Actuator Assemblies for Venous Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compression socks and sleeves are ineffective in preventing and treating venous insufficiency, as they lose elasticity over time and fail to provide sustained relief from venous congestion, leading to conditions like varicose veins.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device with actuator assemblies that apply peristaltic pressure waves to the limb, using a flexible element with a body portion and opposing end portions, tensioned by a rotary actuator to compress the limb, mimicking the natural pumping action of the calf muscle and facilitating venous return.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compression socks and sleeves are used to treat venous insufficiency, then compression is applied to the limb, but the elasticity is lost over time and effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of compressionVSAvoidretention of elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic actuators (electromagnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric) that can actively adjust and maintain compression force levels over time, replacing static elastic materials that degrade. The actuators respond to control signals to sustain therapeutic compression without losing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the compression system from passive elastic deformation to active controlled force generation. By using actuators that can be electrically controlled, the system maintains consistent compression parameters (force, pressure) regardless of time or wear, eliminating the elasticity loss problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional compression garments are used, then compression is provided to prevent venous congestion, but frequent replacement is required due to elasticity loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The active actuator system dynamically maintains compression force through electrical control, eliminating the need for replacement due to material fatigue. The system can be reset and reused indefinitely, dramatically reducing replacement frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates self-regulating actuators that maintain their own operational parameters through feedback control, eliminating degradation issues. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting to maintain therapeutic compression without external intervention or replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If actuator assemblies are used to apply peristaltic pressure waves, then venous return is facilitated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevenous return facilitationVSAvoidstructure of wearable device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the compression function into multiple segmented actuator assemblies distributed along the limb. Each assembly independently generates peristaltic waves in sequence, creating a coordinated pumping action that facilitates venous return while distributing system complexity across modular units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator assemblies serve multiple functions: they generate compression force, create peristaltic wave patterns, and can be controlled individually or collectively. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using the same basic component for different therapeutic purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The device effectively prevents and treats venous insufficiency by applying controlled compression (30 mmHg to 200 mmHg) and peristaltic pressure waves, reducing the risk of varicose veins and venous congestion, while being comfortable and durable, unlike traditional compression garments.

Implementation Method 1

An actuator is coupled to the opposing end portions and configured to selectively tension the body portion by reducing a distance between the two end portions to compress the limb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the selective tensioning of the first actuator assembly temporally spaced from the selective tensioning of the second actuator assembly such that the apparatus induces a peristaltic pressure wave in the limb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS20230346605A1Devices, systems and methods for treating and preventing venous insufficiency, thrombosis, orthostatic intolerance, and impaired lymphatic drainage

Publication Date: 2023.11.02 ORBITAL BIODESIGN LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for treating venous insufficiency is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of actuator assemblies receivable on a limb of a user. The actuator assemblies include: a flexible element including a body portion and two opposing end portions. The body portion is configured to at least partly extend around an outer periphery of the limb. An actuator is coupled to the opposing end portions and configured to selectively reduce a distance between the two end portions to compress the limb.