Compression Garment With Adjustable Tensioners and Elastic Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing health-related devices do not effectively apply a compressive force to extremities to prevent or manage edema and phlebitis and thrombosis in a safe, sanitary, convenient, and economical manner.
Innovation Solution
A compression garment with a frustoconical configuration, featuring adjustable tensioner straps and elastic cords that pass through apertures, providing customizable compressive force to the leg, foot, and other extremities, fabricated from a laminate with inner nylon for comfort, outer brushed nylon for fastening, and middle foam for cushioning and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression garment is designed to apply compressive force to extremities, then the ability to prevent and manage edema, phlebitis, and thrombosis is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable tensioners, cords, and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment is divided into multiple sections with independent adjustable tensioners at different locations (upper thigh, lower thigh, calf, ankle). Each tensioner can be independently adjusted to apply appropriate compression force to different segments of the extremity, allowing customized compression while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms with tensioners and cords that can be modified during use. The elastic cords can be repositioned and retied to different tensioners, allowing the compression profile to be dynamically adapted to changing needs, wearers anatomy, or progression of medical conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tensioners and cords are incorporated to customize compressive force, then the adaptability to different extremities and conditions is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of adjusting multiple tensioners
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into independent tensioners, each with its own cord and fastening mechanism. This allows users to adjust only the specific segments that need modification rather than dealing with a single complex adjustment system, making the overall operation more manageable despite the multiple adjustment points
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioners and cords are designed to be self-adjusting through simple user actions. The elastic cords can be easily threaded through apertures and tied to tensioners without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, enabling users to customize the compression themselves
3Reliability
If multiple layers of material (inner nylon, outer brushed nylon, middle foam) are used, then the comfort and durability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The garment uses a composite construction with three distinct material layers: inner nylon for comfort against the skin, middle foam for cushioning and structural support, and outer brushed nylon for durability and fastening. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, and the composite structure is integrated during manufacturing to achieve the desired performance characteristics
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 garment effectively applies a compressive force to prevent and manage edema and phlebitis and thrombosis in a safe, sanitary, and economical way, offering durable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for widespread accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of cords passes through associated left and right apertures. The cords are elastic and when tensioned apply compressive force to the extremity.
Data Source
AI summary
A first section encompasses an extremity of a wearer. The compression garment has a front, a back, a left side, a right side, a top, a bottom, an interior, and an exterior. A primary fastener separably couples and uncouples an opening in the garment. An adjustment assembly has a left tensioner with secondary fasteners and a right tensioner with secondary fasteners. A plurality of left apertures are adjacent to the left tensioner. A plurality of right apertures are adjacent to the right tensioner. Each of a plurality of cords has a left end coupled to the left tensioner and a right end coupled to an associated right tensioner. Each of the plurality of cords passes through associated left and right apertures.