Inflatable Cuff Defect Detection via Pressure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate blood pressure measurements due to defects in the material and/or workmanship of inflatable cuffs, such as 'velcro crack' or 'cuff crack,' which can lead to misdiagnosis and cardiovascular complications, as these artefacts affect the cuff pressure signal and result in incorrect systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for detecting defects in inflatable cuffs, comprising a target pressure input, a sensor to measure cuff pressure, and a processing unit that analyzes the cuff pressure signal during inflation or deflation to detect anomalies and output a warning signal, using a phantom arm device with layered materials to mimic human arm conditions and assess cuff quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to detect cuff defects, then the detection process is simple and quick, but defects in material and workmanship cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection with a pressure-based detection system. A pressure sensor and control unit monitor cuff pressure during inflation and deflation cycles to automatically detect defects such as velcro cracks and cuff cracks, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while providing reliable defect detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the cuff's own operational characteristics (inflation and deflation pressure changes) to detect defects. The system automatically monitors pressure variations during normal cuff operation, enabling self-diagnosis of defects without requiring separate testing procedures or additional manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If conventional deflation-based NIBP method is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time is prolonged and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs defect detection during the inflation phase of the cuff cycle, before deflation begins. By identifying defects such as velcro cracks or cuff cracks during inflation when the cuff is still sealed, the system prevents measurement errors that would occur during deflation, enabling accurate and rapid blood pressure measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically monitors cuff pressure throughout the entire inflation and deflation cycle, adapting to real-time pressure changes. This dynamic pressure monitoring enables the detection of defects at any stage of the cuff cycle, allowing for rapid identification of problematic cuffs and ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained regardless of when a defect occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for detecting a defect in material and/or workmanship of an inflatable cuff. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a phantom arm device. The device for detecting a defect in material and/or workmanship of an inflatable cuff comprises a target pressure input configured to obtain a target pressure signal, the target pressure signal indicating a target pressure within the cuff; a sensor input configured to obtain a cuff pressure signal from a sensor configured to measure a pressure within the cuff, the cuff pressure signal indicating a pressure within the cuff; an output configured to output a warning signal; and a processing unit configured to analyze the cuff pressure signal and the target pressure signal, to detect the of the cuff based on said analysis, and to control the output to output the warning signal if the defect is detected.