Wearable Photoplethysmography Sensor Ring for Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools for sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction are invasive, cumbersome, and unable to provide real-time, objective data on penile or clitoral rigidity, blood flow, and temperature during sexual activities, limiting their effectiveness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an adjustable sensor ring that includes a microcontroller, wireless communication module, and various diagnostic sensors to measure blood flow, rigidity, size, movement, and temperature, allowing for non-invasive data collection during masturbation and intercourse, and providing feedback to maintain or enhance erections without pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hand-held Doppler ultrasound devices are used to measure blood flow velocities, then objective hemodynamic data can be obtained, but the procedure becomes invasive and requires a doctor's office setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-held Doppler ultrasound device with an optical photoplethysmography-based sensor system that can be integrated into wearable devices. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive procedures and doctor's office settings while maintaining objective measurement capability through optical detection of blood flow changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photoplethysmography sensors as an intermediary method between the patient and the measurement system. These sensors use light absorption changes to indirectly measure blood flow and hemodynamic parameters, providing objective data without requiring invasive procedures or specialized medical equipment
2Measurement precision
If intracavernosal injection of vasoactive substances is performed to test erectile function, then objective diagnostic data is obtained, but the procedure becomes invasive and painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive intracavernosal injection method with non-invasive optical sensing using photoplethysmography. The system uses light absorption changes in penile tissue to measure blood flow, oxygenation, and hemodynamic parameters during natural sexual activity, eliminating needles and vasoactive substances while maintaining diagnostic objectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or surrogate measurement of hemodynamic function through photoplethysmography. Instead of directly measuring blood flow velocities with ultrasound or injecting substances, the system measures light absorption changes that correlate with blood volume and oxygenation, providing an indirect but objective assessment of erectile function
3Ease of operation
If patient-reported questionnaires are used to assess sexual function, then ease of administration is improved, but objective and reproducible data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to self-administer the measurement device during natural sexual activity at home, combining the ease of patient-reported outcomes with objective physiological data. The wearable sensors automatically collect hemodynamic parameters without requiring clinical staff intervention, maintaining simplicity while providing reproducible objective measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wearable photoplethysmography sensors as an intermediary between the patient and the assessment process. These sensors automatically capture objective hemodynamic data during sexual activity, eliminating the subjectivity of questionnaires while maintaining ease of administration through home-based self-monitoring
4Measurement precision
If bulky ultrasound monitoring apparatus are used to measure penile hemodynamics, then comprehensive hemodynamic data can be collected, but the device cannot be worn during sexual intercourse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into small, modular sensor components that can be integrated into a wearable ring or band. Instead of using a single bulky ultrasound apparatus, the system uses multiple small photoplethysmography sensors distributed around the penis, each measuring local hemodynamic parameters that are then aggregated to provide comprehensive data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible wearable structures such as elastic bands or rings to mount the sensors. These thin, flexible substrates conform to the penile anatomy and can be comfortably worn during sexual activity, replacing rigid bulky apparatus while maintaining measurement capability through flexible sensor integration
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 objective and reproducible data collection on sexual function, improving the characterization of erectile dysfunction, enhancing treatment assessment, and providing a non-invasive, user-friendly tool for both clinical and research applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to measure blood flow, oxygenation levels, and other physiological parameters using photoplethysmography
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor comprises an ultrasound transducer configured to measure rigidity of the penis
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensor comprises a Doppler ultrasound transducer configured to measure blood flow velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device for measuring sexual function includes an adjustable ring forming an opening to receive a penis, at least one diagnostic sensor positioned on an inner surface of the adjustable ring, wherein the ring automatically couples the diagnostic sensor to the penis throughout a range of ring diameters, and a microcontroller in communication with the at least one diagnostic sensor. The at least one diagnostic sensor measures data during sexual activity and communicates the data to the microcontroller. In fact, in an example, the device is configured to be worn by a user during sexual activity.