Adjustable Compression Garment for Accurate One-Size Limb Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression garments for circulatory disorders such as lymphedema and venous diseases often require multiple sizes to be stocked due to varying patient limb dimensions, and custom-made or trimming methods are time-consuming and prone to improper fits, while bandaging lacks consistency and ease of application.
Innovation Solution
A one-size-fits-all compression garment with a body and spine portion that can be easily tailored to match a patient's limb circumference using hook and loop fasteners, allowing for quick adjustment and secure attachment without overlapping bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ready-to-wear standard sizes are used, then inventory management is simplified, but the fit accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment incorporates adjustable components including Velcro® closures and sliding mechanisms that allow the garment to dynamically adapt to different limb circumferences and shapes, transforming a static standard-size garment into a dynamically adjustable fit that maintains both inventory simplicity and fit accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The garment allows adjustment of multiple parameters including circumference, length, and compression level through integrated adjustment mechanisms, enabling a single standard-size garment to accommodate varying patient dimensions by changing these parameters rather than producing multiple fixed-size variants
2Manufacturing precision
If custom made-to-measure garments are produced, then fit accuracy is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms, measurement markings, and modular components during manufacturing that enable quick patient-specific customization at the point of care, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom production while maintaining fit accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment is divided into modular sections with independent adjustment capabilities, allowing clinicians to quickly customize different portions of the garment to match patient anatomy without requiring complete custom fabrication of the entire garment
3Manufacturing precision
If trimming-to-fit methods are used, then fit accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment incorporates self-adjusting features including elastic materials, self-tightening mechanisms, and intuitive measurement markings that guide the user through the adjustment process without requiring complex calculations or specialized skills, maintaining fit accuracy while reducing process complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If bandaging is used, then adaptability to all populations is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is designed as a universal one-size-fits-all solution that can be applied to any patient population while maintaining ease of application through pre-fabricated structures, integrated closures, and simplified adjustment mechanisms that eliminate the need for complex bandaging techniques
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 garment provides reliable and consistent compression by aligning with limb contours, reducing fitting time to under five minutes, and minimizing inventory needs, while ensuring easy application and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a body portion having a plurality of bands extending from one side; and a spine portion having a plurality of bands extending from one side, wherein the bands extending from the body portion and the bands extending from the spine portion attach the body and spine portions together
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic compression garment, including: a body portion; and a spine portion, wherein the bands extending from either the body portion and/or spine portion attach the body and spine portions together when the body and spine portions are wrapped around a body limb, and wherein the spine portion is releasably attached onto the body portion such that the spine portion is positionable at different locations on the body portion.