Compression Legwear Padding for Gastrocnemius Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression leg garments, such as stockings, often suffer from poor fit and comfort due to a non-circular leg cross-section, leading to uneven pressure distribution and irritation, as well as distorted patterns due to the leg's geometry.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating padding between the gastrocnemius muscle heads and along the Achilles tendon, with a design that compensates for the leg's non-circular shape, using soft materials and varying elasticity zones to ensure uniform pressure and comfort, while maintaining compressive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If compression stockings are made with uniform elastic fabric, then the garment structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressure distribution on the non-circular leg cross-section becomes uneven causing discomfort and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating padding specifically in the calf area where the gastrocnemius muscle creates pressure peaks, while other areas maintain uniform compression. The padding is positioned between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle to locally compensate for the non-circular leg cross-section without making the entire garment complex
2Ease of operation
If padding is added to compensate for non-circular leg shape, then wearing comfort and pressure uniformity improve, but the garment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression garment into distinct functional zones: a compressed knitted base fabric for general compression, and a specific padding section in the calf area with reduced elasticity. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire garment highly elastic and adding compression through tension, the patent inverts the approach by creating a less elastic padding section in the calf area that provides compression through its inherent stiffness, while other areas remain more elastic for comfort
3Ease of operation
If the fabric elasticity is increased to improve comfort, then the compression effect on the venous system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different elasticity zones: the padding section in the calf area has reduced elasticity to maintain high compression pressure where the venous system needs support, while other areas of the garment have higher elasticity for comfort and adaptability to leg movement
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 padding enhances wearing comfort by reducing local pressure peaks and achieving uniform compression, allowing for correct representation of patterns and improving blood circulation through targeted pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The padding enhances wearing comfort by reducing local pressure peaks and achieving uniform compression
Implementation Method 2
The applied pressure prevents further swelling of the limbs, improves the drainage of venous blood and lymph, and increases blood flow
Implementation Method 3
The veins located between the calf muscles and the stocking are compressed with each muscle movement, resulting in improved blood circulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Legwear (1), in particular stocking, consisting of at least one compressive knitted base part (2) which has at least one first padding (4) on the inside (3), wherein the at least one first padding (4) is designed such that it is arranged between the two muscle heads (23, 24) of the gastrocnemius muscle (22) when the legwear (1) is worn.