Adaptive Compression Garment with Sensor-Actuator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression garments lack dynamic adjustment capabilities to optimally support muscles and joints during exercise, failing to provide real-time feedback-driven compression to enhance performance and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A garment system incorporating sensors on motion-conducive equipment and actuators in flexible compression garments that selectively constrict or dilate based on real-time feedback, using a control system to adjust compression levels in response to sensed movement and physiological characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments use fixed compression levels, then they provide consistent support, but they cannot adapt to real-time muscle and joint needs 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 the system to adapt to changing muscle and joint requirements throughout the workout.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop is implemented using sensors that monitor physiological parameters (such as muscle activity, joint position, or blood flow) and transmit this data to a control system. The control system processes the sensor signals and adjusts the actuator output accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes compression levels based on real-time body conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments add sensors and actuators, then they gain real-time adjustment capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor, control system, and actuator components are integrated directly into the compression garment structure itself, rather than being separate external devices. This merging of functions into a unified wearable system reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining real-time adjustment capabilities. The garment becomes a self-contained adaptive compression system.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical compression support, monitoring physiological parameters via embedded sensors, processing data through an integrated control system, and actuating adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single universal wearable system.
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.