Wearable Biosensor Pressure Control for Signal Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable biosensors face interference from variable pressures applied to the skin, leading to noise and discrepancies in signal analysis due to user movement and physiological variability, affecting biosignal morphology and time domain features.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a physiological measurement device with a biosensor, a strap, a tensioner, and a pressure sensor that adjusts surface contact pressure to optimize signal quality, using a controller to communicate with the pressure sensor and tensioner to maintain optimal pressure for improved biosignal data output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If variable pressures are applied between the wearable biosensor and the skin, then the biosensor can be secured in position, but signal quality deteriorates due to noise and discrepancies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiosensor position stabilityVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic pressure adjustment mechanism where the tensioner can be adjusted to apply optimal pressure to the biosensor. The system transitions from static pressure application to dynamic control, allowing the pressure to be optimized based on signal quality feedback to maintain both position stability and signal accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback from the pressure sensor and biosensor signal quality into the control system. The controller receives pressure data from the pressure sensor and signal quality information, then adjusts the tensioner accordingly to maintain optimal conditions, resolving the contradiction between securing the sensor and maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If pressure is increased to secure the biosensor, then position stability improves, but motion artifacts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidmotion artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high pressure. The controller adjusts the tensioner to apply only the necessary pressure to secure the biosensor, avoiding excessive pressure that would cause motion artifacts while maintaining sufficient stability for accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the biosensor's own signal quality feedback to determine the optimal pressure level. The controller monitors signal characteristics and automatically adjusts the tensioner to maintain the minimum necessary pressure for stable positioning, thereby reducing motion artifacts while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the tensioner is made adjustable to optimize pressure, then signal quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidtensioner adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioner mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the biosensor in position, applies optimal pressure through adjustment, and works in conjunction with the pressure sensor and controller to maintain signal quality. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by resolving multiple issues simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual pressure adjustment with an automated system where the controller electronically controls the tensioner based on sensor feedback. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electronically controlled automation, while adding complexity, enables precise and adaptive pressure optimization that manual methods cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 minimizes motion artifacts and enhances biosignal data quality by maintaining optimal surface contact pressure, improving the accuracy and reliability of physiological signal measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure sensor may be configured to measure the surface contact pressure applied to the user by the biosensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS20240225546A1Integrated pressure transducer for precise quantification of applied surface force in wearable devices

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A system includes a physiological measurement device, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The physiological measurement device includes a biosensor configured to measure physiological signals upon placement in contact with a user. The pressure sensor is configured to measure a surface contact pressure applied to the user by the biosensor. The controller is in communication with the pressure sensor or the biosensor (e.g. PPG or BioZ or other) or both.