Magnetic Connection for Sphygmomanometer Cuff and Bulb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sphygmomanometer connection systems are cumbersome and prone to disconnection, with O-rings causing friction and potential sealing issues, making it difficult and time-consuming to change the pressure bulb or cuff, and increasing the risk of incorrect blood pressure measurements due to improper cuff sizing.
Innovation Solution
A connection system utilizing a magnetic connection between the flexible cord and pressure bulb, with a collar design and ferromagnetic materials to ensure a quick, robust, and airtight connection, reducing the risk of disconnection and facilitating easy adaptation of cuff sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-rings are used on the male connector to ensure sealing, then airtight seal is achieved, but friction increases and connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical O-ring sealing system with a magnetic connection system. The magnetic force provides both the sealing function and the connection force, eliminating the need for O-rings and their associated friction problems. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction to hold the connection and maintain sealing without requiring mechanical compression of elastic seals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If male connector with O-rings is used to connect to female port, then removable connection is achieved, but connection time increases and disconnection risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical threading and O-ring compression with magnetic attraction for the removable connection mechanism. The magnetic force allows for quick connection by simply bringing the components together, and easy disconnection by overcoming the magnetic force, significantly reducing connection time while maintaining interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connection force from mechanical (thread engagement, elastic compression) to magnetic (electromagnetic attraction). This parameter change enables faster connection and disconnection while maintaining the required sealing and structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If male connector is left exposed to environment when not connected, then ease of operation is improved, but seal degradation occurs leading to air leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system inherently protects the sealing surfaces when not connected, as the magnetic components can be designed with protective covers or the magnetic force itself maintains the integrity of the sealing mechanism. This eliminates the degradation issue associated with exposed mechanical O-rings and sealing surfaces.
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 magnetic connection system simplifies and speeds up the assembly of the sphygmomanometer components, reduces the risk of accidental disconnection, and ensures accurate blood pressure measurements by allowing easy interchangeability of cuffs and pressure bulbs, thereby improving user convenience and diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the portions incorporates a permanent magnet ensuring the magnetization
Implementation Method 2
A connection system utilizing a magnetic connection between the flexible cord and pressure bulb, with a collar design and ferromagnetic materials to ensure a quick, robust, and airtight connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for a sphygmomanometer, comprising: - an inflatable cuff designed to be placed on a limb of a patient to be examined and/or monitored, said cuff comprising an inflatable pouch; a flexible tube comprising a first end and a second end, said first end being in fluid communication with the inflatable pouch of the cuff; an inflation bulb connected to a pressure gauge for measuring blood pressure; and a connection member mounted in the inflation bulb in order to connect the second end of the tube to the inflation bulb, such that the tube is designed to provide a direct link between the inflation bulb and the cuff (1), the second end of the tube comprising a male end-piece and the connection member comprising a female connection hole for removably receiving the male end-piece. The system is characterised in that: the connection member comprises a portion that cooperates magnetically with a complementary portion provided on the male end-piece of the tube, and at least one of the portions includes a permanent magnet providing magnetisation.