NIBP Cuff Inflation Flow Control for Accurate Fast Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflation-based non-invasive blood pressure measurement techniques cause discomfort due to high pressures and long durations, and existing pumps are limited in compatibility with a wide range of cuff sizes, leading to inaccurate measurements and pump stalling or signal interference.
Innovation Solution
An inflation apparatus with a control unit that adjusts the flow rate by controlling a valve and pump operation to match the required flow rate, suitable for a wide range of cuff sizes, using either a leak or proportional valve to regulate gas flow, minimizing discomfort and measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed flow pump is used for inflation, then the pump structure is simple, but it cannot accurately control the inflation rate for different sized cuffs leading to measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump's flow rate adjustable rather than fixed. The pump can dynamically change its operating parameters to match the specific requirements of different cuff sizes, allowing accurate control of inflation rates while maintaining a relatively simple pump structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of the pump based on the detected cuff size. By adjusting this key parameter, the system achieves accurate inflation control for different cuff dimensions without requiring completely different pump designs for each cuff type.
2Measurement precision
If high pressure is applied to the cuff for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but subject discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the inflation process based on real-time detection of cuff characteristics. By optimizing the inflation rate to match the cuff's compliance, the system achieves accurate measurements with lower peak pressures, reducing subject discomfort while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensors and flow measurements to continuously monitor the inflation process. This feedback allows the control system to adjust parameters in real-time, achieving accurate measurements with minimized pressure application and reduced subject discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If deflation-based measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but measurement duration becomes too long causing subject discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional deflation-based approach by performing blood pressure measurement during the inflation phase rather than during deflation. This reversal allows the system to obtain accurate measurements while significantly reducing the total measurement time and subject discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously performs useful measurement actions during the entire inflation process. By measuring blood pressure parameters continuously as the cuff inflates, rather than waiting for deflation, the system eliminates idle time and reduces overall measurement duration while maintaining accuracy.
4Productivity
If pump flow rate is increased to reduce measurement time, then productivity is improved, but pump oscillations interfere with blood pressure signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pump flow rate based on the detected cuff compliance and measurement progress. By optimizing the flow rate in real-time, the system achieves fast measurements without generating harmful oscillations that would interfere with blood pressure signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that mediates between the pump and the measurement process. This control system filters out harmful pump oscillations while maintaining the beneficial fast inflation, allowing high productivity without signal interference.
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 provides comfortable and accurate blood pressure measurements across various cuff sizes without complex pump modifications, reducing measurement time and minimizing signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
a valve disposed along a flow path between the pump and the outlet to selectively pass part of the flow of gas output by the pump; and a control unit configured to control the flow resistance of the valve to provide a flow of gas to the outlet at a required flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided an inflation apparatus (10) for use with 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 pump (120) configured to output a flow of gas at an output flow rate; a valve (130) disposed along a flow path between the pump and the outlet to selectively pass part of the flow of gas output by the pump; and a control unit (140) configured to control the flow resistance of the valve to provide a flow of gas to the outlet at a required flow rate for inflating the cuff.