Compression Hosiery Nonlinear Gradient Venous Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compression hosiery designs are imperfectly structured to address the anatomical differences between the lower and upper leg, leading to discomfort and reduced efficacy in simulating the body's venous valve system, resulting in inadequate venous return and compliance issues.

Innovation Solution

A compression hosiery with a nonlinear pressure gradient that mimics the natural valve distribution, featuring steeper slopes from ankle to knee and gentler slopes from knee to thigh, with multiple zones of varying compression to accommodate individual anatomy, and extending above the tibial plateau to maintain compression without constrictive effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a linear compression gradient is applied from ankle to groin, then the garment structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to simulate the natural valve distribution and causes discomfort at the knee

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegarment structure simplicityVSAvoidvenous return efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compression gradient is divided into multiple segments: a first compression zone from ankle to knee with a first gradient, and a second compression zone from knee to groin with a second gradient. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently to match the anatomical valve distribution, improving venous return efficacy while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different compression gradients are applied to different anatomical regions based on local physiological needs. The first zone (ankle to knee) has a steeper gradient to compensate for the higher density of valves in the lower leg, while the second zone (knee to groin) has a gentler gradient. This local differentiation improves overall effectiveness without requiring complete redesign of the entire garment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If compression hosiery extends to knee-high design ending at tibial plateau, then the garment coverage is adequate for lower leg support, but it creates constrictive effects and discomfort at the knee joint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegarment coverage areaVSAvoidwearer comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression gradient is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with the rate of compression change varying by anatomical region. The gradient slope is steeper in the lower leg and gentler near the knee joint, allowing the garment to adapt to the changing anatomy and avoid constrictive effects at the knee while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compression gradient follows the natural curvature and contour of the leg anatomy, particularly around the knee joint. By transitioning the gradient slope gradually rather than creating sharp edges at the tibial plateau, the garment conforms to the curved anatomy, reducing constriction and improving comfort while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If a uniform compression gradient slope is applied throughout the garment, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but it does not account for the different valve densities in lower and upper leg

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression gradient structureVSAvoidanatomical simulation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compression gradient structure is segmented into distinct zones with different gradient characteristics. The first zone (ankle to knee) has a steeper gradient to match the higher valve density in the lower leg, while the second zone (knee to groin) has a gentler gradient. This segmentation improves anatomical simulation accuracy without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes, as each zone can be produced using standard techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression gradient parameters (slope and rate of change) are varied by anatomical zone to match physiological requirements. The gradient slope is increased in the lower leg region and decreased in the upper leg region, creating a multi-parameter gradient structure that accurately simulates valve distribution while remaining manufacturable through controlled parameter adjustments during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9777413B2Compression knitted article

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 MESSIER ROBERT H

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a compression hosiery designed to be worn on a human leg. The compression hosiery includes a first portion adapted for a lower portion of a human leg and having a first pressure gradient slope and a second portion adapted for an upper portion of a human leg and having a second pressure gradient slope. The pressure gradient slopes generally decrease in a direction from the first portion to the second portion such that the compressive forces at the first portion are greater than the compressive forces at the second portion when the hosiery is worn.