Compression Garment Transition Zones for Pressure Gradient

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Standard compression garments experience abrupt changes in compression pressure, causing discomfort and restricting circulation, especially for elderly or handicapped individuals, and can exacerbate medical issues due to uneven pressure distribution.

Innovation Solution

Compression articles with at least two uniform compression regions and a transitioning region that includes a compression pressure gradient, minimizing abrupt changes in pressure through varying yarn concentrations and types, allowing for a tailored and seamless compression profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard compression garments are designed with uniform compression sections, then manufacturing is simplified, but abrupt pressure changes cause discomfort and restrict circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomfort and circulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the yarn composition and stretch characteristics in different sections of the compression garment. Specifically, different knit structures and yarn blends are used in transition zones versus uniform compression zones, allowing each region to have optimized properties for its specific function while maintaining overall garment coherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The compression garment is segmented into distinct functional zones: uniform compression sections for therapeutic pressure application and transition sections with gradient compression for comfort. This segmentation allows the garment to simultaneously provide medical efficacy and wearability by addressing different physiological needs in different body regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If compression garments have abrupt pressure changes between sections, then compression dosage is achieved, but comfort and ease of application deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression dosageVSAvoidcomfort and ease of application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Transition sections act as intermediary zones between uniform compression regions. These sections use gradient yarn compositions and progressive stretch characteristics to mediate the pressure transition, preventing abrupt changes while maintaining the overall compression gradient needed for therapeutic effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If compression garments use seams and joints for construction, then manufacturing is easier, but circulation restriction and discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing feasibilityVSAvoidcirculation restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple garment sections into a seamless construction using circular knitting technology. This eliminates traditional seams and joints that would create localized pressure points and circulation restrictions, while maintaining the ability to create different compression zones through yarn and stitch variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a comfortable and effective compression profile with smooth transitions in pressure, reducing discomfort and the risk of circulation restriction, while allowing for ease of application and tailored compression pressure distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the second uniform compression region comprises a second yarn, and the first transitioning region comprises a blend of at least the first yarn and the second yarn to define the compression pressure gradient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11560651B2Compression fabrics with tailored comfort

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 MYANT CAPITAL PARTNERS

AI summary

Certain embodiments according to the invention provide compression articles suitable for a wide variety of uses (e.g., compression socks, athletic garments, etc.). In accordance with certain embodiments, the compression article includes at least two uniform compression regions, including a first uniform compression region having a first compression pressure and a second uniform compression region having a second compression pressure, and at least one transitioning compression region, including a first transitioning compression region positioned between the first and second uniform compression regions. The first transitioning compression region comprises a first end adjacent or proximate to the first uniform compression region and a second end adjacent or proximate to the second uniform compression region. The first transitioning compression region comprises a compression pressure gradient extending from the first end to the second end of the first transitioning compression region.