Adjustable Compression Band with Tension Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments and devices are not adjustable, require additional equipment for accurate pressure adjustment, and are often complex, expensive, and unsuitable for applications like human spaceflight due to their bulkiness and weight.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable compression band with a flexible material that is resiliently stretchable, featuring a baseline circumference indicator and a tension indicator for setting a target tension to apply a predetermined interface pressure, utilizing an inextensible element and a ratcheting tensioner or laced eyelets for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments are made adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and pressure requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism directly into the compression band structure, merging the functions of the band and adjustment mechanism into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment equipment while maintaining adjustability, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression band is designed to serve multiple functions: providing compression, accommodating different body circumferences through adjustment, and applying controlled pressure. The inextensible element with markings serves both as a structural component and as a measurement/reference tool, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If compression devices are made more accurate in pressure measurement and adjustment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The compression band incorporates self-service measurement and adjustment capabilities through the inextensible element with baseline circumference markings and tension indicators. The user can directly read body circumference measurements and corresponding tension settings from the band itself without requiring external measurement equipment, achieving accurate pressure adjustment through the device's own built-in reference system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inextensible element acts as an intermediary between the user's body measurements and the desired compression pressure. It provides a direct translation mechanism where baseline circumference markings correspond to specific tension settings, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors or additional measurement devices while maintaining measurement precision.
3Weight of moving object
If compression garments are made lightweight and simple for spaceflight applications, then weight is reduced, but adjustability and pressure control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compression band utilizes a flexible material that is resiliently stretchable, allowing the band to conform to different body shapes and sizes while maintaining a lightweight construction. This flexible design enables the band to provide compression and adjustability without requiring heavy mechanical structures, making it suitable for spaceflight applications where weight reduction is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression band incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the inextensible element that can be modified to accommodate different body circumferences. The resiliently stretchable material allows the band to adapt its tension and compression characteristics dynamically, providing adjustability through material properties rather than heavy mechanical components, thus maintaining lightweight construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the band is made resiliently stretchable to accommodate body changes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The band is segmented into two distinct functional elements: a resiliently stretchable portion that provides adaptability to body changes, and an inextensible element that provides structural reference and measurement functionality. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently - the stretchable portion can be manufactured with standard elastic material tolerances while the inextensible element provides precise measurement references, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
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
Enables easy adjustment of interface pressure without additional equipment, accommodating changes in body circumference over time and varying user sizes, while being lightweight and suitable for diverse applications including spaceflight.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the band is resiliently stretchable in the circumferential direction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to an adjustable compression band comprising: a band of flexible material configured to extend circumferentially around a body part of a user, at least part of the band being resiliently stretchable in the circumferential direction; a baseline circumference indicator for determining a baseline circumference of the body part; and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a tension of the band in the circumferential direction to apply pressure to the body part. The adjustment mechanism comprises an inextensible element, which is relatively inextensible in comparison with the resiliently stretchable part of the band, and which comprises a tension indicator for indicating a target tension adjustment setting corresponding to the determined baseline circumference, the target tension adjustment setting corresponding to a tension required for the band to apply a predetermined interface pressure to the body part based on the determined baseline circumference.