System for compressing a part of a living being

Abstract

The invention relates to an active module (M_0) that can be used in a system for compressing a part of a living being, the active module (M_0) comprising N compression modules (M_i) juxtaposed along a longitudinal axis (Y), N being greater than or equal to 2, each compression module (M_i) comprising at least one first traction member (30) secured to the first edge (200) of the active module (M_0) and means for translating the first traction member, each compression module being electronically controllable to perform a clamping effect by translationally moving the first traction member (30) thereof along a clamping axis (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y), the first traction member (30) of each compression module (M_i) being attached to at least one other first traction member (30) of an adjacent compression module via first connection means.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: System for compressing a part of a living being

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a system for compressing a part of a living being.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] For example, the treatment of a pathology such as lymphedema is carried out using a compression system that wraps around the limb to be treated. There are systems that are called passive, such as those described in patent application US2015 / 366720A1, and which use a simple sleeve with several tightening rings whose compression levels are adjusted manually using straps. And there are active treatment systems. Among the active systems, some use a pneumatic solution such as that described in patent US6406445B1. The system is then composed of several rings juxtaposed along the sleeve, each ring being composed of a pneumatically controlled sausage. The implementation of a sequence makes it possible to inflate one or more sausages in a suitable manner to circulate the lymphatic fluid.

[0007] Active systems also include those that use shape memory alloy actuators distributed along the sleeve. When heated, a wire made of this alloy shrinks. By controlling each actuator individually, it is possible to apply localized compression. Such active compression systems are described, for example, in patent applications No. US2016 / 074234A1 and US2017 / 304136A1, as well as in patent US5997465. The latter patent US5997465 establishes the principle of using shape memory alloys in compression systems. Patent application US2016 / 074234A1 proposes, in addition to the principle of compression with shape memory alloy actuators, to provide thermal energy to improve the treatment performed by the system. Patent application US2016 / 074234A1 proposes mechanical solutions for locking the actuator in the retracted position.

[0008] Similar solutions are also described in prior documents DE102008003124A1 , US015 / 073318A1 , U S2018 / 242655 A 1 and US2018 / 177677A1 .

[0009] Patent application WO2020 / 144437A1 describes a solution also using several juxtaposed tightening / loosening units, each unit comprising a plate cut in a suitable manner to give it a spring function, the plate being inserted between two free edges of the sleeve. A wire made of a shape memory alloy is electrically powered to retract and actuate the plate, and to ensure compression of the limb.

[0010] It turns out that these previous solutions are not all optimal, whether in terms of compactness, compactness / efficiency ratio, ease of use, or ease of manufacturing.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of shape memory alloy wires has certain disadvantages:

[0012] It is impossible to keep the system in the retracted position without maintaining a power supply or using a complex locking mechanism;

[0013] The wires tend to heat up, requiring special insulation and / or controlling the level of compression to limit heating;

[0014] The battery required for the power supply must have a relatively large capacity to guarantee sufficient autonomy;

[0015] Patent application EP1013220A1 describes a blood flow measuring device, using an electric motor operated to tighten a ring, via a pull cord wrapped around a pulley.

[0016] This earlier principle using a motor and a link has been adopted in lymphatic drainage solutions, as described in patent application US2021 / 121356A1. In this patent application, the device uses a simple wire pulled by a motor, the wire passing around a return member. The traction of the wire brings together two edges of a sleeve placed around the limb to be treated, thus allowing localized compression of the limb. In this earlier document, however, the proposed solution is complex to manufacture, not very user-friendly and impractical for the user to use.

[0017] Furthermore, it has been found that previous solutions were not always suitable for ensuring uniform compression along the entire length of the limb when the limb has a non-constant cross-section. A limb such as a forearm, for example, has a rather truncated cross-section, with a larger cross-section at the top and a smaller cross-section at the bottom. In the state of the art, known pneumatic pressure therapy solutions use several juxtaposed tubes, each of which is controlled independently to provide identical pressure across the entire width of the tube. In other words, this type of solution does not allow for variation in the cross-section of the limb to be taken into account. The pressure exerted by the tube will in fact be greater where the cross-section of the limb is greatest and less where the cross-section of the limb is smallest.

