Tapered Overlap Shell for Pressure Cuffs With Fewer Pressure Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measuring devices face challenges in efficiently adapting to different body part circumferences and minimizing pressure marks, leading to potential hindrances in signal quality and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A pressure measuring device with a kinking-proof shell featuring tapered circumferential end portions and a fluid bag with uniform pressure application, combined with a pressure sensing device and elastic liner, to enhance circumference modification and reduce pressure marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the shell has non-tapered circumferential end portions, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the end portions protrude relative to each other and engage with elastic liner elements, hindering sliding and causing pressure marks
Solution Approach 1:
The shell incorporates tapered circumferential end portions specifically at the overlapping regions, while the main body of the shell maintains its original structure. This localized modification eliminates protrusions and pressure marks only where needed, without requiring complete redesign of the entire shell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential end portions are designed with asymmetric tapering, where one end portion has a different profile than the other. This asymmetric design allows the end portions to overlap smoothly without protruding, enabling better sliding behavior during inflation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shell has non-tapered circumferential end portions, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the sliding of circumferential end portions on each other is hindered during inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered geometry is applied specifically to the circumferential end portions that require sliding, while the rest of the shell maintains its standard construction. This localized approach improves sliding behavior during inflation without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If the tapering starts close to the pressure sensing area, then the end portions overlap better, but the distance between pressure sensing area and shell edges varies, reducing signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The tapering is positioned to start at a specific distance from the pressure sensing area, creating a transition zone that improves overlapping without interfering with the pressure sensing region. This localized positioning ensures both good overlapping and consistent signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered design prepares the end portions in advance to overlap smoothly before inflation occurs. By pre-shaping the end portions with tapering, the shell ensures proper alignment and contact during the measurement process, preventing signal degradation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure measuring device configured to surround a subject's body part, wherein the pressure measuring device 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 around an imaginary curling axis and comprises two circumferential overlapping end portions 75, 76, wherein at least one 76 of the circumferential end portions is tapered. The tapering allows to reduce the likelihood of protrusions of the circumferential end portions in the height direction. This in turn can reduce the likelihood of a hindrance of the movement of the end portions and hence of a modification of a diameter of the shell.