Compression Article Memory for First Wear Date Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing compression articles, such as those treating venous insufficiency, lack effective methods for tracking the first wear date and ensuring timely replacement, which is crucial for maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a data storage memory in compression articles that records the first wear date and transfers this information to a separate electronic device, allowing for monitoring and notification when the article needs to be replaced, without the need for sensors or batteries, using RFID or NFC for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface sensors and clocks are integrated into the article to detect and time-stamp wearing data, then the measurement precision and reliability of wear detection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing and time-stamping functions from the compression article itself, placing them in a separate wearable electronic device. The article only contains a simple machine-readable label, while the complex sensor array, clock, and processing functions reside in the external device that detects the label and records wear data with timestamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a machine-readable label as an intermediary between the compression article and the electronic sensing device. The label contains identification data that the wearable device reads to associate sensor data with the correct article, enabling tracking without embedding complex electronics in the article itself.
2Ease of operation
If RFID tags are integrated into each item for identification and pairing, then the ease of operation for matching items is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a machine-readable label that contains copied identification data representing the article's identity and pairing information. Instead of embedding RFID tags directly in the compression article, the article carries a simplified label that the electronic device reads to identify and pair items, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining pairing functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the article includes a battery and electronic components for data storage and communication, then the functionality and monitoring capability are improved, but the weight and comfort for the wearer deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two distinct components: a lightweight compression article containing only a simple machine-readable label, and a separate wearable electronic device containing the battery, sensors, and processing components. This segmentation allows the article to remain light and comfortable while the electronic device provides the necessary monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts all heavy electronic components (battery, sensors, processor) from the compression article and places them in a separate wearable device. The article itself contains only a lightweight machine-readable label, eliminating the weight burden while preserving monitoring capabilities through the external device that reads the label and collects data.
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
Facilitates treatment monitoring and ensures timely replacement of compression articles, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness by maintaining optimal performance over a predefined period.
Implementation Method 1
The item is equipped with RFID or NFC communication means with the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
The item is equipped with RFID or NFC communication means with the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compression and/or contention item (1) that is designed to be fitted to a limb of a wearer, in particular for treating venous insufficiency, the item (1) incorporating a memory (3) for storing data (D), which data can be read and in some cases written by a separate electronic device (4), the memory (3) including at least one datum for identifying the item (1), characterized in that the memory (3) is configured to record a date (D24) on which the item (1) is first worn, in an activation operation that is carried out on the day the item (1) is first worn and that comprises a transfer of data (T), including the date (D24) on which the item (1) is first worn, from the electronic device (4) to the memory (3). The invention also relates to a pair (2) of items (1). The invention also relates to a system and a method for managing the wearing of an item (1).