Wearable Ultrasonic Blood Pressure Patch Using Transducer Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable blood pressure monitors are bulky and rely on pressure sensors or inflatable cuffs, which are not as convenient or accurate as desired for continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A small, wearable ultrasonic blood pressure monitor in the form of a patch with embedded ultrasound transducers, a high-speed analogue to digital converter, and a microprocessor with a wireless radio, integrated with a mobile computing device application that includes machine learning for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors or inflatable cuffs are used for blood pressure monitoring, then measurement capability is achieved, but device size and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensing system (pressure sensors and inflatable cuffs) with an ultrasonic detection system. The ultrasonic transducer emits sound waves that penetrate the skin and reflect off arterial walls, allowing blood pressure measurement through acoustic signals rather than mechanical pressure detection. This substitution dramatically reduces device size while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the bulky inflatable cuff component from the blood pressure monitoring system. By using ultrasonic transducers that can be integrated into a small wearable patch, the system removes the need for large mechanical components, achieving continuous monitoring without the volume constraints of traditional cuff-based devices.
2Measurement precision
If traditional blood pressure monitoring devices are used, then measurement function is provided, but wearability and comfort are reduced due to bulky design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that allows the ultrasonic transducer array to be conformally attached to the skin surface. This flexible film design enables the device to be worn comfortably on the body (e.g., wrist or arm) without rigid components, significantly improving wearability while maintaining continuous blood pressure monitoring capability through the flexible housing that contacts the skin.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous blood pressure monitoring is implemented, then health tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blood pressure monitoring function into multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array on the flexible substrate. Each transducer independently measures arterial wall vibrations, and the combined data from multiple segments provides continuous monitoring capability. This segmentation allows distributed sensing across the skin surface, enabling prolonged monitoring without requiring a single complex centralized sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer array serves multiple functions: it detects arterial wall vibrations for blood pressure measurement, provides continuous monitoring over extended periods, and can potentially measure other physiological parameters. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using a single versatile component rather than multiple specialized devices.
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 system provides continuous, accurate, and convenient blood pressure monitoring without the need for bulky equipment or inflatable cuffs, utilizing ultrasound technology to measure arterial wall changes and machine learning to enhance data analysis and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an array of ultrasound transducers embedded in the flexible housing and facing the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable blood pressure monitoring patch for use with a mobile computing device is provided, the wearable blood pressure monitoring patch comprising: a flexible housing which includes a contact surface; an adhesive on the contact surface; an array of ultrasound transducers embedded in the flexible housing and facing the contact surface; a high-speed analogue to digital converter in electrical communication with the array of ultrasound transducers; and a microprocessor which includes a wireless radio for transmitting ultrasound data to the mobile computing device and is in electronic communication with the high speed analogue to digital converter. A system which includes the mobile computing device is also provided.