Assessing the Effectiveness of Mechanical Sensors for Respiratory Rate Detection

Assessing respiratory rate is pivotal to monitoring an individual's health status. This research endeavors to meticulously evaluate the efficacy of three distinct mechanical sensors: piezoelectric sensors, force-sensitive resistor sensors, and Flex sensors, in the precise measurement of respiratory rates. The experimental design involved the strategic placement of these sensors onto a mannequin's chest cavity, enabling the conversion of chest pressure into tension. Subsequently, a sophisticated data processing system, driven by Arduino technology, was employed, with the results elegantly displayed through a Delphi interface. The outcomes of this extensive experimentation yielded compelling results, with the force-sensitive resistor sensor emerging as the standout performer, boasting a remarkably low error value of 0.2781 ± 0.4481. This exceptional precision was particularly notable when assessing respiratory rates at setting 20. Such findings underscore the pragmatic application of the force-sensitive resistor sensor within healthcare equipment systems, promising user-friendly operation and efficient retrieval of invaluable patient data. This study not only adds depth to our understanding of the suitability of mechanical sensors for respiratory rate monitoring but also accentuates the transformative potential of the force-sensitive resistor sensor in elevating measurement accuracy to unprecedented levels. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for future research endeavors, with promising directions including sensor refinement and the implementation of cutting-edge data processing techniques, aimed at ushering in a new era of excellence in respiratory rate assessment for healthcare applications.