Adaptive Compression Sleeve with Muscle-Actuated Variable Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression braces or sleeves apply constant force, restricting blood flow and causing discomfort due to prolonged constriction, leading to chronic pain and tissue irritation.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive sleeves with sensors that measure muscle contraction, using an electronic processor to adjust deformable elements to apply variable force only when muscles contract, enhancing support while allowing for improved blood flow and reduced pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional compression braces or sleeves apply constant force to provide joint support, then support stability is improved, but blood flow restriction and tissue irritation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve transitions from a static constant-force structure to a dynamic adaptive structure that automatically adjusts compression levels in real-time based on muscle contraction detection, allowing the system to provide stable support when needed while releasing compression to maintain blood flow during rest periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect muscle contraction and provide feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the compression force accordingly - increasing support during muscle activity and decreasing it during rest to prevent blood flow restriction and tissue irritation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional compression sleeves are worn for extended periods to provide continuous support, then joint support duration is improved, but pain and discomfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high-compression support mode during muscle contraction and low-compression rest mode during muscle relaxation, enabling extended wear duration without causing pain or discomfort from continuous constriction
3Force
If compression force is increased to enhance joint support, then support effectiveness is improved, but blood flow restriction worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically modulates compression force levels based on real-time muscle activity detection, applying high force only during muscle contraction when support is needed and reducing force during rest periods to maintain adequate blood flow
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 adaptive sleeves provide dynamic support that enhances mobility and reduces pain by applying force only when needed, improving blood flow and muscle function without causing prolonged constriction.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor measures muscle contraction and provides an input signal to the electronic processor
Implementation Method 2
the electronic processor is configured to adjust a voltage source to apply an output electrical signal to the one or more deformable elements, the output electrical signal having a magnitude that is correlated with a magnitude of the input electrical signal, and the applied output electrical signal causing the one or more deformable elements to deform
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure features adaptive sleeves that include a sensor, an electronic processor connected to the sensor, an adjustable voltage source connected to the electronic processor, and a sleeve formed of a fabric material and including one or more deformable elements attached to or embedded within the fabric material and connected to the adjustable voltage source, where during operation of the adaptive sleeve, the electronic processor is configured to apply a force to a portion of a body of a sleeve wearer in proximity to a contracted muscle in the wearer's body by receiving an input electrical signal from the sensor, and adjusting the voltage source to apply an output electrical signal to the one or more deformable elements, the output electrical signal having a magnitude that is correlated with a magnitude of the input electrical signal.