Artificial Muscle Cuff Pressure Control for Secure Brace Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as cuffs for arms or legs, struggle to provide consistent and comfortable pressure while securely adhering to the patient due to movement and flexibility, making it difficult to maintain a stable hold.
Innovation Solution
An appendage pressurization device using artificial muscles with an electrode pair and dielectric fluid, actuated by voltage, to expand and contract an expandable fluid region, providing adjustable pressure to maintain consistent contact with the user's appendage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cuffs are made overly tight to be held securely, then the cuff can be kept in place, but the pressure becomes inconsistent and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inflatable chambers that can dynamically adjust their volume and pressure levels. The system transitions from a static traditional cuff to a dynamic device that can inflate and deflate, allowing it to adapt to body movements and maintain optimal pressure levels throughout the day, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and pressure consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the cuff by controlling the volume and pressure of gas in inflatable chambers. By adjusting these parameters through a control system, the device can maintain consistent pressure on the limb while ensuring secure attachment, overcoming the limitations of traditional static cuffs
2Stress or pressure
If traditional cuffs are made loose to be comfortable, then the pressure is consistent, but the cuff cannot be held securely
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable chamber system allows the cuff to dynamically adjust its tightness level. When inflation is activated, the chamber expands to provide secure holding force; when deflated, it becomes loose and comfortable. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the cuff to be both secure and comfortable at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables continuous adjustment of the cuff's pressure levels to maintain optimal conditions throughout the day. The system can continuously inflate and deflate as needed, ensuring the cuff remains both secure and comfortable without requiring removal or replacement
3Reliability
If the cuff is designed to be secure and tight, then it can be held in place, but it cannot accommodate movement and shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable chambers can expand and contract in response to body movements, allowing the cuff to accommodate changes in limb shape and size. This dynamic adaptation enables the cuff to maintain security while accommodating movement, overcoming the limitation of traditional rigid cuffs
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect limb movement and pressure levels, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback loop allows the cuff to automatically adjust its inflation levels in response to movement, ensuring it remains secure while adapting to changing body conditions
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 device maintains consistent pressure on the user's appendage by dynamically adjusting to movement, ensuring secure attachment of orthopedic braces despite changes in shape or size, enhancing comfort and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
actuation of the electrode pair directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region
Data Source
AI summary
An appendage pressurization device includes an appendage strap and one or more artificial muscles disposed in the appendage strap and communicatively coupled to a controller. Each artificial muscle includes a housing comprising an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing, the electrode pair comprising a first electrode fixed to a first surface of the housing and a second electrode fixed to a second surface of the housing, wherein the electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region. The appendage pressurization device also includes a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to output a current pressure value to the controller and actuation of the electrode pair is based on the current pressure value.