Abstract
In this study, based on inspiration drawn from origami and the suction mechanism of leeches, a dry electrode is developed for reliable blood pressure (BP) monitoring. The leech-inspired suction mechanism generated a local soft vacuum facilitating appropriate contact with the human skin. Subsequently, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, termed a leech-inspired origami (LIO) sensor, was constructed using the developed dry electrode. The LIO with a sensing robot system ensures reliable ECG signals with a signal-to-noise ratio of 21.7 ± 0.56 dB. From the paired detection of ECG and photoplethysmography (PPG) through human–robot interaction, BP monitoring was demonstrated. The average difference of the systolic BP between that estimated by the sensing robot and that monitored by the sphygmomanometer was 0.03 mmHg, indicating the reliable BP monitoring ability of the sensing robot. The LIO sensing system inspired by origami and leech behaviors makes BP sensing tools feasible, which in turn would further the development of a remote healthcare monitoring robotic system.
Highlights
Remote monitoring systems of human healthcare have been widely studied because they can reduce the risk of secondary infection among healthcare workers[1]
Hypertension or high Blood pressure (BP) is a preexisting symptom or precursor of possible infection in patients. This increases the demand for BP monitoring systems of patients in their daily lives[4]
We demonstrated BP monitoring with strenuous exercises such as squat exercise (Sq), fast walk (Fw), and Sp, which are significantly related to ventricular contraction and vascular function, as the reasons for using pulse arrival time (PAT) instead of PTT49,50
Summary
Remote monitoring systems of human healthcare have been widely studied because they can reduce the risk of secondary infection among healthcare workers[1]. Based on the parametric study, an origami structure with α = 30° and β = 40° was selected as the optimal candidate for the LIO of the conformal ECG sensor. Once the sensing fingers approach and push toward the chest, the LIO sensors expand and hold contact during the measurement of the ECG signals.
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