Ear Blood Pressure Apparatus with Segmented Cuffs and Adjustable Holding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood pressure measurement methods using cuffs on the brachium or finger are cumbersome, painful, and interfere with daily life, while measuring blood pressure on the earlobe is unstable due to thin vessels and individual anatomical differences, making accurate measurement challenging.
Innovation Solution
A blood pressure measuring apparatus with an inner cuff inserted into the ear hole and an outer cuff positioned outside the tragus, using holding means with adjustable protrusions and a clamping width adjustment mechanism to ensure stable contact, combined with pulse wave detecting and pressurizing/depressurizing mechanisms for accurate blood pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cuff is attached to the brachium for blood pressure measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and burden on the user increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is divided into two separate parts: an inner cuff that fits inside the ear canal and an outer cuff that positions outside the tragus. This segmentation allows each cuff to be optimized for its specific location while working together to provide accurate measurement with reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement location is shifted from the traditional brachium (arm) to the ear canal/tragus area, utilizing the three-dimensional space of the ear structure. This dimensional change enables smaller cuff size while maintaining measurement accuracy through the anatomical characteristics of the ear.
2Volume of moving object
If a cuff is attached to the earlobe for blood pressure measurement, then device size is reduced, but measurement stability deteriorates due to thin blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention targets the tragus area specifically, where the blood vessels are thicker and more suitable for measurement compared to the earlobe. The outer cuff is designed to position precisely on the tragus, utilizing the local anatomical characteristics of this specific ear region for reliable measurement.
3Reliability
If the cuff structure is adapted for the tragus, then measurement stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to individual anatomical differences
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means incorporates adjustable protrusions that can be positioned to match individual ear anatomical variations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to different tragus shapes and sizes while maintaining measurement stability, reducing the need for multiple fixed-size cuffs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If force is applied to attach the cuff to the tragus, then contact stability is improved, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is segmented into inner and outer portions that work together to distribute pressure. The inner cuff inside the ear canal and the outer cuff on the tragus share the load, reducing pressure concentration and discomfort while maintaining stable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the cuffs are optimized to provide appropriate elasticity and pressure distribution. The cuffs are designed to conform to the tragus shape while applying sufficient pressure for measurement without causing pain or discomfort to the user.
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 apparatus allows for accurate and stable blood pressure measurement by ensuring even contact with the tragus, reducing discomfort and interference with daily activities, and enabling miniaturization of the device for easier carrying.
Implementation Method 1
pulse wave detecting means incorporated into at least one of said inner cuff and said outer cuff to detect a pulse wave signal from blood flowing through a blood vessel
Implementation Method 2
pressurizing/depressurizing means for pressurizing and depressurizing said inner cuff and said outer cuff by using a fluid, after said inner cuff and said outer cuff clamp the tragus; a tube connected from said inner cuff and said outer cuff to said pessurizing/depressurizing means to supply the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A blood pressure measurement apparatus which can install cuffs at a tragus that has differences includes a holding member 3 having a shape part 52 to be installed in a space between an auricular concha and an antihelix, a first protrusion 54 extended from the shape part such that the first protrusion is directed towards the ear hole, a second protrusion 55 extended from the shape part such that the second protrusion is nearly right-angled with respect to the first protrusion and the second protrusion steps over the tragus, an integral member 50 having an ear hook part 51 that is extended from the shape part, the ear hook is integrally made with the integral member or made as an independent member, inner cuff 6 is supported at the end portion of the first protrusion, support member 15 is attached at the end portion of the second protrusion, cuffs 6,7 are attached to the support member through a clamping width adjustment part 11 that makes a clamping width adjustment against the tragus possible.