[0018] There is therefore a need to obtain a compression device capable of ensuring homogeneous annular compression movements which follow the variations in section of the member along its length.

[0019] Statement of the invention

[0020] This aim is achieved by an active module usable in a system for compressing a part of a living being, said active module comprising N compression modules juxtaposed along a longitudinal axis between two opposite edges, called first edge and second edge of said active module, N being greater than or equal to 2 and each compression module being defined by a rank i, with i ranging from 1 to N, each compression module comprising at least a first traction member fixed to the first edge of the active module and means for driving in translation of said first traction member, each compression module being electronically controllable to carry out a tightening effect by translational displacement of its first traction member along a tightening axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis,said first traction member of each compression module being attached to at least one other first traction member of an adjacent compression module via first connecting means arranged to carry out a mechanical transfer of movement from the first traction member of each compression module to the first traction member of the adjacent compression module.,

[0021] The principle of the invention ultimately makes it possible to obtain a truncated compression profile with a significant tangential component across the entire system. This point is fundamental to the system's efficiency and constitutes a notable difference compared to existing solutions operating by pneumatic pressotherapy, in which the pressure is exerted uniformly across the entire width of the ring / sausage.

[0022] According to a particularity of the active module:

[0023] The first traction member of the compression module of rank 1 is connected only to the first traction member of the compression module of rank 2, The first traction member of the compression module of rank N is connected only to the first traction member of the compression module of rank N-1,

[0024] The first traction member of the compression module of rank i, for i ranging from 2 to N-1, is connected both to the first traction member of the compression module of rank i+1 and to the first traction member of the compression module of rank i-1.

[0025] Advantageously, the first connecting means are inelastic.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, the first connecting means are produced in the form of a mechanical pivot connection around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the clamping axis, so that each first traction member forms the link of a chain.

[0027] According to another particular embodiment, the first connecting means are produced in the form of a link.

[0028] According to another particular embodiment, the first traction members of the compression modules are made in the form of a single piece.

[0029] Advantageously, each compression module comprises a second traction member fixed to the second edge of the active module, the second traction member being actuable in translation along said clamping axis.

[0030] According to a particular feature, said second traction member of each compression module is attached to at least one other second traction member of an adjacent compression module via second connecting means, said second connecting means being arranged to carry out a mechanical transfer of movement from the second traction member of each compression module to the second traction member of the adjacent compression module.

[0031] According to another particularity:

[0032] The second traction member of the rank 1 compression module is connected only to the second traction member of the rank 2 compression module,

[0033] The second traction member of the compression module of rank N is connected only to the second traction member of the compression module of rank N-1,

[0034] The second traction member of the compression module of rank i, for i ranging from 2 to N-1, is connected both to the second traction member of the compression module of rank i+1 and to the second traction member of the compression module of rank i-1.

[0035] Advantageously, the second connecting means are inelastic.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the second connecting means are produced in the form of a mechanical pivot connection around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the clamping axis, so that each second traction member forms the link of a chain.

[0037] According to another particular embodiment, the second connecting means are produced in the form of a link.

[0038] According to another particular embodiment, the second traction members of the compression modules are produced in the form of a single piece.

[0039] According to a particular feature, each compression module comprises at least one electric motor provided with an output shaft, and a pulling link secured to said output shaft of the electric motor and attached on the one hand to the first traction member and on the other hand to the second traction member.

[0040] According to another feature, the pulling link is attached to the first traction member and to the second traction member at an attachment point off-center relative to the center of gravity of the first traction member and the second traction member respectively.

