Active Compression Device with Three-Axis Massage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active compression garments are unable to mimic the complex massage techniques used in manual lymphatic drainage, such as fine stroking movements and varying pressure, making them ineffective for treating conditions like lymphedema.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with multiple pressure units, each having a movable member with three translational degrees of freedom, controlled by a unit to mimic the movements and pressure variations of a human therapist, allowing for automated massage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pneumatic bladders or shape memory bands are used to exert pressure on larger parts of a limb, then compression force is improved, but the ability to mimic fine stroking movements and localized treatment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the compression system into multiple independent pressure units, each with its own movable member that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different regions of the limb to receive different types of massage (stroking, kneading, pressing) with varying forces and movement patterns, thereby maintaining both compression force and the ability to mimic fine stroking movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable members in each pressure unit are designed to dynamically adjust their position, movement direction, and applied force. This dynamic capability enables the system to transition between different massage techniques (stroking, kneading, pressing) and adapt to the specific therapeutic needs of different body regions, resolving the contradiction between force application and movement versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single type of compression garment is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide varied massage techniques and localized treatment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates multiple pressure units with movable members that can perform various massage functions (stroking, kneading, pressing) within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality allows the garment to adapt to different therapeutic requirements and body regions without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables variation in massage parameters (force magnitude, movement amplitude, frequency, duration) through independent control of each pressure unit's movable member. This parameter adjustability allows a single garment structure to deliver diverse massage techniques and localized treatments, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and treatment versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If passive elastic materials are used for compression garments, then ease of manufacture and wearability are improved, but the ability to actively modify compression levels and provide massage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces passive elastic materials with active mechanical components (movable members driven by actuators) that can be controlled electronically. This substitution enables automated adjustment of compression levels and implementation of various massage techniques, achieving active compression control while maintaining relative ease of manufacture through modular assembly of standardized pressure units.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment incorporates self-regulating movable members that can automatically adjust their position and applied force based on control signals. This self-service capability allows the system to actively modify compression levels and provide massage without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving automation while maintaining manufacturability through standardized control mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for applying pressure to a body part of a subject, wherein the device comprises a plurality of pressure units and each pressure unit comprises a support structure and a movable member having three translational degrees of freedom relative to the support structure, wherein each pressure unit is connected or connectable to a control unit adapted to control the movement of the movable member relative to the support structure of the pressure unit.