Cuff Pressure Sensing Pad Layout Without Kink-Prone Fluid Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure measuring devices suffer from kinks in fluid tubes, mechanical noise, and air bubbles that adversely affect pressure measurement accuracy, particularly in determining physiological parameters like blood pressure.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measuring device with a pressure transducer attached to a shell, eliminating the need for a fluid tube, and incorporating a fluid-filled pressure sensing pad and a kinking-proof shell to directly transmit pressure signals, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fluid tube is used to transmit pressure from the pressure sensing pad to the pressure transducer, then the pressure sensing device can be separated from the transducer, but the tube may kink, introduce mechanical noise, or contain air bubbles that adversely affect measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparability of pressure sensing deviceVSAvoidpressure measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the fluid tube from the system entirely by integrating the pressure transducer directly to the shell at the pressure sensing location. This extraction of the problematic tube component eliminates kinks, mechanical noise, and air bubble issues while maintaining the ability to separate the pressure sensing pad from the transducer through the shell structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure transducer is merged with the shell structure, forming an integrated assembly where the transducer is attached directly to the shell at the pressure sensing area. This merging eliminates the need for a separate fluid tube connection while maintaining functional separation of the pressure sensing pad and transducer components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If the pressure transducer is attached to the shell, then fluid tubes and related problems are eliminated, but the transducer must be precisely positioned to avoid protruding into the subject's body part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidtransducer positioning and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a localized recess or opening in the shell specifically positioned to accommodate the pressure transducer. This local structural modification ensures the transducer is precisely positioned within the shell thickness without protruding into the subject's body part, while maintaining direct attachment to the shell for accurate pressure sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the shell is made rigid to prevent kinking, then structural stability is improved, but the shell may create pressure marks on the subject's skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshell structural stabilityVSAvoidpressure marks on skin
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a shell that combines rigid structural elements to prevent kinking with flexible or compliant surfaces that contact the subject's body part. This allows the shell to maintain its kink-resistant structural integrity while the flexible outer surface conforms to the body part shape and reduces pressure marks through even pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides improved pressure measurement by eliminating tube-related issues, reducing mechanical noise and air bubbles, and enhancing measurement accuracy, particularly for determining physiological parameters like blood pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure transducer for measuring the sensed pressure signal, wherein the pressure transducer is attached to the shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

the pressure sensing device comprises a fluid-filled pressure sensing pad located in the pressure sensing area for sensing the pressure signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4663112A1Pressure measuring device to be used for determining a physiological parameter of a subject
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4663112A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663112A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663112A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pressure measuring device configured to surround a subject's body part. It comprises a pressure application element configured to apply pressure to the body part, a pressure sensing device configured to measure a pressure signal of the body part and a shell 4 which is arranged to be located between the pressure application element and the body part. The pressure sensing device comprises a fluid-filled pressure sensing pad 61 arranged on the inside of the shell for sensing the pressure signal and a pressure transducer 69 for measuring the sensed pressure signal, wherein the pressure transducer is attached to the shell. This configuration allows for an improved pressure measurement.