Compression Garment Shape Memory Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments that provide active compression are often bulky and non-portable, limiting user comfort and mobility, as they typically rely on pneumatic technology.
Innovation Solution
A compression garment incorporating a flex frame and shape memory material that applies active compression through morphological changes in response to current and temperature, allowing for lightweight and portable wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic technology is used to provide active compression, then compression effectiveness is improved, but device weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic mechanical system with a shape memory material-based system. The shape memory material directly generates compression force through its phase transition properties, eliminating the need for pneumatic pumps, valves, and tubing. This substitution dramatically reduces device weight while maintaining compression effectiveness, as the shape memory material integrates both the actuator and compression application functions into a single lightweight component.
2Reliability
If pneumatic technology is used to provide active compression, then compression effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pneumatic system components into a single integrated shape memory material structure. The shape memory material simultaneously serves as the actuator, the compression source, and the structural element, eliminating the need for separate pneumatic pumps, control valves, and tubing. This merging dramatically simplifies the device architecture while preserving compression effectiveness.
3Weight of moving object
If shape memory material is used, then device weight and portability are improved, but compression control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the shape memory material's phase transition behavior to achieve precise compression control. By carefully selecting and controlling the transition temperature, strain magnitude, and response time parameters of the shape memory material, the system achieves accurate and repeatable compression levels despite the material's inherent non-linearity. This parameter-based control approach enables lightweight design without sacrificing compression precision.
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 enables comfortable and mobile active compression, benefiting medical conditions and athletic recovery by providing effective circulation enhancement without the bulk of traditional pneumatic devices.
Implementation Method 1
A compression garment incorporating a flex frame and shape memory material that applies active compression through morphological changes in response to current and temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
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.