Adjustable Pressure Cuff Shell for Uniform Physiological Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measuring devices struggle with efficiently adapting to different body part widths and thicknesses, leading to difficulties in obtaining accurate physiological parameters like blood pressure due to issues such as kinking, pressure marks, and non-uniform pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A pressure measuring device with a shell featuring pull tabs and tapered end portions that allow for easy diameter adjustment, combined with a fluid bag and elastic liner for uniform pressure application, and a kinking-proof shell to prevent wrinkles and improve signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shell circumference is made adjustable to fit different body part sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to overlapping end portions and movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed with movable overlapping end portions that allow dynamic adjustment of the shell's circumference. The end portions can slide relative to each other along the shell's longitudinal axis, enabling the shell to adapt to different body part sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is divided into multiple segments including a body portion and two end portions that can move independently. This segmentation allows each portion to perform specific functions while contributing to the overall adaptability of the shell circumference without requiring a completely complex redesign.
2Measurement precision
If pressure is applied to surround the body part, then the measurement accuracy improves, but pressure marks and non-uniform distribution occur causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The shell features a tapered configuration where the width varies along the longitudinal axis, with the greatest width at the midportion and narrower widths toward the ends. This local variation in geometry allows uniform pressure distribution across different regions of the body part, preventing pressure marks while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is designed to be flexible yet structurally sound, allowing it to conform to the body part's shape and distribute pressure evenly. The material and structural design enable the shell to adapt to contours without creating concentrated pressure points that would cause marks or discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If the shell is made kinking-proof to prevent wrinkles, then the signal accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell employs curved and tapered surfaces instead of flat or sharp-edged geometries. The rounded transitions and continuous curvature throughout the shell structure prevent stress concentrations that would cause kinking or wrinkling during inflation, while the manufacturing processes for creating these curved surfaces remain standard for plastic or rubber components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure measuring device 6 configured to surround a subject's body part. It comprises a pressure application element 60 configured to apply pressure to the body part, a pressure sensing device configured to measure a pressure signal of the body part and a curled shell 4 which is arranged to be located between the pressure application element. The shell comprises pull tabs 79, 80 which are arranged such that, if a user pulls the pull tabs, the diameter of the curled shell is extended. By using the pull tabs, the diameter of the pressure measuring device can be easier adapted to different widths or thicknesses of surrounded body parts of different subjects.