Blood Pressure Cuff Adapter With Fluid-Tight Universal Connector

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable and universally compatible means to temporarily connect blood pressure cuffs with different patient monitoring systems across various locations in healthcare facilities, as existing cuff connection devices are not compatible and reliable.

Innovation Solution

A blood pressure cuff adapter with a substantially rigid body, featuring a distal portion with an annular ring and a ridge, and a seal to form a fluid-tight connection with fittings, allowing for secure and interchangeable attachment to various monitoring systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different cuff connection devices are used at various locations, then compatibility with different patient monitoring systems is achieved, but reliability of connection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can connect to multiple different patient monitoring systems across various healthcare locations. The standardized fitting design allows the same adapter to work with different inflation devices and monitoring equipment, achieving universality while maintaining reliable connections through consistent sealing surfaces and engagement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a standardized adapter design is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different systems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the blood pressure cuff and various patient monitoring systems. By placing the standardized connection interface on the adapter rather than the cuff itself, the design maintains reliable standardized connections while the adapter can be configured to work with different monitoring systems, thus mediating between reliability and adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If reusable adapters are used, then cost efficiency is improved, but risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed as a disposable, single-use component that can be easily manufactured at low cost. This approach eliminates contamination risk by ensuring each adapter is used only once and then discarded, while the low manufacturing cost maintains cost efficiency. The simple design allows for economical production of single-use units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20240122489A1Connectors for medical equipment

Publication Date: 2024.04.18 WELCH ALLYN INC

AI summary

An adapter includes a substantially rigid body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a central opening formed at least in part by an inner wall of the body, and a longitudinal axis extending substantially centrally through the opening. The distal portion includes an annular ring having a top surface and a ridge disposed opposite the top surface, the ridge extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The distal. The adapter also includes a seal configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a surface of a fitting removably attachable to the adapter.