Sphygmomanometer Cuff Wrinkle Reduction via Pre-Formed Bladder Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sphygmomanometer cuffs with automatic cuff winding mechanisms often experience wrinkles during use, leading to measurement inaccuracies due to uneven stress distribution and individual differences in patient anatomy, causing discomfort and variations in blood pressure readings.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing cuffs with a band-shaped fluid bladder, a shape maintenance member, and a cylindrical elastic plate, where the fluid bladder is wound on a cylindrical jig, and the shape maintenance member and bag are bonded using double-sided tape, reducing stress disparities and minimizing wrinkle formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fluid bladder is made of soft material to ensure comfort, then comfort is improved, but wrinkles easily occur on the compression surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the fluid bladder with a predetermined three-dimensional shape that includes a compression surface having a predetermined curvature. This pre-shaping is done before the bladder is assembled into the cuff, so that when the cuff is worn on the arm, the compression surface naturally conforms to the arm's anatomy without forming wrinkles. The preliminary shaping prevents wrinkles by eliminating excess material that would otherwise fold or crease during inflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the fluid bladder, specifically the curvature radius of the compression surface. The curvature radius is designed to be substantially equal to or larger than the curvature radius of the human arm, ensuring that the bladder surface matches the arm's contour. This parameter optimization allows the soft material to remain wrinkle-free while maintaining comfort and measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the curvature radius of the compression surface is reduced to fit various arm shapes, then adaptability is improved, but wrinkles more easily occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by setting the curvature radius of the compression surface to a specific range that balances adaptability and wrinkle prevention. The curvature radius is designed to be substantially equal to or larger than the curvature radius of the human arm, which allows the bladder to conform to various arm shapes while preventing wrinkles. This optimal parameter selection enables the compression surface to adapt to different arm geometries without creating excessive stress concentrations that would cause wrinkling.
3Measurement precision
If the fluid bladder is tightly fitted to ensure measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but stress distribution becomes uneven causing wrinkles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction through parameter changes by optimizing the curvature radius of the compression surface. By setting the curvature radius to be substantially equal to or larger than that of the human arm, the bladder achieves a balanced fit that provides sufficient contact for accurate measurement while distributing stress evenly across the compression surface. This prevents localized stress concentrations that would otherwise cause wrinkles and compromise measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the fluid bladder with the optimal curvature before assembly. This pre-shaping ensures that when the bladder is inflated, the compression surface naturally conforms to the arm's anatomy with even stress distribution. The preliminary formation of the three-dimensional shape with correct curvature eliminates the need for excessive tightening, thereby preventing wrinkles while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This manufacturing method significantly reduces wrinkle occurrence on the compression surface, enabling accurate blood pressure measurement without patient discomfort across varying arm shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the outer circumferential surface of the band-shaped fluid bladder and an inner circumferential surface of the shape maintenance member are partially bonded with a double sided tape; the outer circumferential surface of the shape maintenance member and an inner circumferential surface of the band-shaped bag are partially bonded with a double sided tape
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of producing a cuff of a sphygmomanometer having an automatic cuff winding mechanism, the cuff includes a band-shaped fluid bladder forming a cavity for inserting a user's arm therein, a shape maintenance member wound on the band-shaped fluid bladder, a band-shaped bag wound on the shape maintenance member, and a cylindrical elastic plate housed in the band-shaped bag. The method includes winding the band-shaped fluid bladder on an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical jig having approximately the same outer diameter as the cavity of the band-shaped fluid bladder, winding the shape maintenance member on an outer circumferential surface of the band-shaped fluid bladder, winding the band-shaped bag on an outer circumferential surface of the shape maintenance member, removing the cylindrical jig from the band-shaped fluid bladder, and housing the cylindrical elastic plate inside the band-shaped bag.