Blood Pressure Cuff Tube Joint for Flexible Bladder Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flexibility at the joint portion between the bladder and the ventilation tube in existing cuffs is compromised due to a thicker welded flange portion, leading to gaps and reduced accuracy in blood pressure measurement.
Innovation Solution
A cuff design with a welded portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the tubular member and a separate welded portion orthogonal to it, eliminating the need for a flange, combined with extrusion molding to reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flange portion is added to the ventilation tube for welding, then the welding strength is improved, but the flexibility of the joint portion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the welding configuration from a radial flange weld to a longitudinal seam weld. Specifically, the ventilation tube is welded to the sheet member along its longitudinal direction over the entire circumference, eliminating the need for a radially extending flange portion. This parameter change in welding orientation and configuration maintains welding strength while preserving the flexibility of the joint portion, allowing the cuff surface to deform along the body surface.
2Strength
If the welded portion extends radially outward to form a flange, then the welding area is increased, but the thickness dimension increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the welding area expansion from a radial dimension (flange extending outward) to a longitudinal dimension (weld extending along the tube length). Instead of increasing the radial thickness with a flange, the welding is distributed along the entire circumference of the ventilation tube in its longitudinal direction. This dimensional shift maintains adequate welding area while avoiding increased radial thickness that would reduce flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flange portion is used for welding, then the welding position is fixed and easy to manufacture, but the close contactability with body surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the welding parameter from a fixed radial position (flange) to a distributed longitudinal configuration. The ventilation tube is welded along its entire longitudinal circumference to the sheet member, creating a flexible joint that can deform with the body surface contours. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving close contactability, which is essential for accurate blood pressure measurement.
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
Improves close contactability between the cuff and the body surface, enhancing blood pressure measurement accuracy while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
welding the portion of the sheet member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the tubular member to an outer circumferential surface of the tubular member to form a welded portion
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet member is to form a bladder. A tubular member is to form a ventilation channel communicating with the bladder. A welded portion at which the sheet member and the tubular member are welded extends along a longitudinal direction of the tubular member over an entire circumference of the tubular member.