Compression Garment Strain Gauge for Accurate Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring compression levels in therapeutic compression garments are complex and costly, or prone to human error, making it difficult to ensure proper usage and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
A compression measuring device with a deformable arm and strain gauge attached to the garment fabric measures electrical resistance to determine stretch percentage, which is used in conjunction with limb dimensions to calculate compression levels, using LaPlace's Law.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct pressure measurement with pressure sensors is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic pressure sensors with a mechanical measurement system consisting of a deformable member and visual markings. The mechanical system uses the physical deformation of the deformable member under tension to indicate compression levels through visible markings, eliminating the need for electronic sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive deformable member with visual markings that can be easily manufactured and disposed of. This approach replaces expensive, complex pressure sensors with a low-cost mechanical indicator that provides sufficient measurement precision for clinical purposes without requiring expensive electronics.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement methods with visible markings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformable member as an intermediary between the compression garment and the user. This deformable member physically couples to the garment and translates garment tension into visible marking displacements, providing an objective mechanical measurement that eliminates subjective human error while keeping the system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markings on the deformable member that change position or appearance based on the level of stretch. These visual indicators provide clear, objective feedback about compression levels without requiring manual measurement or interpretation, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauge with deformable arm is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the compression garment with integrated deformable members that serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, indicate compression levels, and enable measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate installation steps and complex setup procedures while maintaining high measurement 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
Accurately monitors and ensures the application of desired compression levels by measuring tension and pressure, improving compliance and effectiveness of compression garments.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge mounted to the deformable arm and configured to measure an electrical resistance when the bridge pulls on and deforms the deformable arm
Implementation Method 2
a deformable arm cantilevered across a first end of the substrate. The deformable arm is fixed to the substrate at a fixed end and extends across the first end of the substrate to a cantilevered end of the deformable arm
Data Source
AI summary
A compression measuring device includes a substrate configured to be attached to a first location on a stretchable fabric of a worn compression garment. The compression measuring device includes a deformable arm cantilevered across a first end of the substrate, being fixed to the substrate at a fixed end and extending across the first end of the substrate to a cantilevered end of the deformable arm. The compression measuring device includes a bridge attached to the deformable arm at a first end of the bridge and extending away from the deformable arm out past a second end of the substrate. A second end of the bridge is attached to a second location on the stretchable fabric. The compression measuring device includes a strain gauge mounted to the deformable arm and configured to measure an electrical resistance when the bridge pulls on and deforms the deformable arm. The electrical resistance measurement is used to determine a percentage stretch of the stretchable fabric, which is combined with a limb measurement of a user to determine a compression level when the compression garment is worn by the user.