[0041] The invention also relates to a system for compressing a part of the body of a living being, comprising a sleeve to be adapted around said part of the body of the living being, said sleeve comprising at least one piece made of textile material to be positioned at least partially around said part of the body of the living being and an active module, means for fixing said active module between two separate zones of said piece of textile material so as to effect a junction between said two separate zones, characterized in that said active module is as defined above.

[0042] Brief description of the figures

[0043] Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the compression system of the invention;

[0045] Figure 2 shows schematically the principle of the architecture of the compression system of the invention; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the two parts of the compression system of the invention;

[0046] Figure 4 shows the assembled compression system;

[0047] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the active module used in the compression system of the invention;

[0048] Figure 6 shows the architecture of a compression module used in the compression system of the invention;

[0049] Figure 7 shows the operating principle of the active module and its juxtaposed compression modules;

[0050] Figure 8A shows a first example of connection of two traction members used in the active module of the compression system of the invention;

[0051] Figure 8B shows a second example of connection of two traction members used in the active module of the compression system of the invention;

[0052] Figure 8C shows a third example of connection of two traction members used in the active module of the compression system of the invention;

[0053] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0054] Compression system - figure 1

[0055] The invention relates to a compression system 1 for performing localized compression effects along a part P of the body of a living being, for example a human being. For example, the part P of the body of a living being may be a limb but also any other part such as for example the bust or the trunk. In a non-limiting manner, the limb to be treated may be an arm, a leg, a forearm of a living being, etc.

[0056] In a non-limiting manner, the system 1 is in particular perfectly suited to treating a lymphedema-type pathology and enabling the flow of lymphatic fluid to be activated in the limb to be treated. As another example, it can also enable venous and lymphatic flows to be stimulated to facilitate recovery after a sporting activity. In the remainder of the description, the compression system 1 of the invention is described to fit onto a limb of a living being. The compression system 1 is in the form of a sleeve intended to be positioned around the limb to be treated and to be adjusted around it. The sleeve is defined by its longitudinal axis, referenced (A1), and allows, when it is placed and adjusted around the limb, to exert on the limb to be treated localized compression effects in radial directions along the limb.

[0057] The sleeve advantageously comprises several parts described below.

[0058] First part of the sleeve: figure 3, figure 4

[0059] The sleeve comprises a first part 10 made of a flexible, advantageously non-elastic material, such as a textile, intended to be placed around the limb and which has a first free edge 11 and a second free edge 12. The first free edge 11 and the second free edge 12 may comprise adjustable and complementary temporary attachment means, such as gripping strips, permanent magnets, adjustable straps, hooks, etc. The two free edges are joined to each other by means of these temporary attachment means so as to close and hold the sleeve around the limb to be treated. The temporary attachment means are advantageously chosen to allow the size of the sleeve to be adjusted to the size of the limb to be treated. Figure 3 and Figure 4 show this principle of production, the two free edges, 11, 12 here being provided with complementary gripping strips.

[0060] In the attached figures, the first part 10 is made in the form of a single textile piece, cut to the desired shape and size. It should be understood that it could be made in several pieces assembled together, permanently in the form of pieces sewn together, or temporarily by suitable fixing solutions (hooks, gripping strips, etc.). The textile piece has two opposite faces, a first so-called internal face 100 intended to be oriented opposite the surface of the member to be treated, and a second so-called external face 101, facing outwards. This first part 10 advantageously goes all the way around the member to be treated.

[0061] The first part 10 of the sleeve can be made of a textile material, for example a synthetic textile. This textile is advantageously not very extensible (extension deformation of 10% maximum) or even non-extensible to properly transmit the compression force created by the system.

[0062] Second part of the sleeve: active module figure 2, figure 3, figure 4, figure 5 The sleeve comprises a second part 20 composed of the active module MO of the system.

[0063] The active module MO carries several compression modules MJ, advantageously all identical, juxtaposed along a second longitudinal axis (Y) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1) of the sleeve. Each of these compression modules is configured to exert traction along an axis perpendicular to said second longitudinal axis (Y) and called the clamping axis (X).

