Tourniquet Control Device Cuff Volume Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tourniquet devices with automatic cuff identification are prone to errors due to incorrect recognition of cuff colors, leading to inefficient operation and potential tissue damage from inappropriate inflation pressures.
Innovation Solution
A control device for tourniquets that includes a detection mechanism to identify the size and volume of connected compression cuffs, selecting appropriate parameter sets for inflation based on detected properties to ensure efficient and safe inflation, using pressure or flow measurements to prevent overinflation and optimize blood flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If optical detection system is used for automatic cuff identification, then cuff identification is automated, but misidentification errors occur due to color recognition issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with a mechanical detection system. The detection mechanism uses a detection element that physically interacts with the cuff connector through mechanical means (such as tactile sensing or mechanical engagement) to identify cuff properties, thereby eliminating color recognition errors while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the tourniquet instrument and the cuff. This detection element serves as a mediator that translates mechanical properties of the cuff connector into identifiable signals, providing reliable automated identification without relying on optical color detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compression cuffs of varying sizes are used for different extremities, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple cuff types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cuff itself to provide identification information through its mechanical properties. The detection element automatically senses cuff characteristics (such as connector geometry or mechanical features) without requiring external intervention, allowing the system to self-identify the correct cuff type and select appropriate inflation parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification basis from optical parameters (color) to mechanical parameters (connector geometry, tactile properties). This parameter transformation allows the detection mechanism to reliably distinguish between different cuff sizes and types through mechanical sensing, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If rapid inflation is implemented for efficient operation, then productivity increases, but risk of tissue damage from incorrect pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection element continuously monitors cuff properties during inflation. The control unit receives real-time feedback from the detection mechanism and automatically adjusts inflation parameters based on the identified cuff type, enabling rapid inflation while preventing tissue damage through adaptive pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of cuff properties before initiating inflation. The detection mechanism identifies the cuff type and determines appropriate pressure parameters in advance, allowing the system to rapidly inflate the cuff with pre-calculated safe pressure levels, thus achieving both speed and safety.
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 rapid and error-free inflation of compression cuffs, preventing tissue damage by ensuring correct pressure profiles and minimizing incorrect cuff connections, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit includes a detection mechanism with which the size, and in particular the volume, of the compression cuff connected to the inflation unit can be detected
Implementation Method 2
The control unit controls the inflation unit to inflate the compression cuff using a set of parameters that are assigned to the size or volume of the connected compression cuff
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control apparatus (4) for a tourniquet device (1), to which tourniquet device a first compression cuff (2) and/or at least one second compression cuff can be connected, wherein the compression cuffs (2) that can be connected have different volumes and the tourniquet device (1) comprises an inflation apparatus (3) for inflating the connected compression cuff (2). According to the invention, in order to present a tourniquet apparatus that enables the most efficient and in particular fast inflation of the tourniquet cuff possible and at the same time the most error-free operation of the tourniquet apparatus possible, a parameter set for controlling an inflation process of the respective compression cuff (2) is associated with each compression cuff (2) and is stored in a data memory of the control apparatus (4), wherein the parameter set associated with each compression cuff (2) depends on the volume of the compression cuff (2). The invention further relates to a method for controlling a tourniquet device and a control system for controlling a tourniquet apparatus having a tourniquet device that comprises an inflation apparatus (3) and a control apparatus (4) and having a compression cuff (2) that can be applied to a limb and connected to the inflation apparatus.