Inflation Cuff Valve Regulates Flow Resistance for NIBP Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflation-based non-invasive blood pressure (iNIBP) measurement techniques face limitations in generating a wide range of flows to inflate cuffs, requiring complex hardware modifications and being incompatible with a wide range of cuffs.
Innovation Solution
A cuff design featuring an inlet for fluid flow, a bladder for inflation, and a valve that regulates flow resistance to achieve the required inflation rate, allowing for a wider range of fluid flows without modifying the iNIBP measurement apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed flow technique is used for iNIBP measurement, then the measurement can be performed, but the apparatus only functions for a small range of cuffs as inflation is too fast for smaller cuffs and too slow for larger cuffs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system can adapt the inflation flow rate dynamically based on cuff size requirements, allowing faster inflation for larger cuffs and slower inflation for smaller cuffs, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter according to cuff size. By varying the flow rate parameter (higher for larger cuffs, lower for smaller cuffs), the system achieves both efficient inflation (productivity) and compatibility across different cuff sizes (adaptability)
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed speed technique is used for iNIBP measurement, then the measurement can be performed across different cuff sizes, but a wide range of flows has to be generated requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cuff design that can be used with a single flow rate setting. The cuff incorporates features (such as adjustable tightness or compliant materials) that allow it to adapt to different sizes, eliminating the need for multiple flow rates and complex hardware modifications while maintaining adaptability across cuff sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff design enables self-adjustment to different sizes through inherent properties (such as elastic materials or adjustable straps), allowing the same cuff to work with a fixed flow rate without requiring complex hardware modifications to the apparatus
3Reliability
If deflation-based NIBP measurement is used, then the measurement can be performed, but the subject is exposed to high cuff pressure for a long time causing discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by performing measurement during inflation instead of deflation. This reversal allows the system to determine blood pressure at the point when the cuff pressure reaches the systolic level, avoiding the prolonged exposure to high pressures that occurs during traditional deflation-based methods, thus reducing subject discomfort while maintaining measurement 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
Enables inflation-based NIBP measurements across a wider range of cuffs without the need for complex hardware modifications, optimizing flow ranges and reducing discomfort for subjects.
Implementation Method 1
the valve is sized to have a flow resistance that causes the bladder to inflate at a required flow rate for inflating the cuff
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a cuff (10) for use with an inflation-based non- invasive blood pressure, NIBP, measurement apparatus. The cuff (10) comprises an inlet (12) configured to be coupled to an outlet of the inflation-based NIBP measurement apparatus to receive a flow of fluid and a bladder (14) coupled to the inlet (12) and inflatable to pressurize a measurement site of a subject by receiving the flow of fluid. The cuff (10) also comprises a valve (16) disposed along a flow path between the inlet (12) and the bladder (14) or disposed on the bladder (14). The flow resistance of the valve (16) is such that the valve (16) passes part of the flow of fluid received in the bladder (14) to the atmosphere in order to inflate the bladder (14) at a required flow rate for inflating the cuff.