Integrated Sensor Unit for Simultaneous Pressure and Impedance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for diagnosing human state require separate sensors for pressure and impedance measurements, leading to increased device size and complexity due to the need for multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor unit integrating a pressure sensor and an impedance sensor, featuring a base with a recess, a flexible membrane, and two electrodes, where the first movable electrode serves both for impedance measurement and pressure sensing, enhancing skin contact area and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pressure sensor and impedance sensor are used, then measurement functions are complete, but device dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pressure sensor and an impedance sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. The pressure sensor includes a piezoelectric element mounted on a base with a recess, while the impedance sensor uses two electrodes (first and second electrodes) positioned on the base. This merging allows both pressure and impedance measurements to be performed simultaneously using one device, reducing overall device dimensions and complexity while maintaining complete measurement functionality.
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used, then each sensor can be optimized independently, but the skin surface area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance sensor electrodes are arranged concentrically on the base, with the first electrode positioned within the area defined by the second electrode. This nested arrangement allows both sensors to share the same spatial footprint on the skin surface, minimizing the required contact area while maintaining independent optimization of each sensor's measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If sensors are integrated into one unit, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor unit is designed with distinct functional modules: a base with a recess for the piezoelectric element, a flexible membrane for pressure transmission, and separately positioned electrodes for impedance measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.
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 integrated sensor unit reduces device size, increases operational stability, and enhances sensitivity by maximizing skin contact area and using a flexible membrane for stable skin contact, while maintaining compactness and watertightness.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element of pressure sensor is fixed
Implementation Method 2
A flexible membrane mounted on the base with a part of the flexible membrane overlapping said recess
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit for use in devices for simultaneous measurement of signals associated with human tissue impedance and pressure to identify human hemodynamic parameters. The sensor unit of the device attached to a skin surface segment of a human body includes a base with a recess, in which a piezoelectric element of pressure sensor is installed. The unit also has a flexible membrane mounted on the base and overlapping said recess. First and second electrodes are attached to the outer surface of the membrane. The first electrode is mounted opposite the recess and is capable of moving together with the membrane. The second immovable electrode surrounds the first electrode. A central support is mounted between the first electrode and the piezoelectric element. Connected to the electrical outputs of said sensor for measuring signals associated with human tissue impedance, the first and second electrodes are configured to enable contact with the skin surface of the human body. At the same time, the operational stability and sensitivity of sensors are increased.