Adaptive Support Garment Lacing for Dynamic Compression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support apparel, such as bras and tights, lack adaptability to dynamically adjust to different activity levels, leading to compromised comfort and performance during varying physical activities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of activity sensors, such as IMUs and GPS, with a control circuit that communicates with an adaptive support garment to automatically adjust lacing systems based on detected activity levels, using motorized or manual mechanisms to modify support characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments are made with fixed compression properties, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot adapt to changing edema levels or provide optimal therapy throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates dynamically adjustable compression elements that can change compression levels in response to edema variations. The garment includes adjustable straps, buckles, and elastic components that allow compression forces to be modified as swelling changes, transforming a static garment into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment utilizes materials and structures with variable compression properties. Different zones of the garment have different elastic moduli and compression characteristics that can be adjusted through design parameters such as stitch density, material selection, and structural configuration to provide optimized compression at different anatomical locations and stages of healing.
2Force
If compression garments provide high compression forces, then edema management is improved, but patient comfort and circulation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment applies different compression forces to different anatomical zones based on local needs. Gradient compression is implemented where higher compression is applied to distal areas with severe edema and progressively lower compression toward proximal areas, optimizing edema management while maintaining healthy circulation in less affected regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates adjustable compression mechanisms that allow compression forces to be dynamically modified based on patient needs, edema severity, and time of day. This enables high compression forces to be applied when needed for edema control while allowing reduction of forces to prevent circulation issues during periods of lower edema or improved patient tolerance.
3Reliability
If compression garments are customized for individual patients, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is designed as a modular system with interchangeable components such as sleeves, straps, fasteners, and compression elements. This segmentation allows customization of compression levels and fit for individual patients by selecting and assembling appropriate modules, rather than requiring complete custom manufacturing of each garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates universal sizing options and adjustable features that can accommodate a range of patient anatomies and edema conditions. Standardized components with adjustable characteristics provide personalized therapy within a standardized manufacturing framework, balancing customization benefits with manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and apparatus related to adaptive support garments including adaptive support structures, lacing systems, and an adaptive engine are discussed. In an example, an adaptive support garment can include a textile-based support structure, an adaptive support structure and an adaptive engine is described. The textile-based support structure is configured to support a portion of anatomy of a wearer. The adaptive support structure is integrated into the textile-based support structure and configured to adjust a portion of the textile-based support structure. The adaptive engine is coupled to the adaptive support structure to activate adjustment of the portion of the textile-based support structure.