Multi-Chamber Compression Pump Assembly for Tailored Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression therapy devices lack the ability to provide customizable and efficient pressure application to specific body parts, limiting their effectiveness in enhancing blood flow, reducing swelling, and aiding recovery.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with inflatable sections and valves that allow independent control of air pressure in each chamber, enabling customizable inflation and deflation sequences, combined with a user interface for personalized therapy settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump system is used for compression therapy, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to provide customizable and efficient pressure application to specific body parts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is divided into multiple independent inflatable chambers, each with its own pump assembly. This segmentation allows each chamber to be controlled independently for customized pressure application to different body parts, while maintaining modular design that manages overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each pump assembly is configured to provide different pressure levels and inflation/deflation sequences to specific chambers based on local therapy requirements. The system allows different portions of the body to receive tailored compression therapy simultaneously, with each chamber having independent pressure control
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves are used for independent chamber control, then customizable inflation and deflation sequences are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly incorporates universal control mechanisms that can manage multiple chambers through coordinated valve operation. The system uses a standardized valve interface design that allows the same pump assembly to control different chambers with varying pressure requirements, reducing the need for completely separate control systems for each chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic inflation and deflation sequences through automated valve control, creating rhythmic compression therapy patterns. The valves operate in coordinated cycles to inflate and deflate chambers in specific sequences, providing therapeutic benefit while simplifying user operation through automated periodic action
3Measurement precision
If isolated pressure systems are used for each chamber, then precise pressure control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmented inflatable chambers that are manufactured as separate components and then assembled together. Each chamber can be independently tested and validated for pressure control precision before final assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precise isolated pressure control in the finished product
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple chamber assemblies are merged into a single integrated device with a common pump assembly. The manufacturing process combines separately manufactured chamber units with a centralized pump system, allowing each chamber to maintain isolated pressure control while benefiting from standardized assembly procedures that reduce overall manufacturing complexity
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
Enables precise control over pressure application, enhancing blood flow, reducing swelling, and accelerating recovery by allowing users to tailor therapy protocols to their needs.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to generate air pressure
Implementation Method 2
a positive-flow valve in fluid communication with the pump and configured to provide positive pressure to the port, and a negative-flow valve in fluid communication with the pump and configured to provide negative pressure to the port
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part includes a sleeve configured to at least partially surround a body part. The sleeve can include a plurality of inflatable sections and a pump assembly. The pump assembly can include a pump and a plurality of channels. Each channel can be configured to be in fluid communication with the pump and a respective inflatable section, wherein each channel can include a supply valve configured to regulate air entering the respective inflatable section and a release valve configured to regulate air exiting the respective inflatable section.