Pressure Indicator with Deformable Membrane for Medical Cushion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure indicators are complex, expensive, and only provide binary information about pressure thresholds, failing to allow for predictive measurements or direct visual display of pressure levels, requiring amplification devices for small membrane deformations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure indicator with a deformable membrane that expands visibly within a pressure range, allowing direct pressure measurement through markers indicating different pressure thresholds, eliminating the need for amplification devices and featuring a simple, cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a deformable membrane with high stiffness is used to obtain linear measurement, then measurement linearity is improved, but membrane deformation becomes too small to be directly visible and requires complex amplification devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from measuring small linear deformations to measuring large volumetric expansion. The membrane expands into a three-dimensional hollow volume (bell shape) when pressurized, transforming the measurement from a one-dimensional linear displacement to a three-dimensional volume change that is directly visible and does not require amplification devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from small linear displacement to large volumetric expansion. By allowing the membrane to expand into a hollow bell volume, the measurement parameter becomes the visible expansion of the membrane into the bell, which can be directly observed without amplification while maintaining measurement accuracy through pressure markers.
2Reliability
If existing pressure indicator solutions are used, then pressure threshold detection is achieved, but only binary information (threshold reached or not) is provided without comparative reading or prediction capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-marking the bell with pressure thresholds before use. These markers are positioned at specific heights corresponding to different pressure levels, allowing users to predict and plan for threshold achievements in advance rather than merely detecting them after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback through visual markers on the bell that provide continuous information about current pressure levels relative to thresholds. The membrane expansion position relative to the markers gives real-time feedback about pressure status, enabling comparative reading and prediction of future threshold crossings.
3Measurement precision
If complex reading systems and deformable element structures are used in existing solutions, then pressure measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention embraces the disposable concept by creating a simple, low-cost pressure indicator that can be manufactured economically using basic materials (membrane, bell, markers). The simplicity of the design allows for mass production at low cost, making the device suitable for single-use applications where complexity would be prohibitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex amplification devices and reading systems from existing solutions. By using large membrane expansion into a visible bell volume, the design removes the need for mechanical amplifiers, optical systems, or electronic components, retaining only the essential elements: membrane, bell, and pressure markers.
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
Enables direct, visual, and cost-effective pressure measurement with high repeatability and precision, allowing users to anticipate and manage pressure thresholds without complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable membrane is such that its expansion for said pressure range is sufficient to be detectable with the naked eye
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Pressure indicator comprising a plinth (2), a deformable membrane (3) fixed to the plinth (2) in a fluid-tight manner according to a closed contour (6), and a bell jar (4) fixed to the plinth (2), delimiting a hollow volume covering the deformable membrane (3) on the opposite side from the plinth (2), while encompassing at least the closed contour (6), at least one entrance inlet (5) for a fluid whose pressure it is desired to measure in a span of pressure, where the deformable membrane (3) is such that its expansion (E) for said pressure span is sufficient to be detectable to the naked eye and to allow a direct display indicative of the pressure, in that the plinth (2) is drilled with at least one first hole (7) a first end of which emerges between the deformable membrane (3) and the plinth (2) in the closed contour (6), in that the body (4) is drilled with at least one second hole (8) a first end of which emerges into said hollow volume, in that the other end of the first hole (7) is linked to the entrance inlet (5) respectively to the open air, in that the other end of the second hole (8) is linked to the open air, respectively to the entrance inlet (5), so that a pressure, respectively a pressure reduction, of fluid at the entrance inlet (5) causes an expansion of the deformable membrane (3) in the hollow volume delimited by the body (4). Application of such an indicator to the monitoring of the inflation of a medical apparatus cushioning pad.