Multi-compartment Cuff for Variable Limb Size Blood Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood pressure measurement systems often fail to accurately measure blood pressure across a range of limb sizes due to their limited design, leading to underestimation or overestimation in smaller or larger limbs, and may not account for factors like recent activity, body position, or stress levels, which can affect blood pressure readings.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile blood pressure measurement system featuring an expandable member with multiple compartments or cells, mounted on a wearable device, which can be configured to fit various limb sizes and includes a pressure sensor and actuator for precise pressure application and measurement, allowing for accurate blood pressure assessment regardless of limb size or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional blood pressure cuff is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy varies across different limb sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is divided into multiple independently inflatable compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that can be inflated separately. This segmentation allows each compartment to be optimized for different limb sizes and positions, enabling accurate blood pressure measurement across diverse anatomical configurations while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a single cuff design is used for all limb sizes, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation across different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff incorporates dynamic adjustability through multiple independently controllable compartments that can be selectively inflated based on the user's limb size and position. The system dynamically adapts to different anatomical configurations through programmable control, maintaining ease of operation while managing complexity through automated adjustment rather than manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-compartment cuff design serves multiple functions: it can accommodate various limb sizes (arms, legs), support different measurement positions (upper arm, lower arm, wrist), and adapt to various body types. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized cuffs while maintaining operational simplicity through integrated control.
3Reliability
If conventional cuffs are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the reliability of blood pressure measurement across different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cuff into multiple independently controllable compartments, the system can reliably adapt to different limb sizes and positions, ensuring consistent measurement quality across diverse users and conditions while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processor monitors measurement quality and adjusts cuff inflation patterns accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable measurements by automatically optimizing cuff pressure distribution based on detected signal characteristics, compensating for variations in limb anatomy and position.
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 system provides a more accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement by accommodating different limb sizes and accounting for varying factors such as activity and stress levels, improving the accuracy and comfort of blood pressure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable member or structure comprising a plurality of expandable cells, wherein the plurality of expandable cells comprises at least three expandable cells or at least two repeating expandable cells, and an expansion actuator configured to selectively expand the expandable member
Implementation Method 2
The system may also further comprise a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure changes in the expandable member
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile blood pressure measurement system and methods of use are disclosed. The system includes an expandable member or structure that has a multi-compartment structure and/or is mounted on a rigid surface or structure. The system is incorporated into a portable multi-function device, or is configured to communicate with a portable multi-function device.