Compression Garment Pressure Gradients for Lymphatic Fluid Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments lack effective mechanisms for dynamically controlling pressure application to facilitate lymphatic fluid movement, particularly for conditions like lymphedema, and do not provide intuitive user interfaces for therapy configuration and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A compression garment system with controllable pressure applying regions, controlled by a controller, that applies sequential or non-sequential pressure gradients to move lymph, combined with a graphical user interface for configuration and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments use inflatable chambers to provide compression therapy, then the ability to apply dynamic pressure gradients is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is divided into multiple inflatable chambers that can be independently controlled. Each chamber can be inflated or deflated separately to create sequential pressure gradients along the limb, enabling dynamic control of lymphatic fluid movement while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment transitions from static to dynamic pressure application through programmable inflation sequences. The controller can adjust pressure levels, inflation timing, and chamber activation patterns to adapt to different therapy requirements and patient needs, enhancing versatility
2Reliability
If compression garments include multiple inflatable chambers for therapy, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment system automatically manages the complex multi-chamber inflation sequences without requiring direct user intervention. The controller autonomously executes therapy programs, monitors chamber pressures, and adjusts operation based on preset parameters, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while simplifying user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
Therapy programs and chamber inflation sequences are pre-configured before use. Users can select from predefined therapy modes that automatically set the appropriate inflation patterns for different conditions, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex multi-chamber sequences
3Device complexity
If compression garments lack user interface for therapy configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages chamber inflation, displays therapy status, allows program selection, and provides user feedback through various interfaces. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive therapy control and user interaction without requiring separate dedicated devices, balancing complexity and operability
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
Effectively manages lymphatic fluid movement by applying dynamic pressure gradients, providing therapeutic benefits for conditions like lymphedema, and offers user-friendly interface for therapy customization and status display.
Implementation Method 1
the garments may include inflatable chambers or cells (or other actuatable elements) to provide compression therapy to patients... These compression garments may be placed around at least a portion of an individual's body for use in applying pressure to the body at one or more body regions
Data Source
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AI summary
Compression garment systems and methods of filling at least one fluid cell of a compression garment are disclosed. The systems comprise a manifold (72) operably couplable to at least one fluid cell of a compression garment, a pump (70) operably coupled to the manifold (72) to deliver fluid to the at least one fluid cell, and a controller configured to: provide a target pressure for each of the at least one fluid cell; provide an adjustable manifold pressure for each of the at least one fluid cell; deliver fluid using the pump (70) to the at least one fluid cell until the pressure in the manifold (72) is equal to the adjustable manifold pressure; measure the pressure in the manifold (72) after the pump (70) has stopped delivering fluid to the at least one fluid cell; increase the adjustable manifold pressure and continue to deliver fluid using the pump (70) to the at least one fluid cell until the pressure in the manifold (72) is equal to the increased adjustable manifold pressure in response the pressure in the manifold (72) being less than the target pressure; and decrease the adjustable manifold pressure in response the pressure in the manifold (72) being greater than the target pressure.