2024, 38(10):35-47.
Abstract:In response to the limitations of traditional pulse sensors such as discomfort, inconvenience in wearability, and low precision, this study presents the development of a wearable pulse sensor based on P(VDF-TrFE) flexible piezoelectric film. The objective is continuous monitoring of human pulse signals, aiming to offer robust support for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Firstly, P(VDF-TrFE) flexible piezoelectric films were prepared using the solution casting method to serve as the sensor substrate. Conductive electrodes were then printed on the surface of these films using screen printing technology. Additionally, a mesh shielding layer was incorporated into the design, and both square and circular array sensors were fabricated. These sensors were used for experimental comparison to evaluate their pulse signal acquisition performance. Secondly, to counteract the challenge of low-frequency weak pulse signals vulnerable to various noise interferences, a precision signal conditioning circuit was designed, integrating signal amplification and filtering functions to achieve high-fidelity, low-noise pulse wave signals. Experimental results demonstrate excellent dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties in the prepared P(VDF-TrFE) films, with ad33value reaching -25 pC·N-1, enhancing the sensor’s ability to rapidly and accurately capture low-frequency pulse signals. The designed flexible pulse sensor significantly outperforms conventional rigid sensors by conforming more effectively to the contours of human skin, thereby enhancing the sensation-free wearing experience. This design not only meets but salso exceeds the requirements for wearability and comfort, making it an ideal choice for continuous, unobtrusive health monitoring applications. Particularly, the circular array sensor exhibits higher sensitivity and clarity in detecting continuous pulse wave signals containing most physiological characteristic points compared to the square sensor, thus achieving superior detection performance. Moreover, the designed signal conditioning circuit effectively mitigates 50 Hz power frequency interference and high-frequency noise interference, successfully amplifying the average peak voltage from 0.069 V to 5.467 V. This results in clear and stable pulse waveforms while retaining the main features of pulse signals. The system achieves high sensitivity, stability, and accuracy in acquiring human pulse signals while suppressing noise interference. Consequently, the wearable pulse sensor based on flexible piezoelectric films developed in this study holds promise for effective detection and acquisition of human pulse wave signals, with wide-ranging applications in medical health monitoring and wearable device research fields.