[0064] The active module MO of system 1 is presented in the form of a single assembly. It is adapted to be assembled on the first part 10 of the system.

[0065] The compression modules are aligned along the active module, so as to form a series of compression modules. To simplify and better understand, we can consider that the active module has N juxtaposed compression modules, with N greater than or equal to 2. Each compression module is for example defined by a rank i in the series, with i ranging from 1 to N. The compression module of rank 1 and the compression module of rank N are therefore the two end compression modules. Generally, the compression module will be designated M i.

[0066] For the remainder of the description, we define a sequence of actuation of the compression modules going from the module of rank 1 which is activated first in the sequence to the module of rank N which will be activated last in the sequence.

[0067] Each compression module M i advantageously defines a separate compression ring, capable of exerting localized compression on a part of the limb to be treated.

[0068] The active MO module consists of at least two juxtaposed compression modules. Of course, the number of juxtaposed compression modules will be adapted to the length of the limb to be treated.

[0069] In a non-limiting manner, the active module MO may advantageously comprise temporary attachment means comprising a first strip 202 of first temporary attachment means intended to cooperate with a second strip 102 complementary to these first temporary attachment means and carried by the first part 10 of the sleeve, and a second strip 203 of second temporary attachment means intended to cooperate with a second strip 103 complementary to these second temporary attachment means and also present on the first part 10 of the system. According to a particular aspect of the invention, it thus has the advantage of being entirely detachable with respect to the first part 10 of the system. It may be in a rectangular shape, having two parallel opposite edges 200, 201, spaced apart and each provided with the respective first strip 202, 203 of the first temporary attachment means and the second temporary attachment means.

[0070] 11 It should be noted that the principle of assembling the active module MO on the first textile part 10 of the sleeve, via the temporary attachment means, is optional and that it could be maintained on this first part permanently.

[0071] Module of - figure 6

[0072] Each MJ compression module can be controlled to bring together the two portions of the first part 10 of the sleeve to which it is attached, thus performing a tightening and localized ring compression when the sleeve is placed around the limb to be treated.

[0073] Each compression module M i can be produced independently and removable from the rest of the active module M O. It is intended to provide mechanical action and is advantageously controlled and powered by an electronic control and power supply circuit belonging to the system 1 and advantageously arranged on a support common to all the compression modules. The control circuit will be detailed below.

[0074] In a non-limiting manner, a compression module M i comprises at least one traction member 30 and advantageously two traction members 30, 31, designated first traction member 30 and second traction member 31, separated from each other and capable of moving in translation relative to each other along the clamping axis (X). The relative positions of the first traction member 30 and the second traction member 31 make it possible to adjust the level of clamping applied by the compression module M_1.

[0075] The first traction member 30 and the second traction member 31 are each produced in the form of a separate part, for example made of plastic material.

[0076] The first traction member 30 and the second traction member 31 are each in the form of a bar, for example. They are advantageously of identical shape. To simplify manufacturing and assembly, each traction member has, for example, a symmetrical architecture with respect to the clamping axis (X). The first traction member 30 is fixed to the first edge 200 of the active module MO, for example the one carrying the first strip 202 of the first temporary attachment means. The fixing can be carried out by any suitable means.

[0077] The second traction member 31 is fixed on the second edge 201 of the active module MO, opposite the first edge and for example carrying the first strip 203 of the second temporary attachment means. The fixing can be carried out by any suitable means.

[0078] Thus, when the active module MO is attached to the first part 10 of the sleeve, via the first and second temporary attachment means described above (when they are present), a pull on the first pull member 30 and on the second pull member 31, along the axis (X) makes it possible to bring the two opposite edges 200, 201 of the active module MO closer together and therefore to pull in opposite directions on the two portions of the sleeve along the axis (X) on which these two edges are attached, and thus to exert a tightening and a compression of the member when the sleeve is adjusted around the member. As the first part 10 of the sleeve is made of a textile material that is not very extensible or even non-extensible, the tightening force exerted by each compression module MJ is transmitted directly to the sleeve to effect a compression of the member.

