Compression Garment with Integrated Pockets for Thermal Pack Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot/cold pack therapies for pain relief often require individuals to hold packs in uncomfortable positions, leading to skin irritation and displacement, limiting daily activities and physical engagement.
Innovation Solution
A compression garment with integrated pockets that can accommodate hot/cold packs, providing a comfortable and secure fit around the waist, limbs, or shoulders, with zipped seam pockets for easy access and a cloth barrier to prevent skin contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hot/cold packs are held in place with bandages, wraps, and/or strapping, then the packs can be secured to the body, but it causes skin irritation, band marks, and uncomfortable rubbing against the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The garment divides the securing function into two parts: the compression garment itself provides the securing force through its elastic nature, while integrated pockets provide the interface with the thermal pack. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate bandages or straps that cause skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the securing function and the thermal pack interface into a single integrated garment structure. The pockets are built into the compression garment, merging the retention mechanism with the protective barrier, eliminating the need for separate securing elements that cause skin damage.
2Reliability
If hot/cold packs are held in place with bandages, wraps, and/or strapping, then the packs can be secured to the body, but it results in unintended displacement of the hot/cold packs
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is designed to be flexible and adaptable to body movements. The elastic material and integrated pockets dynamically adjust to maintain pack security during physical activity, preventing displacement while allowing natural body motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment uses flexible elastic material that conforms to body contours and movements. This flexibility allows the garment to securely hold the thermal pack in place while accommodating dynamic body positions during exercise or daily activities.
3Reliability
If hot/cold packs are applied directly to the skin, then the thermal therapy can be effective, but it causes burns or frostbite
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment with integrated pockets serves as an intermediary layer between the thermal pack and the skin. This intermediate barrier allows thermal energy transfer for therapeutic effect while preventing direct contact that could cause burns or frostbite.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment uses a flexible fabric barrier that permits thermal conduction for therapy effectiveness while providing sufficient insulation to prevent thermal injury to the skin. The material properties balance heat transfer needs with skin protection.
4Reliability
If individuals need to stay still or hold packs in uncomfortable positions, then the thermal therapy can be applied, but it limits daily activities and physical engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is designed to accommodate dynamic movement rather than requiring static positioning. The elastic material and integrated pockets maintain therapeutic contact during various physical activities, allowing users to remain active while receiving treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides compression therapy, secures the thermal pack, allows freedom of movement, and protects the skin. This multi-functionality enables users to engage in daily activities and exercise while receiving continuous thermal therapy.
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 users to apply thermal therapy comfortably and securely, allowing for continued physical activity while receiving pain relief without skin irritation, enhancing the usability of hot/cold pack treatments.
Implementation Method 1
Hot packs, such as heating pads or warm water bottles, provide soothing heat, while cold packs, such as ice packs, reduce inflammation and numb the affected area
Implementation Method 2
a compression garment that has an inner surface and an outer surface comprising one or more pockets
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal therapy systems comprising a compression garment that has an inner surface and an outer surface with one or more pockets, each having at least one opening and a circular pouch shape with an interior compartment functionally configured to receive and hold in place a thermal therapy pack over a target anatomical area, for example, the user's waist, a limb, a knee, ankle, elbow, or shoulder. The various embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that they can accommodate one or more hot/cold packs in compartments that can comfortably hold the hot/cold packs in place anywhere around the waist, a knee, ankle, elbow, or shoulder, and simultaneously provide a cloth barrier between the hot/cold packs and the person's skin.