Breathable Compression Sleeve With Wicking Moisture Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression devices for treating conditions like deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema are uncomfortable due to trapped moisture, non-stretchable, and bulky, leading to patient non-compliance and potential health risks.
Innovation Solution
A compression sleeve design featuring elastic inner and outer layers, wicking material to absorb and evaporate moisture, and strategically placed waterdrop-shaped openings to enhance breathability and comfort while maintaining clinical efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If impermeable sheets are used to retain fluid pressure, then compression effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to trapped moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous or breathable material to the outer sheet of the compression device, allowing moisture vapor to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity needed for compression. This resolves the contradiction by enabling moisture evacuation without compromising the device's ability to retain fluid pressure and provide effective compression therapy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If non-stretchable bladders are used to retain pressure, then compression stability is improved, but patient mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the bladder from non-stretchable to elastic material, allowing the bladder to stretch and move with the patient's limb while maintaining compression stability. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both compression stability and patient mobility through parameter modification of the bladder material.
3Stress or pressure
If fixed position bladders are used, then compression control is improved, but skin irritation worsens due to chafing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bladder dynamic by allowing it to move relative to the compression garment while maintaining compression control through the elastic material properties and structural design. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the bladder to adapt its position dynamically, reducing skin chafing while maintaining effective compression control.
4Strength
If thick rigid layers are used for durability, then device strength is improved, but device weight worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction with multiple layers of different materials, each optimized for specific functions. This allows the device to achieve necessary durability and strength without requiring excessive thickness or weight, as each layer contributes specific properties (e.g., elasticity, breathability, strength) in a coordinated manner.
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 sleeve provides improved patient comfort and compliance by effectively evaporating moisture and maintaining blood flow, addressing the limitations of existing devices in terms of breathability and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
wicking material to absorb and evaporate moisture
Implementation Method 2
elastic inner and outer layers
Data Source
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AI summary
A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The openings include at least about 4% of a total surface area of the bladder. The device also has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.