Cuff Valve Structure With Offset Exhaust for a Lower-Profile Sphygmomanometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas control devices face challenges in reducing profile while maintaining a wide joining area for a cuff, due to the presence of an exhaust hole on the second plate, which limits the ability to join large containers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A valve design featuring a channel forming portion with an exhaust hole that communicates with the outside, allowing for a wide joining area on the second plate by positioning the exhaust hole on the first principal surface, enabling efficient gas flow and container connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the exhaust hole is opened on the second plate, then the gas flow control function is achieved, but the joining area for the cuff is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow control functionVSAvoidjoining area on second plate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust hole is relocated from the second plate to the channel forming portion, utilizing the three-dimensional space created by the channel structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the exhaust function to coexist with an expanded joining area on the second plate, resolving the contradiction between gas flow control and cuff attachment space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the second plate dedicated to cuff joining, the channel forming portion for gas flow control, and the exhaust hole positioned in the channel structure. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without interfering with others, particularly enabling a wide joining area on the second plate while maintaining exhaust capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the profile is reduced by removing the nozzle, then the device compactness is improved, but the joining area for large containers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice profileVSAvoidjoining area on second plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By relocating the exhaust hole to the channel forming portion in three-dimensional space, the design eliminates the need for a protruding nozzle structure. This allows the device to maintain a compact profile while the second plate retains maximum surface area for joining large containers, as the exhaust function is achieved through the channel structure rather than an external nozzle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel forming portion serves multiple functions: it creates the exhaust hole for gas venting, forms the joining surface for the cuff, and maintains the compact device profile. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate nozzle structures, allowing large containers to be joined directly to the second plate while maintaining device compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the exhaust hole is positioned on the second plate, then the exhaust function is achieved, but the structural reliability for joining is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust functionVSAvoidjoining strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The valve structure is divided into functionally independent segments: the second plate optimized for strong cuff joining, and the channel forming portion dedicated to exhaust functionality. This segmentation ensures that the exhaust hole position does not compromise the structural integrity or joining strength of the second plate, as these functions are spatially separated yet functionally integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust hole is positioned in the channel forming portion at a different spatial location and orientation than the joining surface on the second plate. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the exhaust function to operate independently without interfering with the structural reliability and joining strength of the second plate, maintaining both functions at optimal performance levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 achieves a reduction in profile while providing a wide joining area for the cuff, ensuring efficient gas injection and ejection, and improving the structural reliability and cooling of the gas control device.

Implementation Method 1

The valve member deforms on the basis of a pressure of the first chamber and a pressure of the second chamber so as to connect the first channel and interrupt the second channel or so as to interrupt the first channel and connect the second channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3450760B1Valve, gas control device, and sphygmomanometer
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • EP3450760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3450760B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3450760B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A gas control device (100) includes a pump (10), a valve (101), a cuff (109), and a controller (115). The valve (101) includes a first plate (191) having a first vent hole (110) and a first vent hole (111), a channel forming portion (190) having an exhaust hole (113) and an exhaust channel (114), a second plate (192) having a second vent hole (112), and an edge separation plate (199). A manchette rubber tube (109A) in the cuff (109) is joined to the periphery of the second vent hole (112) in the second plate (192) by an adhesive, and thus the valve (101) is connected to the cuff (109). The exhaust hole (113) is opened to the atmosphere. The pump (10) includes a pump housing (80) having a discharge hole (55) and a discharge hole (56). The upper surface of the pump housing (80) is joined to the bottom surface of the edge separation plate (199).