Pneumatic compression system integrated into an elastic stocking with helical air chambers adjustable through user movement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a product pertaining to the field of health and well-being, and more particularly to devices for supporting blood circulation and preventing venous disorders. The present patent application relates to a pneumatic compression system integrated into an elastic stocking. The system pertains to the field of health and well-being, and more particularly to methods for preventing and treating venous insufficiency and optimising blood circulation. The present invention aims to provide dynamic and adaptive compression, improving blood circulation by means of an innovative mechanism that simulates a venous "milking" movement, from big toe to knee level, activated by the mechanical pressure of the user walking or stepping.

Description

PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN ELASTIC SOCK WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS ADJUSTABLE BY USER MOVEMENT

[0001] This patent application relates to a pneumatic compression system integrated into an elastic stocking. The field of application is focused on the health and wellness sector, more specifically, in the prevention and treatment of venous insufficiency and optimization of blood circulation. The present invention aims to provide dynamic and adaptive compression, improving blood circulation through an innovative mechanism that simulates the movement of venous milking, from the big toe to the knee, activated by the mechanical pressure of the user's walking or stepping. PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[0002] It is known that in the health and wellness field, specifically in blood circulation aid devices, drawbacks have been identified regarding the efficiency and comfort of available compression devices. Current compression systems do not offer autonomous pressure adjustment in response to the user's movement, i.e., during ambulation, resulting in static compression that may not be ideal for different conditions of use. The lack of a mechanism to adapt compression in real time limits the therapeutic efficacy of these conventional systems, incompletely pumping and expressing the lower limbs, compromising adequate blood circulation. Furthermore, the dependence on external power sources for compression systems to operate limits user mobility and the practicality of the devices. Furthermore, they are not portable to the patient, leaving them confined to bed, tethered to a power source. STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0003] The current state of the art is known from document BR 102020024383-7, published on 06 / 14 / 2022, which describes a Equipment designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The device consists of a pneumatic compression system and a leg brace that wraps around the user's legs. The system is powered by a battery that supplies power to a microprocessor and a compressor. The microprocessor controls the system, while the compressor, activated by relays, generates the necessary airflow. The system's operation is monitored by a pressure sensor that sends information back to the microprocessor, which in turn controls air directional valves to alternate the flow between the left and right leg. Air is admitted to the system through an inlet, then compressed and directed through hoses to air bladders located in the thighs and calves of the leg brace. The bladders are inflated sequentially to provide the compression necessary to prevent DVT. The system also includes a strap to secure the compression system to the user's waist.

[0004] However, although the above invention discusses a pneumatic compression system consisting of a pressure sensor and battery, in the previous invention, the pressure sensor monitors the pressure of the pneumatic compression system, sending signals to a microprocessor, which controls the opening and closing of the air flow valves. The microprocessor adjusts the airflow to the left or right leg based on the pressure sensor readings. In the present invention, the pressure sensor autonomously adjusts the pressure of the air chambers to provide optimal compression during use. The pressure is set before the circuit is fully assembled and may contain a pre-established pressure (which would be the average pressure), but this can be adjusted if necessary to meet the needs of each user.

[0005] When the user is not moving significantly, the monitoring sensor maintains the normal pressure of the air chambers by stimulating the patient's ambulation by walking or stepping, the applied pressure is converted into action to inflate the air chambers, and the monitoring sensor The pressure ensures that the pressure is adequate for the sequential compression of the helical air chambers. Previously, the battery provided electrical power to the pneumatic compression system, directly powering the microprocessor and compressor, as well as other electronic components in the system, such as the actuator relays. The battery allows the equipment to operate autonomously, without the need for connection to an external power source. In the present invention, the rechargeable battery also powers the system's electronic components, but in a different context, as the rechargeable battery powers the air pump, the monitoring sensor, and the pressure sensor. The battery ensures that the elastic stocking maintains its pneumatic compression functionality even when the user is moving and there is no external power source available. PROPOSED SOLUTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a pneumatic compression system integrated into an elastic stocking. The present invention features an innovative mechanism to stimulate blood circulation, using helical air chambers that inflate sequentially, emulating the motion of venous milking. The compression generated by the system is dynamic and adaptive, activated by the mechanical pressure exerted during walking or stepping. Furthermore, the invention features monitoring and pressure sensors that adjust compression autonomously, ensuring effectiveness and comfort throughout use. The system is complemented by a rechargeable battery and a thermal sensor with body energy storage plates, ensuring the continuous operation of the components.It stands out for its diverse applicability, being particularly useful for patients with venous insufficiency, in post-operative periods, for workers standing or sitting for long periods, and athletes seeking to improve performance. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention has the following advantages: / The present invention offers a significant improvement in the stimulation of blood circulation, using a pneumatic compression system that simulates the venous milking movement, providing effective therapy for venous insufficiency; / It comprises an autonomous pressure adjustment mechanism, ensuring ideal compression adaptable to the user's individual needs, without the need for manual adjustments; / Includes the integration of monitoring and pressure sensors, which automatically maintain adequate compression, improving treatment effectiveness and increasing user comfort; / It has a mechanical activation system, which converts the pressure applied by the user when walking or stepping into action to inflate the air chambers, promoting efficient and practical compression; / It is equipped with a rechargeable battery and a thermal sensor with body energy storage plates, ensuring continuous operation and autonomy of the system; / It has broad and versatile applicability, being beneficial for a variety of users, including patients undergoing treatment for venous insufficiency, post-operative patients, workers who spend a lot of time standing or sitting, and athletes seeking to improve performance. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Attached below is the following illustration of the present invention:

