Compression Device With Segmented Air Pockets For Independent Limb Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression devices fail to provide suitable pressure distribution across different parts of a human limb due to a single air bag or multiple air bags connected to the same pump, leading to inadequate compression and massage effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A compression device with a main body, valve assembly, and wrap featuring multiple isolated air pockets connected to independent air connectors, allowing for independent control of pressure in each pocket to compress specific limb portions and provide a massage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air bag is used to wrap the human limb, then the device structure is simple, but the pressure distribution is uniform and cannot provide suitable pressure for each part of the limb
Solution Approach 1:
The air bag is divided into multiple pockets that are isolated from each other, allowing independent pressure control for different parts of the limb. Each pocket can be inflated or deflated separately to provide customized pressure distribution according to the varying dimensions of different limb sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pockets are designed to apply different pressure levels to different parts of the limb based on local requirements. The valve assembly enables independent control of each pocket, allowing the system to adapt pressure locally to match the varying circumference and compression needs of different limb segments.
2Device complexity
If multiple air bags are connected to the same air pump, then the device structure is simpler, but the pressures in multiple air bags are still the same and cannot be controlled independently
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent valve units, each controlling a specific pocket. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a relatively simple overall structure while enabling independent pressure control for each pocket, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary between the air pump and the multiple pockets. It distributes air from the single pump to individual pockets independently, allowing one pump to control multiple pockets with different pressure levels without requiring multiple pumps.
3Ease of operation
If each air bag is connected to a respective air pump to control pressure independently, then independent pressure control is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and cumbrous
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve units are combined into a single integrated valve assembly that interfaces with one air pump. This merging approach allows independent pressure control for each pocket while using a single pump instead of multiple pumps, significantly reducing device weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single air pump is designed to serve multiple pockets through the valve assembly, making it a universal component that performs the function of multiple pumps. The valve assembly enables one pump to independently control pressure in multiple pockets, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
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
Enables customized compression and massage of specific limb parts, enhancing relaxation and recovery by allowing independent control of pressure in each pocket, while also serving as a cold compress.
Implementation Method 1
The air pump is configured to draw air into the wrap through the tubes. Therefore, with the wrap covering a human limb, the air pumped into the wrap can compress the covered part of the human limb.
Implementation Method 2
The water bag contains water and ice and may be arranged between the wrap and the human limb. Thus, the covered part of the human limb is compressed and cooled.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression device has a main body and a wrap. The main body has an air pump and a valve assembly. The valve assembly has a manifold, multiple first valves, and multiple air connectors. The manifold connects the air pump and the first valves. The air connectors are connected to the first valves respectively. The wrap is used for wrapping a human limb and has an air bag. The air bag has multiple pockets. The pockets are isolated from each other and connected to the air connectors respectively. Thus, each pocket can compress a part of the human limb independently. With the independent pockets, the compression device may compress a specified part of the human limb rather than the whole wrapped human limb. Moreover, with the pockets independently compressing and relaxing, the wrapped human limb may experience a massage, which helps the wrapped human limb to relax and recover.