Pulse Wave Velocity Measurement Using Auto-Positioned Vibration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) in the human body are limited by the need for large machines, ionizing radiation, and the difficulty in maintaining test subjects still for extended periods, making them inefficient and inaccessible to a large population.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using vibration sensors positioned automatically based on a geometrical model of the body, detecting carotid and femoral artery pulses, and calculating PWV from time and spatial distance differences, enabling non-invasive and efficient PWV measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large machines like CT or MRI are used for body examination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the body examination into multiple measurement points (carotid artery and femoral artery) and uses separate vibration sensors for each location, avoiding the need for a single large complex machine while achieving comprehensive arterial stiffness assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces large mechanical imaging machines (CT, MRI) with vibration sensors that detect arterial pulse waves through mechanical vibrations, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability for arterial stiffness
2Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation techniques like X-ray or PET are used, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ionizing radiation techniques with mechanical vibration detection methods, using vibration sensors to detect arterial pulse waves without exposing the subject to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the natural mechanical vibrations produced by arterial pulse waves into useful measurement signals, transforming a naturally occurring phenomenon into a beneficial non-invasive measurement method
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual sensor positioning is used, then adaptability is improved, but productivity and automation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines optimal sensor positioning locations based on anatomical landmarks (carotid artery at neck, femoral artery at groin) and uses automated positioning systems to place sensors at these predetermined locations, combining adaptability with efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and positions sensors based on body geometry detection, enabling the measurement system to self-adjust to different subjects without requiring manual intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy
4Measurement precision
If test subjects must remain still for extended periods, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic vibration signals to stimulate and detect arterial pulse waves, allowing measurements to be taken during natural body movements rather than requiring prolonged stillness, thereby improving subject comfort while maintaining measurement quality
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 efficient, automated, and non-invasive PWV measurement without the need for large machines or ionizing radiation, allowing widespread accessibility and accurate calculation of arterial stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
a first vibration sensor... detecting a carotid artery pulse by means of the first vibration sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second vibration sensor... detecting a femoral artery pulse by means of the second vibration sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of calculating a Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) in a live body (B), the method comprising: obtaining a geometrical model of the body based on acquired sensor data; based on the obtained model, automatically positioning a first vibration sensor (1500) in relation to a neck area (N) of the body; based on the obtained model, automatically positioning a second vibration sensor (1502) in relation to a pelvis area (P) of the body; detecting a carotid artery pulse by means of the first vibration sensor and a femoral artery pulse by means of the second vibration sensor; and calculating the carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) based on a time difference between the detected carotid pulse and the detected femoral pulse, and on a spatial distance between the neck area and the pelvis area.