[0009] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2: show the schematic view of the pneumatic compression system integrated into elastic stockings with helical air chambers and valves, with adjustment through the user's movement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] INTEGRATED PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM IN ELASTIC SOCK WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS WITH ADJUSTMENT BY MEANS OF THE USER'S MOVEMENT, consists of a pneumatic compression system (1) configured by an elastic stocking (M), characterized by helical air chambers (2-3) integrated into the body of the elastic stocking (M); by a drive device (7-12) located, respectively, under the metatarsal and calcaneal region, actuated by pressure when walking, inflating the helical air chambers (2-3) autonomously, configuring an alternating compression, where the elastic stocking (M) performs alternating compression, helping to stimulate the external venous valve system, also having valves (15) to ensure the maintenance of air flow within the helical chambers (2-3), avoiding unwanted reflux and promoting alternating compression that helps to stimulate the external venous valve system.

[0011] The valves (15) operate in synchronization with the actuating devices (7-12) regulating the sequence of the helical air chambers (2-3) to emulate a milking movement, starting from the big toe up to the knee height, promoting blood circulation, by means of a front pad (4), and a pneumatic hose (5), connected to an air pump (6).

[0012] The valves (15) are controlled by monitoring sensors (8) that keep the pressure of the helical air chambers (2-3) stable in the absence of sharp movements by the user; having a pressure sensor (9) to autonomously adjust the pressure of the chambers, ensuring functionality.

[0013] The valves (15) include an anti-reflux system that prevents air from escaping during compression of the helical air chambers (2-3), ensuring efficient blood flow displacement. They can also be connected to a posterior cushion (10) and a pneumatic hose (11), driven by the air pump (6) and activated by a drive device (12) located on the lower part of the heel, converting thus, the mechanical pressure applied by the user when walking or stepping, in action to inflate only the helical air chamber pockets (3), promoting gradual and specific compression during use.

[0014] The actuating device (12) has a monitoring sensor (8) and a pressure sensor (9); which adjust the compression of the helical air chambers (3) autonomously to maintain the comfort and efficiency of the system.

[0015] The elastic stocking (M) is equipped with electronically controlled valves (15) and powered by a rechargeable battery (13), supported by thermal energy storage plates (14), which convert body temperature into energy to power the sensors and other electronic components.

[0016] However, due to the advantages it offers and its truly innovative features, the PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN ELASTIC SOCK WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS ADJUSTABLE BY USER MOVEMENT, meets the necessary conditions to deserve the Invention Patent.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED INTO AN ELASTIC STOCKING WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS ADJUSTABLE BY USER MOVEMENT, consists of a pneumatic compression system (1) configured by an elastic stocking (M), characterized by helical air chambers (2-3) integrated into the body of the elastic stocking (M); by a drive device (7-12) located, respectively, under the metatarsal and calcaneal region, activated by pressure when walking, inflating the helical air chambers (2-3) autonomously, configuring an alternating compression, where the elastic sock (M) performs alternating compression, helping to stimulate the external venous valve system, also having valves (15) to guarantee the maintenance of the air flow inside the helical chambers (2-3), avoiding unwanted reflux and promoting alternating compression that helps to stimulate the external venous valve system. 2) PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN ELASTIC STOCKING WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS WITH ADJUSTMENT BY MEANS OF THE USER'S MOVEMENT according to claim 1, is characterized in that the valves (15) operate in synchronization with the drive devices (7-12) regulating the sequence of the helical air chambers (2-3) to emulate a milking movement, starting from the big toe up to the height of the knee, promoting blood circulation, by means of a front pad (4), and a pneumatic hose (5), connected to an air pump (6). 3) PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN ELASTIC SOCK WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS WITH ADJUSTMENT BY USER MOVEMENT according to claim 1, characterized in that the valves (15) are controlled by monitoring sensors (8) that keep the pressure of the helical air chambers (2-3) stable in the absence of accentuated movements by the user; having a pressure sensor (9) to autonomously adjust the pressure of the chambers, ensuring functionality. 4) PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN ELASTIC SOCK WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS WITH ADJUSTMENT BY MEANS OF THE USER'S MOVEMENT according to claim 1, is characterized in that the valves (15) include an anti-reflux system that prevents the escape of air during the compression of the helical air chambers (2-3), ensuring efficiency in the displacement of the blood flow, and can also be connected to a posterior cushion (10), and to a pneumatic hose (11), driven by the air pump (6) and activated by a drive device (12) located in the lower part of the heel, thus converting the mechanical pressure applied by the user when walking or stepping, into action to inflate only the helical air chamber pockets (3), promoting gradual and specific compression during use. 5) PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN ELASTIC SOCK WITH HELICAL AIR CHAMBERS WITH ADJUSTMENT BY USER MOVEMENT according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation device (12) has a monitoring sensor (8) and a pressure sensor (9); which adjust the compression of the helical air chambers (3) autonomously to maintain the comfort and efficiency of the system. 6) PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION SYSTEM INTEGRATED IN AN ELASTIC STOCKING WITH HELICAL DEAR CHAMBERS WITH ADJUSTMENT BY MEANS OF THE USER'S MOVEMENT according to claim 1, is characterized in that the elastic stocking (M) is equipped with valves (15) electronically controlled and powered by a rechargeable battery (13), supported by thermal energy storage plates (14), which converge the body temperature into energy to power the sensors and other electronic components.

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