Compression Garment With Segmented Thermal Pockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression garments fail to target specific areas of the body effectively with compression and do not provide thermal treatments beneath high compression areas, limiting their ability to treat joint and muscle ailments efficiently.

Innovation Solution

Design of compression garments with strategically placed high compression materials and pockets for heat/cold packs, allowing for targeted thermal therapy under compression to treat specific injuries and conditions such as tennis elbow, knee issues, and ankle sprains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If compression garments use uniform compression materials throughout, then the garment structure is simple, but specific injury areas cannot receive targeted compression and thermal treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted compression capabilityVSAvoidgarment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression garment is divided into multiple zones with different compression levels. High compression panels are strategically positioned over specific injury areas (e.g., knee, elbow, ankle) while other areas have lower compression. This segmentation allows targeted treatment without requiring complete redesign of the entire garment structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the garment have different material properties and compression characteristics. High compression materials are used only where needed for specific injuries, while other areas use standard compression materials. This local differentiation provides targeted therapy while maintaining overall garment simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If compression garments do not include thermal therapy components, then the garment design is simple, but the ability to treat joint and muscle ailments is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal therapy capabilityVSAvoidgarment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression garment is merged with thermal therapy components by integrating heat/cold packs into the garment structure. These thermal components are positioned within the high compression panels, combining mechanical compression and thermal therapy into a single integrated system that treats injuries more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression garment serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical compression support, accommodates removable heat/cold packs for thermal therapy, and can be adjusted for different injury locations. This multi-functionality allows a single garment design to address various joint and muscle ailments without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If compression garments apply compression uniformly across all areas, then the manufacturing process is simple, but specific injury areas cannot receive enhanced compression for effective treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression targeting accuracyVSAvoidgarment production

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The garment is constructed with segmented panels of different compression materials in standardized configurations. Each panel is pre-designed for specific body locations (knee, elbow, ankle, etc.), allowing manufacturers to produce modular components that can be assembled through standard sewing processes, balancing precision with ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 pain relief, support, and accelerated healing for targeted areas by combining compression with thermal therapy, enhancing recovery and preventing injuries in both young and older individuals.

Implementation Method 1

The sleeve is formed of an elastic material configured to apply a first level of compression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

one or more particularly shaped layers of high compression material configured to apply a second level of compression that is greater than the first level of compression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

pockets underneath those compression areas, which pockets receive heat and/or cold packs that are inserted externally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11839570B1Compression garments

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 PREFERRED IND INC

AI summary

A brace includes: an elastic sleeve that applies a first level of compression, and extends above a body part to a first end. A first pocket in the sleeve overlies an area to be treated, and receives a corresponding thermal pack (i.e., a heat pack or cold pack). At least a second pocket is formed as a curved pocket to encircle a portion of the body part, to overlie at least a portion of the body part, and also receives a thermal pack. Alternatively, second and third pockets may both be formed in the sleeve to receive thermal packs that respectively. High compression material reinforces the ends and overlies each of the pockets, while encircling portions of the body part.