Blood Pressure Cuff Gas Flow Control With Quiet Canister Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood pressure monitoring systems cause discomfort, limb edema, and noise issues due to manual inflation difficulties and motorized noise, and existing gas canister systems are unsafe and lack flow control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A valve-chamber assembly that allows controlled gas flow from a gas canister to an inflatable cuff, using a valve assembly with a motor and actuator to manage pressure and flow rate, and a safety circuit to prevent gas leakage and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor or pump is used to inflate the cuff automatically, then blood pressure measurement automation is improved, but auditory noise and electrical noise in sensor signals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motorized pump system with a manually operated inflation bulb (squeezing bulb) that delivers gas to the cuff. This mechanical substitution eliminates the motor components that generate both auditory noise and electrical interference, while maintaining the ability to inflate the cuff automatically through controlled manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the motor and pump components from the blood pressure monitoring system, retaining only the essential gas delivery function through a simpler manual inflation mechanism. This extraction eliminates the harmful noise and electrical interference while preserving the core measurement capability.
2Productivity
If a gas canister with threaded release valve is used, then fast and efficient gas supply is improved, but safety risks from exposed canister and lack of flow control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the gas canister within a protective housing structure that contains the release valve mechanism. The canister is inserted into the housing, and the housing provides both physical protection and a controlled interface for gas delivery, eliminating the exposed canister scenario while maintaining rapid gas supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a housing structure as an intermediary between the gas canister and the external environment. This housing acts as a mediator that provides safety features including a covered release valve mechanism and flow control capabilities, while still allowing fast gas delivery when needed.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If manual inflation with an inflation bulb is used, then noise is reduced, but difficulty in maintaining constant inflation rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flow control valve mechanism that allows the user to self-regulate the gas flow rate from the inflation bulb. This self-service feature enables the user to maintain a constant, controlled inflation rate by adjusting the valve, combining the noise benefits of manual inflation with improved operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic flow control valve that can be adjusted during operation to maintain optimal inflation conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different measurement requirements while maintaining constant inflation rates, improving ease of operation without introducing motorized components.
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 a comfortable and controlled blood pressure measurement process with reduced noise and safety features, allowing for precise inflation and deflation of the cuff without manual strain and minimizing adverse effects on the user.
Implementation Method 1
Gas canisters, which are frequently used to supply gas in a fast and efficient manner, can be used in place of the motor and pump
Implementation Method 2
due to the relatively high pressure of the gas inside the gas canister, care must be used when puncturing the seal of the gas canister to allow the gas to exit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring blood pressure of a wearer of an inflatable cuff and a method thereof. The system includes a piston, a bar lever located to restrict at least some movement of the piston, a motor coupled to an actuator that is coupled to the bar lever, and a processor in communication with the motor. The processor is configured to receive pressure data associated with the inflatable cuff and is configured to, based on a determination that the pressure data satisfies a threshold, actuate the motor to move the bar lever in a first or second direction. Movement of the bar lever in the first direction causes the piston to move in the first direction, thereby increasing the flow rate of gas through a gas pathway. Movement of the bar lever in the second direction causes a decrease in the flow rate of the gas through the gas pathway.