Sphygmomanometer Cuff One-Directional Roller Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cuffs for blood pressure measurement devices face challenges in reliable and reproducible attachment, particularly for home use, as they often require two-handed operation and have complex configurations that increase manufacturing costs and limit applicability to varying arm circumferences.
Innovation Solution
A cuff design featuring a fluid bladder, an annular exterior cover with an overlapping portion, a one-directional roller, and a stopper mechanism, facilitated by a spring or shape memory alloy, allows for easy and stable attachment with a simple one-handed operation, using a pull tab to adjust the size and maintain an annular form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cuff with manual wrapping is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent wrapping by different users
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff automatically wraps around the user's arm using an elastic band that self-tightens when the user inserts their arm through the opening. The elastic band's restoring force automatically adjusts the cuff to the correct tightness without requiring manual wrapping operations, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band's elasticity parameter is designed to provide appropriate tightening force automatically. By selecting materials and dimensions with specific elastic properties, the cuff achieves consistent wrapping force across different users and conditions, improving measurement reliability through parameter optimization.
2Ease of operation
If a cuff requiring two-handed operation is used, then the fixation mechanism may be more secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band automatically performs the fixation function by self-tightening around the arm. The user simply needs to insert their arm through the opening, and the elastic band's restoring force automatically secures the cuff in place, eliminating the need for two-handed manual fixation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex manual fixation mechanism involving multiple components and two-handed operations is replaced by extracting the essential fixation function and achieving it through the simple elastic band's natural restoring force,大幅 simplifying the user operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cuff with fixed size is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability deteriorates for varying arm circumferences
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can automatically adapt its circumference to match different arm sizes. The elastic band stretches and contracts as needed, providing a customized fit for each user without requiring multiple size variants.
Solution Approach 2:
A single elastic band design serves multiple size requirements, making the cuff universally applicable to different arm circumferences. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cuff sizes while maintaining appropriate tightness across all users.
4Reliability
If a complex fixation mechanism is used, then the attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band's natural restoring force automatically provides the fixation function without requiring additional mechanical components such as buckles, clips, or adjustment mechanisms. This self-servicing approach achieves reliable attachment while minimizing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. By using a basic elastic material rather than complex mechanical fixation systems, the overall manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while maintaining functional reliability.
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 cuff can be easily and reliably attached to the arm with a simple operation, reducing measurement errors and enabling accurate blood pressure readings across different arm sizes, while being cost-effectively manufactured and user-friendly for various demographics.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper is pushed towards the roller by the pushing mechanism so as to be pushed against the surface of the roller and fixed to the annular portion of the exterior cover by the friction force generated with the roller
Implementation Method 2
a pushing mechanism for pushing the stopper towards the roller
Implementation Method 3
the pushing mechanism may be configured by a member made from a shape memory alloy that contracts in a conduction state and extends in a non-conduction state
Data Source
AI summary
A cuff for a sphygmomanometer includes an air bladder for compressing a living body, an exterior cover including the air bladder, and a fixing unit arranged in the exterior cover. A portion closer to an end of the exterior cover is inserted between a roller arranged in the fixing unit and a stopper, and is fixed by being pushed against the roller by the stopper. The roller is rotatable only in a direction of reducing the size of the annular portion of the exterior cover. Accordingly, the cuff for the sphygmomanometer has a simple configuration, is inexpensively manufactured, and easily carries out and stably reproduces attachment with respect to the upper arm.