Blood Pressure Cuff Detection via Inflation Speed Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-invasive blood pressure measurement systems fail to detect whether the inflatable cuff is properly wrapped around a patient's limb, leading to phantom readings due to cuff dislodgement or disconnection during automatic measurement sequences.
Innovation Solution
A detection system that monitors the inflation speed-dependent parameter to determine if the cuff is correctly attached, stopping measurements if the inflation duration or pressure change criteria are not met, thereby preventing phantom readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed timeout period is used for cuff inflation, then the system can complete measurements within a predictable time frame, but smaller cuffs that inflate faster cannot be properly detected as wrapped around a limb
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timeout adjustment based on detected cuff size. The system adapts the inflation timeout period to match the specific cuff being used, allowing faster inflation for smaller cuffs and slower inflation for larger cuffs. This resolves the contradiction by making the timeout flexible rather than fixed, enabling both rapid measurement completion and accurate cuff detection across different cuff sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timeout parameter based on cuff size detection. By identifying the cuff size and adjusting the timeout parameter accordingly, the system optimizes the inflation period for each specific cuff type. This allows smaller cuffs to be inflated faster while larger cuffs receive adequate time, resolving the conflict between measurement speed and detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If the system continues automatic measurement sequences without detection, then productivity is maintained, but phantom readings are generated causing measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor cuff status during automatic measurement sequences. When cuff dislodgement or improper wrapping is detected, the system provides feedback to stop the measurement sequence, preventing phantom readings. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing measurement precision through real-time monitoring while maintaining productivity through automated detection and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of cuff status before and during measurement sequences. By detecting potential issues early through monitoring inflation parameters and cuff behavior, the system can prevent phantom readings before they occur, maintaining both productivity and precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a detection device suitable for use with a blood pressure measurement system for detecting improper functioning due to the absence of an inflatable cuff from a patient's measurement site, its improper attachment to the site, or it being disconnected from the system. The device is coupled to an inflatable cuff attached to the measurement site and arranged to perform a series of measurements, wherein for each measurement of the series, an inflation operation is performed to inflate the cuff. The device includes a determining unit for determining inflation speed-dependent parameter values during inflation operations, and a processor module arranged for receiving the determined inflation speed-dependent parameter values. The processor module is configured to check whether the difference between the cuff inflation parameter value determined during the corresponding inflation operation and the cuff inflation parameter value determined during a preceding inflation operation meets a predetermined criterion.