Development of a Multi-Array Pressure Sensor Module for Radial Artery Pulse Wave Measurement.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Sensor Technology
• Physiological Monitoring

Background:

• Noninvasive radial artery pulse wave measurement is crucial for physiological monitoring.
• Existing methods face errors due to measurement position and direction.
• Accurate pulse wave analysis requires precise and reliable sensor technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a new pressure sensor module structure for enhanced radial artery pulse wave measurement.
• To minimize measurement errors associated with position and direction in noninvasive sensing.
• To develop a modular sensor with a hexagonal array for improved radial artery conformity.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-array pressure sensor with a hexagonal arrangement using polydimethylsiloxane.
• Evaluation through finite element method (FEM) simulation, push-pull gauge testing, and experimental pulse wave measurement.
• Sensor characterization including measuring area (17.6 × 17.6 mm²) and modular design with embedded analog front end.

Main Results:

• FEM simulation demonstrated linear response to external pressure.
• Push-pull gauge tests revealed inter-channel variations, addressable by a correction formula.
• Calibrated output achieved a root-mean-squared error of 0.267 kPa, ensuring linearity.

Conclusions:

• The proposed multi-array sensor structure effectively reduces errors in radial artery pulse wave measurement.
• The developed sensor exhibits promising linearity and accuracy after calibration.
• Further research on inter-individual differences is needed, but the sensor shows potential for clinical application in physiological monitoring.