure signal and hence also a physiological parameter like the blood pressure, which might be determined based on the measured pressure signal, is influenced by the hydrostatic pressure and therefore by the height of the pressure measuring device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4663104A1Pressure measuring device to be used for determining a physiological parameter of a subject
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4663104A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663104A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663104A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pressure measuring device configured to surround a subject's body part. It comprises a pressure application element configured to apply pressure to the body part, a pressure sensing device configured to measure a pressure signal of the subject and a shell 4 which is arranged to be located between the pressure application element and the body part. The inner surface of the shell comprises a pressure sensing area in which at least a part 61 of the pressure sensing device is located. The pressure measuring device also comprises a height sensor 105 attached to the shell. By using this kind of pressure measuring device, a physiological parameter like the blood pressure can be determined with a very high accuracy.