Arterial Pressure Pulse Simulator with Nested Bladder Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood pressure simulation systems are limited in accurately simulating the full range of blood pressure values, as they cannot control the volume of the cuff effectively, leading to inaccurate training for clinicians using oscillometric blood pressure measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an enclosure with a bladder and actuator that simulates arterial pressure pulses by exerting a reversible force on the bladder, connected to a pressure sensor and controller, allowing for precise control of pulse amplitude and simulation of blood pressure across a broad range of values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If actuator systems are used to drive a piston to create simulated blood pressure pulses, then the system can generate arterial pulses, but the system is limited in the range of blood pressures it can simulate and the accuracy of the simulation due to inability to control cuff volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cuff volume during the simulation by controlling inflation and deflation of the cuff bladder. This allows the simulation to adapt to different blood pressure values and maintain accuracy across a broad range of simulated pressures, resolving the contradiction between fixed-volume limitations and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the cuff (volume, pressure) in real-time to simulate different blood pressure conditions. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system achieves both high simulation accuracy and broad adaptability across different blood pressure ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bladder maximum volume is greater than the enclosure volume, then the system can simulate a broader range of blood pressure values, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff bladder is nested within the enclosure, allowing the bladder to expand beyond the enclosure volume when inflated. This nested configuration enables the system to achieve a broader blood pressure simulation range without proportionally increasing the external device size, effectively managing the complexity-volume trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the third dimension (volume expansion in multiple directions) by allowing the bladder to expand beyond the enclosure boundaries when needed. This dimensional approach enables broader simulation range while keeping the enclosure compact, resolving the complexity versus versatility contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate and consistent simulation of blood pressure pulses, enabling clinicians to practice with a realistic range of values, enhancing training effectiveness for oscillometric blood pressure measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator in proximity to the enclosure configured to reversibly exert a force on the bladder to simulate a pulse
Implementation Method 2
a tube fluidly connected to the bladder and extending through the blood pressure cuff opening, wherein the tube is in communication with a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to simulate arterial blood pressure pulses to train clinicians in the use of oscillometric blood pressure monitors is described. The apparatus comprises a bladder or blood pressure cuff placed in a rigid enclosure with a known volume. The enclosure also has an opening, with a pressure plate placed between the opening and the bladder. An actuator, such as a servo motor with an arm, is attached to the outside of the enclosure next to the opening such that the arm of the servo motor or actuator may exert a force on the pressure plate, which in turn impinges the bladder. The bladder may be connected to a pressure sensor and an oscillometric blood pressure monitor. The force exerted by the actuator may be controlled in a feedback loop by a controller connected to the actuator and the pressure sensor.