Compression Garment Flex Frame Shape Memory Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments that provide active compression for medical and athletic purposes are often bulky and non-portable, limiting user comfort and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A compression garment incorporating a flex frame, shape memory material, and control module that applies active compression using morphological changes in response to current and temperature, allowing for lightweight and portable wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional pneumatic compression devices are used to provide active compression, then effective compression force is achieved, but device bulk and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional pneumatic mechanical compression systems with an electroactive polymer-based actuation system. The electroactive polymer material directly converts electrical energy to mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for bulky pneumatic pumps, valves, and air reservoirs. This substitution enables effective compression force generation while dramatically reducing device volume and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the unique property of electroactive polymers that change their physical state (from relaxed to contracted) in response to electrical parameter changes. By applying voltage to the electroactive polymer, the material undergoes a parameter change that directly produces compression force, replacing complex mechanical parameter adjustments with simple electrical control.
2Volume of moving object
If shape memory material is used to provide active compression, then device portability is improved, but compression control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that includes compression sensors to monitor the actual compression force applied to the user's body. This feedback information is fed back to the control module, which adjusts the electrical parameters applied to the electroactive polymer in real-time to achieve the desired compression level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise compression control despite the inherent non-linearity of shape memory material response.
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 solution provides effective active compression while enhancing user comfort and mobility, benefiting medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and muscle recovery for athletes, by using a flexible and adaptable design.
Implementation Method 1
A compression garment incorporating a flex frame, shape memory material, and control module that applies active compression using morphological changes in response to current and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a compression garment can include one or more of a flex frame, a shape memory material, a backing, and a control module. In some variations, the flex frame can include a set of support regions, a set of cutout regions, a set of bridges, one or more terminals, and one or more rotation points. In some variations, the compression garment 100 can further include a fabric sleeve, one or more fasteners, a power module, and/or any other suitable component. The compression garment functions as a compression device (e.g., to improve circulation, enhance muscle recovery, etc.), and can additionally or alternatively function as a passive compression device, a heating and/or cooling device, or perform any other suitable functionality.