Adjustable Pressure Cuff Shell for Accurate Physiological Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measuring devices face challenges in accurately modifying the circumference to fit different body parts and often result in pressure marks or wrinkles, affecting the accuracy of physiological parameter measurements.
Innovation Solution
The pressure measuring device incorporates a shell with movable circumferential end portions facilitated by a sliding means, such as a polymer foil, allowing smooth adjustment of the diameter, and features like tapered ends and an elastic liner to reduce pressure marks and improve signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circumferential end portions are made movable to modify the shell circumference, then the adaptability to different body parts is improved, but the structural stability and measurement precision deteriorate due to potential misalignment and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding means (intermediary element) is introduced between the circumferential end portions to enable smooth relative movement while maintaining continuous contact and alignment. This mediator prevents gaps and misalignment, ensuring both adaptability through movement and measurement precision through stable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure is made dynamically adjustable by allowing the circumferential end portions to move relative to each other along the sliding means. This dynamic capability enables the shell to adapt to different body part circumferences while the sliding means ensures the movement maintains structural integrity and measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the shell is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate due to difficulty in adjusting to different body sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The shell combines rigid structural elements with a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The main shell body maintains rigidity for stable measurements, while the circumferential end portions can move along the sliding means to adjust the circumference, enabling easy adaptation to different body sizes without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is segmented into a main body and movable circumferential end portions. This segmentation allows the main body to remain rigid for structural stability while the end portions can be adjusted independently along the sliding means, facilitating easy operation and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the shell material is made soft and flexible to improve comfort and reduce pressure marks, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to material deformation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the shell have different material properties. The main shell body uses a rigid or semi-rigid material for structural stability and measurement precision, while the circumferential end portions or contact surfaces use softer, more flexible materials to reduce pressure marks and improve comfort during adjustment and measurement.
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 device achieves precise fitting to body parts, minimizing pressure marks and wrinkles, leading to enhanced accuracy in determining physiological parameters like blood pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding means is located on a surface of the shell, along which at least one of the circumferential end portions moves... the sliding means improves the sliding properties... a polymer foil, especially a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) foil
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure measuring device configured to surround a subject's body part. It comprises a pressure application element configured to apply pressure to the body part, a pressure sensing device configured to measure a pressure signal of the body part and a shell 4 which is arranged to be located between the pressure application element and the body part. The shell is curled and comprises two circumferential overlapping end portions which are movable relative to each other for modifying the diameter of the curled shell and wherein on a surface of the shell, along which at least one of the circumferential end portions move, a sliding means like a sliding foil 87 is located. This allows to adapt the diameter of the curled shell smoothly and very accurately to an optimal diameter, which finally allows for an improved measurement of the pressure signal.