Adaptive Compression Garment with Sensor-Driven Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression garments lack dynamic adjustment capabilities to optimally support muscles and joints during exercise, failing to adapt to changing physiological and movement-related conditions.
Innovation Solution
A garment system incorporating sensors on motion-conducive equipment and actuators in flexible compression garments that selectively constrict or dilate in response to real-time feedback, using control electrical circuitry to manage actuation based on sensed characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments use fixed compression levels, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot adapt to changing physiological conditions during exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment transitions from a static, fixed-compression design to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts compression levels based on real-time sensor feedback. Actuators are integrated into the garment to modify compression forces dynamically during exercise, enabling adaptation to changing physiological conditions such as muscle fatigue, blood flow requirements, and joint movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system is implemented where sensors monitor physiological parameters (such as muscle activity, blood flow, or joint position) and transmit this information to a controller that adjusts actuator operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the garment to automatically adapt compression levels to match the user's physiological state during exercise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments add sensors and actuators for dynamic adjustment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is divided into multiple independent segments or zones, each equipped with its own sensors and actuators. This segmentation allows different regions of the garment to independently adjust compression levels based on local physiological needs, providing targeted support to specific muscle groups or joints while reducing the need for a single complex centralized control system.
3Strength
If compression garments provide continuous compression, then muscle support is maximized, but blood flow and oxygenation may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment employs periodic or cyclic adjustment of compression levels rather than maintaining continuous maximum compression. The system rhythmically modulates compression forces in sync with exercise intensity or physiological cycles, providing strong support when needed while periodically reducing pressure to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygenation to working muscles.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a garment system including at least one sensor and at least one actuator that operates responsive to sensing feedback from the at least one sensor to cause a flexible compression garment to selectively constrict or selectively dilate, thereby compressing or relieving compression against at least one body part of a subject. Such selective constriction or dilation can improve muscle functioning or joint functioning during use of motion-conducive equipment, such as an exercise bike or rowing machine.