Pressure Cuff Shell Layout for Clearer Blood Pressure Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure measuring devices face challenges in accurately measuring physiological parameters like blood pressure due to issues such as occlusions, signal dampening, and pressure marks, especially when the shell is curled in a conical configuration.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measuring device with a shell configured to surround the body part, featuring a pressure sensing area closer to the distal edge, a fluid-filled pressure sensing pad with a mesh, and a kinking-proof shell to prevent wrinkles and improve signal transmission, combined with a fluid bag for uniform pressure application and a kinking-proof shell to maintain measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the pressure sensing area is located closer to the distal edge of the shell, then the measurement precision of blood pressure is improved, but the device complexity increases due to specific positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidpositioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensing area is specifically positioned closer to the distal edge of the shell (at a distance of 15-20% of the shell height from the distal edge) rather than being centrally or uniformly distributed. This localized positioning optimizes the detection of blood pulsations at the occlusion site, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through defined geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shell is curled to a conical configuration, then the adaptability to different body parts is improved, but occlusions and signal dampening occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody part adaptationVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is designed with a conical configuration that provides different local geometries: a wider base for adaptability to various body part circumferences, and a tapered distal end that minimizes occlusion of the artery. The pressure sensing area is specifically positioned in the distal region where the conical shape reduces signal dampening while maintaining contact with the body part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shell employs a conical curved configuration rather than a cylindrical or flat shape. This curvature allows the shell to adapt to the natural contours of different body parts (arms, legs, wrists) while the gradual taper towards the distal end prevents sharp edges that could occlude the artery and cause signal dampening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If the pressure sensing area is made larger to improve signal detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and potential for pressure marks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure signal detectionVSAvoidsensing area configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensing area is defined with specific dimensional constraints (covering 15-20% of the shell height from the distal edge and extending circumferentially) to provide sufficient surface area for reliable pressure signal detection. This localized, well-defined sensing area improves measurement precision while avoiding excessive size that could cause pressure marks or overly complex device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4663113A1Pressure measuring device to be used for determining a physiological parameter of a subject
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4663113A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663113A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663113A1 patent drawingFigure 3

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 inner surface of the shell comprises a pressure sensing area 72 in which at least a part of the pressure sensing device is located. Preferentially, the pressure sensing area 72 is closer to the distal edge 124 of the shell than to the proximal edge 125 of the shell. Placing the pressure sensing area in this way can allow for an improved pressure signal.