[0079] The first traction member 30 and the second traction member 31 may each have a body, for example made of plastic material.

[0080] The compression module M i may advantageously comprise a support housing 32. The compression module M_1 comprises an electric motor 50 which is housed in said support housing 32.

[0081] The electric motor 50 has an output shaft 500.

[0082] The compression module M i also comprises a pulling link 60 which winds or unwinds by the action of the electric motor 50 on the output shaft 500, to ensure the movement of the first traction member 30 and the second traction member 31.

[0083] Advantageously, the compression module comprises a single pulling link to ensure the simultaneous movement of the two traction members 30, 31.

[0084] The pulling link 60 may be a string, a thin cable or the like. It is for example fixed to the output shaft 500 of the electric motor 50, for example using a plastic part force-fitted onto this output shaft 500.

[0085] For example, at a first end, the pulling link 60 is fixed to a fixed point 80 made on the support housing 32, the fixing being carried out for example using a first crimped aluminum part. The pulling link 60 then extends towards the first traction member 30 and passes into a slot 300 made on the first traction member 30 to hook onto it. Then on its return path towards the second traction member 31, the pulling link 60 is fixed around the output shaft 500 of the electric motor 50. Then, it is passed into a slot 310 of the second traction member 31 to hook onto it. Then it is returned to a second fixed point 81 (advantageously distinct from the first fixed point), on which its second end is attached, produced on the support box 32, the fixing being carried out for example using a second crimped aluminum part.

[0086] On each traction member, the pulling link 60 advantageously has only one attachment point, this attachment point being positioned off-center to be able to tilt the traction member (see operating principle below).

[0087] The attachment point of the pulling link 60 on each traction member is advantageously identical for all the compression modules. For each compression module MJ, the attachment point on the first traction member 30 and the attachment point on the second traction member 31 are advantageously positioned symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (Y). The same applies to the first fixed point 80 and the second fixed point 81.

[0088] Advantageously, in their translational movement, each traction member is caused to slide on a support area 306, 316, advantageously made of a plastic material, advantageously flexible to match the morphology of the limb to be treated.

[0089] Connection of the traction members figure 7, figure 8A, figure 8B, figure 8C

[0090] The principle of the invention is to connect the traction members (first connection between the first traction members on one side and second connection between the second traction members on the other side) to each other to effect a transfer of the mechanical movement of each traction member to at least one adjacent traction member in the series. The connection between two adjacent traction members is therefore made in such a way as to be able to effect this transfer of mechanical movement. It is therefore a question of connecting each traction member to at least one other adjacent traction member (or to two traction members depending on its position in the series of compression modules) by means of connecting means, so that during the traction movement of a traction member, it comes to drive in movement, at least partially, the adjacent traction member (see operating principle below).The connecting means connect the two traction members directly by their respective movable part, actuated by the motor of the compression module via the pulling link. By the term "directly", we mean that the connection is made by at least one mechanical element between the two traction members, to connect a fixing point present on the first traction member to a fixing point present on the second traction member, without passing through the rest of the body of the compression module.

[0091] The traction members are therefore connected together to form a chain with several links, each link being represented by a separate traction member. The device thus comprises two chains arranged in parallel, each assembling on a separate edge.

[0092] According to the invention, the first traction member 30 of each compression module MJ is attached to at least one other first traction member 30 of an adjacent compression module (MJ+1, M i-1 or both).

[0093] According to the invention, this principle is also applied to the second traction member 31 of each compression module M i. Thus, the second traction member 31 of each compression module M i is attached to at least one other second traction member 31 of an adjacent compression module (M i+1, M i-1 or both).

