Butterfly Cuff Design for Uniform Finger Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current finger cuffs face challenges in achieving consistent and reliable blood pressure readings due to issues with asymmetric placement, tension, and rigidity, particularly because of the presence of two digital arteries, which can distort oscillometric curves and require complex manual dexterity for secure fitting.
Innovation Solution
A slotted, butterfly-like cuff design with a curved shape that naturally conforms to the conical shape of the finger, featuring a locking tab and pull tab mechanism for secure and intuitive tightening, ensuring uniform pressure on the digital arteries, and incorporating a sensor for wireless communication with a microprocessor for real-time data monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional buckle mechanism is used to tighten the cuff, then the cuff can be secured around the finger, but the reversal of the enclosure end tab disrupts the conformity of the enclosure to the finger shape
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reversing the enclosure end tab through a buckle mechanism, the patent uses a butterfly cuff design where the enclosure is split into two symmetrical halves that are mirrored images of each other. This eliminates the need for tab reversal while maintaining secure fastening, as each half can be independently positioned and secured without disrupting the overall conformity to the finger shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff enclosure is divided into two separate symmetrical halves rather than a single continuous enclosure. This segmentation allows each half to be independently shaped and positioned to conform to the finger, eliminating the distortion caused by reversing a single enclosure end tab in traditional buckle designs.
2Reliability
If a traditional buckle mechanism is used to tighten the cuff, then the cuff can be secured, but the reversal of the single enclosure end de-centers the enclosure on the arteries, making it necessary to rotate the enclosure and bladder back into the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The butterfly cuff design inverts the traditional buckle approach by using two symmetrical halves that naturally align with each other when brought together. This symmetry ensures that the enclosure remains centered on the arteries during fastening, eliminating the de-centering problem that occurs when reversing a single enclosure end in traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall design is symmetrical, each half of the butterfly cuff can be designed with specific asymmetrical features that guide proper positioning and centering on the arteries during application, ensuring correct orientation without requiring rotation after fastening.
3Reliability
If a traditional buckle mechanism is used to tighten the cuff, then the cuff can be secured, but it requires more manipulation of the technician's fingers with further demands on manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the traditional buckle mechanism into a butterfly cuff design with two symmetrical halves, the patent simplifies the application process. The symmetrical design allows for more intuitive alignment and fastening with fewer manual manipulation steps, reducing the demand on technician dexterity compared to reversing and securing a single enclosure end with a traditional buckle.
4Reliability
If the enclosure is made rigid to maintain uniform bladder pressure, then the pressure is directed uniformly toward the digital arteries, but the enclosure must be inextensible in tension yet very flexible when wrapped around the finger
Solution Approach 1:
The butterfly cuff enclosure is constructed from flexible materials that can conform to the finger shape when wrapped around, yet maintain sufficient structural integrity to direct uniform pressure from the bladder toward the digital arteries. The symmetrical two-half design allows the enclosure to be flexible during application while providing the rigidity needed for uniform pressure distribution during measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cuff for monitoring physiological cycles has an exterior and interior surface and securing means. The cuff consists of a body having an upper curve, a lower curve and a height (CH) therebetween. A sensor adhered with a flexible protective overlay to the interior surface is in communication with a microprocessor storage means. The microprocessor storage means can be within the cuff or separate therefrom with communication between the sensor and the storage means being wireless or through a communication member. A locking tab, having a width less than the body, extends from one side of the body. A slot retaining area extends from the body on a side opposite the locking tab and contains a slot dimensioned to receive the locking tab. A pull tab is adjacent the slot retaining area opposite the body. The pull tab shares a base with the slot retaining area and has a top line and an end width less than the width of the body. The cuff can be manufactured from a hook and loop material or have other securing methods to affix the cuff in place.