Semiconductor Blood Pressure Sensor Integrating MEMS and Gas Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood pressure measurement devices are large and not portable, making it difficult for users to monitor their blood pressure conveniently and regularly outside of medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized blood pressure detection device manufactured by a semiconductor process, incorporating a substrate with microelectromechanical and gas-pressure-sensing elements, a driving-chip element, and a valve layer, allowing for portable and wearable blood pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional blood pressure measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device size becomes large and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (airbag, pressure sensor, microprocessor, valve, and control circuitry) into a single integrated device. The airbag is formed within the device housing, the pressure sensor is positioned to directly contact the airbag, and the microprocessor controls both the valve operation and pressure measurement, combining functions that were previously separate into one portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the airbag is positioned within the device housing, the pressure sensor is nested against the airbag, and the microprocessor and valve are integrated within the same housing. This nesting arrangement minimizes overall device volume while maintaining functional integrity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional blood pressure measurement devices are used, then measurement functionality is complete, but ease of carrying is reduced due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all necessary blood pressure measurement functions (inflation, pressure sensing, deflation, and control) into a single handheld device, eliminating the need for external equipment and making the device easy to carry and operate anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into one unit: the microprocessor controls both the valve for airbag inflation/deflation and the pressure sensor for measurement, the display provides visual output, and the housing protects all components. This multi-functionality in a single device enhances portability and ease of carrying.
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 users to measure blood pressure conveniently and accurately at any time and place, overcoming the limitations of size and portability in existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the microelectromechanical element manufactured by a semiconductor process is stacked and integrally formed on the microelectromechanical-element region of the substrate, and corresponds to the at least one inlet aperture to actuate transportation of gas
Implementation Method 2
The gas-pressure-sensing element manufactured by a semiconductor process is stacked and integrally formed on the gas-pressure-sensing region of the substrate to detect a gas pressure and generate and output a detection datum of blood pressure
Implementation Method 3
A valve unit is formed in the valve layer by an etching process at a position corresponding to the inlet aperture of the substrate, and the valve unit is controlled by the microprocessor of the driving-chip element to be opened or closed
Data Source
AI summary
A blood pressure detection device manufactured by a semiconductor process includes a substrate, a microelectromechanical element, a gas-pressure-sensing element, a driving-chip element, an encapsulation layer and a valve layer. The substrate includes inlet apertures. The microelectromechanical element and the gas-pressure-sensing element are stacked and integrally formed on the substrate. The encapsulation layer is encapsulated and positioned on the substrate. A flowing-channel space is formed above the microelectromechanical element and the gas-pressure-sensing element. The encapsulation layer includes an outlet aperture in communication with an airbag. The driving-chip element controls the microelectromechanical element, the gas-pressure-sensing element and valve units to transport gas. The gas is introduced into the flowing-channel space through the inlet apertures and transported into the airbag through the outlet aperture, to inflate the airbag for blood pressure measurement, and a detection datum of blood pressure outputted by the gas-pressure-sensing element is transmitted to the microprocessor to calculate.