[0094] Of course, it should be noted that the first traction member 30 of the compression module of rank 1 and that of the compression module of rank N are each attached only to the first traction member of a single compression module, respectively the one which follows it (M i+1 ) or precedes it (M i-1 ) directly in the series of compression modules.

[0095] The first traction member 30 of each compression module M i, for i ranging from 2 to N-1, is connected both to the first traction member 30 of the compression module placed upstream in the series and to the first traction member 30 of the compression module placed downstream in the series.

[0096] The first traction member of each compression module of rank i comprises a first attachment point for attaching to the first traction member of the compression module of rank i-1 and a second attachment point for attaching to the first traction member of the compression module of rank i+1.

[0097] Similarly, the second traction member 31 of the compression module of rank 1 and that of the compression module of rank N are each attached only to the second traction member 31 of a single compression module, respectively the one which follows or precedes it directly in the series of compression modules. The second traction member 31 of each compression module MJ, for i ranging from 2 to N-1, is connected both to the second traction member 31 of the compression module placed upstream in the series and to the second traction member 31 of the compression module placed downstream in the series.

[0098] According to the invention, the connection between two traction members of two successive compression modules is achieved using connecting means, advantageously almost inelastic, and even totally inelastic, in order to be able to better transfer the mechanical movements between them.

[0099] These connecting means can be produced according to different embodiment variants described below.

[0100] According to a first variant embodiment shown in Figure 8A, the connecting means are inelastic and comprise an assembly device forming a pivot connection between two adjacent traction members 30 so that each traction member 30 thus forms the link of a chain.

[0101] The pivot connection is made by providing the link with a male part 302 cooperating in a pivot connection with a female part 303 of the adjacent link.

[0102] According to a second variant embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, the connecting means are advantageously inelastic and comprise a link 304, such as a string or equivalent, connecting two adjacent traction members 30.

[0103] According to a third embodiment variant shown in Figure 8C, the traction members of the compression modules are assembled together so as to form a single part, single-material or bi-injected material. This part 305 thus comprises the traction members 30 of all the compression modules of the active module.

[0104] The principles described above in connection with figures 8A, 8B and 8C apply identically for the two traction members 30, 31 of each compression module M i. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the attachment point of the pulling link 60 on each traction member (corresponding to the location of the attachment slot 300, 310 on the traction member) of a module of rank i is located as close as possible to its first point of attachment with the traction member of the compression module of rank i+1. It is thus off-center with respect to the center of gravity of the traction member. In the case of the first variant embodiment (figure 8A), the pulling link 60 therefore attaches as close as possible to the pivot connection made between two links of the chain, on the side of its point of attachment with the corresponding traction member of the compression module of rank i+1. operating mode of the active module figure 7

[0105] In operation, starting from an assembly according to the first embodiment variant of Figure 8A, when a compression module M_2 is activated, the ring is compressed by pulling on its two traction members 30, 31, thanks to the pulling link 60. In its compression movement, each traction member 30, 31 drives with it the traction member of the compression module M_3 adjacent in the series, via their mechanical connection (for example the pivot connection). In this situation, we then have the two traction members 30, 31 of the activated compression module M_2 which are completely retracted and the two traction members 30, 31 of the adjacent compression module M_3 which are inclined relative to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y), driven thanks to the mechanical connection. This principle continues with each new activation of a compression module, making it possible to follow the variation in section of the member, in particular when it has a truncated cone shape.In Figure 7, it can be seen that the compression module M_3 is therefore not yet activated, its pulling link 60 still being deployed. However, its traction members 30, 31 are pivoted inwards, each driven by the corresponding traction member of the compression module M_2 actuated upstream. The module M_4 is for its part not yet activated. Its traction members 30, 31 are still in the rest position, parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y).

[0106] According to the invention, the compression generated by each compression ring is therefore not uniform across the entire width of the ring but has a frustoconical pressure profile. The pressure generated has a high tangential component, along the longitudinal axis Y, which directs the migration of body fluids (blood and lymph). In a non-limiting manner, the system 1 is for example oriented so as to promote migration from the distal part to the proximal part of the limb. In the case where the reverse direction is necessary (for example to bring blood back to the extremities), it would be sufficient to turn the system over.

