Multi-Pump Inflation Apparatus for NIBP Cuff Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflation-based non-invasive blood pressure measurement devices face challenges in accommodating a wide range of cuff sizes due to limitations in pump technology, leading to discomfort and inaccurate measurements, as they often induce unwanted oscillations and require complex adaptations or controls.
Innovation Solution
An inflation apparatus comprising multiple pumps with a control unit that adjusts flow rates based on required pressure changes and cuff compliance, enabling flexible inflation rates suitable for various cuff sizes without complex modifications or controls, using a combination of diaphragm and piezo pumps to achieve accurate and comfortable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pump with high maximum flow is used to inflate large cuffs quickly, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to induced oscillations and inability to accurately generate low flows for small cuffs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into multiple pumps with different flow rate capabilities. A first pump handles high flow rates for large cuffs, while a second pump handles low flow rates for small cuffs. This segmentation allows each pump to operate within its optimal range, preventing induced oscillations and ensuring measurement precision across all cuff sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different pumps based on the required flow rate and cuff size. The control unit adjusts the active pump configuration in real-time, transitioning from high-flow pumps for large cuffs to low-flow pumps for small cuffs, thereby maintaining both productivity and measurement precision adaptively.
2Productivity
If pump flow rate is increased to reduce measurement time, then productivity is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to increased discomfort and venous pooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different inflation strategies to different cuff sizes. For small cuffs, low flow rates are used to minimize discomfort and venous pooling, while for large cuffs, higher flow rates are used to maintain productivity. This localized quality adjustment ensures that each measurement scenario uses the appropriate inflation rate to balance speed and comfort.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to accommodate all cuff sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to provide accurate low flows for small cuffs
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-pump system provides universal functionality across all cuff sizes by having each pump specialized for specific flow rate ranges. The first pump serves large cuffs requiring high flows, while the second pump serves small cuffs requiring low flows. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular architecture.
4Productivity
If high flow rates are used for all measurements, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to pump stalling and oscillation induction at low flow requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by selecting different pumps based on the required flow rate. When low flow rates are needed for small cuffs, the second pump is activated to provide precise flow control without stalling or inducing oscillations. When high flow rates are needed for large cuffs, the first pump is activated. This parameter change strategy ensures both productivity and flow rate control accuracy across all measurement scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided an inflation apparatus (10) for use in an inflation-based non-invasive blood pressure, NIBP, measurement apparatus, the inflation apparatus comprising: an outlet (110) configured to be coupled to a cuff of the inflation-based NIBP measurement apparatus; a plurality of pumps (120) each configured to output a flow of gas to the outlet; and a control unit (130) configured to enable at least one of the plurality of pumps to output a flow of gas to the outlet based on a required flow rate to inflate the cuff and/or to control a flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps to output a flow of gas to the outlet based on a required flow rate to inflate the cuff.