Auto-Calibrating Pneumatic Compression Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic compression devices for treating venous insufficiency and lymphedema lack adaptability and precision in therapeutic protocols, which can be inappropriate for various pathologies, and there is a need for improved systems and methods to effectively manage fluid accumulation in different conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic compression therapy device with an inflatable compression sleeve, a fill manifold, a fluid source, cell valves, pressure sensors, and a controller that auto-calibrates based on dynamic and static pressure data to optimize fluid flow and pressure management, allowing for customizable therapeutic protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pneumatic compression device uses pre-set pressure protocols, then the device structure remains simple, but the device lacks adaptability for various pathologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment by allowing the device to modify compression pressure levels based on real-time sensor feedback and patient response, transforming a static pre-set protocol system into a dynamic adaptive system that can respond to varying therapeutic needs across different pathologies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors and control systems that continuously monitor compression effectiveness and patient response, using this feedback to automatically adjust pressure protocols, thereby enabling adaptability without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to monitor cell pressure, then pressure control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pressure sensors into the existing control system architecture, allowing the same sensing infrastructure to serve multiple functions including pressure monitoring, calibration verification, and therapeutic protocol adjustment, thereby minimizing the complexity increase from adding measurement capabilities
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed for each patient, then treatment precision is improved, but the time required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs automatic calibration procedures during the initial device setup or before treatment sessions using sensor feedback and pre-programmed protocols, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual calibration while maintaining treatment precision through automated parameter optimization
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses fixed therapeutic protocols, then the device operation remains simple, but the device cannot effectively manage different conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to automatically select and adjust therapeutic protocols based on sensor data and patient response, allowing the system to self-optimize treatment parameters without requiring complex user intervention or manual protocol selection, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving condition-specific effectiveness
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 provides precise and adaptable fluid management, enhancing the effectiveness of pneumatic compression therapy for various conditions by ensuring accurate pressure control and fluid removal, improving treatment outcomes for venous insufficiency and lymphedema.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor may be used to determine a dynamic pressure of the cell while the cell is filling, and to determine a static pressure of the cell after the inflation cycle has ceased
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
Systems for auto-calibrating a pneumatic compression system may include one or more manifolds from an inflation fluid source and one or more individually inflatable cells. One or more pressure sensors may be associated with the one or more manifolds and/or each of the individually inflatable cells. Each of the pressure sensors may provide either dynamic or static pressure data to a controller. A method for auto-calibrating the compression system may include introducing a portion of inflation fluid into a cell while measuring a dynamic cell pressure, stopping the introduction of fluid, measuring a static cell pressure, and comparing, by the computing device, the dynamic cell pressure and the static cell pressure. The comparison between dynamic and static cell pressures may be used to calculate a dynamic target cell pressure equivalent to a desired static target cell pressure.