[0107] It should be noted that it would be possible to divide the compression modules into several separate groups, each group being able to comprise one or more compression modules. In each group which comprises several adjacent compression modules, the traction members of these compression modules are connected, according to one of the principles for producing the connecting means.

[0108] Control circuit of the modules of - figure 2, figure 5

[0109] Each compression module MJ may comprise a dedicated control unit U_P. The control unit U_P is of the electronic type and may comprise a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal to which the electric motor 50 of the compression module M_1 controlled by the control unit U_P is connected. This control unit U_P is intended to control the electric motor 50 of the compression module M i, for example to control its activation, its direction of rotation of the motor 50 and its rotation speed. This control unit U_P may be produced on an electronic control card 40 which is housed vertically in the support housing 32 of the module. The electric motor 50 is connected to this electronic control card 40 by soldering or by tight insertion of its connections.In addition, the electronic control card 40 comprising the control unit U_P has several straightened “pins”, allowing it to be connected and soldered to the control and power supply circuit common to all the compression modules of the system.

[0110] This control and power supply circuit can be implemented in different embodiments.

[0111] Advantageously, the control and power supply circuit is common to all the compression modules M_1 of the system and is part of the active module M O. It can be produced on an independent electronic control and power supply card 70. This card can extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y), on all the modules of the system, which makes it possible to connect their control unit U_P. The card 70 carries the control unit UC and possibly a battery pack BATT, for example assembled in the same control and power supply block B. Of course, other variant embodiments could be envisaged. In a non-limiting manner, the control and power supply block B is removable and fixed to the electronic control and power supply card 70 by a clipping system. The electronic connection is for example made by spring contacts.This allows the control and power supply unit B to be changed in the event of a discharged battery or to update / improve the control and power supply unit B to a version with more options, for example, for a control and power supply unit B with a touch control screen or wireless connectivity. The control and power supply electronic card 70 may not carry any electronic components and may only serve to connect the unit to the various control units U_P.

[0112] Advantageously, the card 70 is cut to form several juxtaposed covers 72 connected to each other and each closing, at least partially, the reception housing formed by the support housing 32 of the motor 50 of each compression module MJ.

[0113] The card 70 is also advantageously cut in a suitable manner to form several connecting branches 71 each ensuring the junction between two juxtaposed covers 72 and therefore between two juxtaposed compression modules. Two juxtaposed covers 72 are for example connected by a single connecting branch 71. Each connecting branch 71 advantageously has mechanical characteristics of deformability, in particular in bending, at least around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the card 70. The flexibility of each branch 71 makes it possible to adapt the shape of the system to the level of compression applied by each module. In other words, not all the compression modules M_1 of the same system 1 necessarily apply the same level of compression, the flexibility of the card 70 makes it possible to compensate for variations in compression levels applied from one compression module to another.

[0114] This card 70 is advantageously made from a composite type material used for the production of electronic circuits.

[0115] The compression system of the invention thus presents numerous advantages, including:

[0116] - Each compression module operates with a motor 50 and a simple pulling link 60 which is attached to two traction members 30, 31, located on either side of its support housing 32. The traction members are connected to each other by connecting means (pivot points for example) making it possible to adapt to the shape of the member, in particular when the latter has a truncated cone shape. The mechanical movement of the traction member causes the mechanical movement of at least one adjacent traction member.

[0117] The compression modules are connected by the flexible electronic control and power supply board, which provides electrical, electronic, and mechanical connections. This principle allows for simple and inexpensive assembly. The board is cut to provide flexibility around the three axes, allowing the mechanism to adapt to morphological variations.

