Blood Pressure Monitor Assembly

Spring 2022

University of Pittsburgh

BIOENG 1024

In the duration of this class, we took apart a blood pressure monitor and worked on creating a new prototype using various skills of sewing, laser cutting, molding, 3D printing, and machining to rebuild a prototype of the original. We were also taught skills in sketching parts, metrology, form core modeling, and modeling in Fusion 360 to develop expertise in the design process.

Disassembly of blood pressure monitor

Knolled photo and exploded view sketch of original blood pressure cuff

Laser cut material and complete sewed arm cuff

Knolled components of cuff:

My fabric and final cuff prototype:

The original blood pressure monitor had this disassembled cuff with an air pump and other assorted pieces to function

I laser cut two strips of fabric using a CNC laser cutter and replaced the air pump, metal adjustment piece and velco and sewed it all together

3D printed and machined internal componentry

First I modeled the 3D prints on the left in Fusion 360 with proper dimension. I then 3D printed these parts as "placeholders" for later work. I was trained in the Swanson Center for Product Innovation and completed turning the motor with a lathe and forming the LCD screen with a milling machine.

Vacuum molded packaging

Used a mold and polystyrene to construct packaging for prototyped BPM.

Filling and sanding of blood pressure housing

Painting of blood pressure housing

Added bondo filler to 3D printed housing and sanded until smooth, ready to prime and paint

Vinyl cutting and front panel fabrication

Using a Vinyl cutter, I printed out all the text to place on the front panel. I used transfer tape to remove the letters and transfer to the front panel. Then I spray painted the back to achieve the final look.

Finished Product