[0118] The active module is advantageously attached to the textile part of the sleeve via temporary attachment means (zipper for example).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Active module (MO) usable in a system for compressing a part of a living being, said active module (MO) comprising N compression modules (MJ) juxtaposed along a longitudinal axis (Y) between two opposite edges (200, 201), called first edge (200) and second edge (201) of said active module, N being greater than or equal to 2 and each compression module being defined by a rank i, with i ranging from 1 to N, each compression module (M i) comprising at least a first traction member (30) fixed to the first edge (200) of the active module (MO) and means for driving in translation said first traction member, each compression module being electronically controllable to carry out a tightening effect by translational displacement of its first traction member (30) along a tightening axis (X) perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (Y),characterized in that said first traction member (30) of each compression module (M i) is attached to at least one other first traction member (30) of an adjacent compression module via first connecting means, said first connecting means being arranged to carry out a mechanical transfer of movement from the first traction member (30) of each compression module (M i) to the first traction member of the adjacent compression module., 2. Active module (MO) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first traction member (30) of the rank 1 compression module is connected only to the first traction member of the rank 2 compression module, The first traction member (30) of the compression module of rank N is connected only to the first traction member of the compression module of rank N-1, The first traction member (30) of the compression module of rank i, for i ranging from 2 to N-1, is connected both to the first traction member of the compression module of rank i+1 and to the first traction member of the compression module of rank i-1.

3. Active module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first connecting means are inelastic.

4. Active module according to claim 3, characterized in that the first connecting means are produced in the form of a mechanical pivot connection. around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) and to the clamping axis (X), so that each first traction member forms the link of a chain.

5. Active module according to claim 3, characterized in that the first connecting means are produced in the form of a link.

6. Active module according to claim 3, characterized in that the first traction members of the compression modules are produced in the form of a single piece.

7. Active module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each compression module (MJ) comprises a second traction member (31) fixed to the second edge (201) of the active module (MO) and in that the second traction member can be actuated in translation along said clamping axis (X).

8. Active module according to claim 7, characterized in that said second traction member (31) of each compression module (M i) is attached to at least one other second traction member (10) of an adjacent compression module via second connecting means, said second connecting means being arranged to carry out a mechanical transfer of movement from the second traction member (31) of each compression module (M i) to the second traction member of the adjacent compression module.

9. Active module (MO) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second traction member (31) of the rank 1 compression module is connected only to the second traction member of the rank 2 compression module, The second traction member (31) of the compression module of rank N is connected only to the second traction member of the compression module of rank N-1, The second traction member (31) of the compression module of rank i, for i ranging from 2 to N-1, is connected both to the second traction member of the compression module of rank i+1 and to the second traction member of the compression module of rank i-1.

10. Active module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second connecting means are inelastic. 1 1. Active module according to claim 10, characterized in that the second connecting means are produced in the form of a mechanical pivot connection around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) and to the clamping axis (X), so that each second traction member (31) forms the link of a chain.

12. Active module according to claim 10, characterized in that the second connecting means are produced in the form of a link.

13. Active module according to claim 10, characterized in that the second traction members (31) of the juxtaposed compression modules are produced in the form of a single piece.

14. Active module according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that each compression module (MJ) comprises at least one electric motor (50) provided with an output shaft (500), and a pulling link (60) secured to said output shaft of the electric motor and attached on the one hand to the first traction member (30) and on the other hand to the second traction member (31).

15. Active module according to claim 14, characterized in that the pulling link (60) is attached to the first traction member (30) and to the second traction member (31) at an attachment point off-center relative to the center of gravity respectively of the first traction member and the second traction member.

16. System for compressing a part of the body of a living being, comprising a sleeve to be adapted around said part of the body of the living being, said sleeve comprising at least one piece made of textile material to be positioned at least partially around said part of the body of the living being and an active module (MO), means for fixing said active module (MO) between two separate zones of said piece of textile material so as to effect a junction between said two separate zones, characterized in that said active module (MO) is as defined in one of claims 1 to 15.

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