Compression Sleeve Gusset Reduces Zipper Closing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression devices with zippers are difficult to close under tension, making it challenging to apply high levels of compression effectively, especially for body parts like limbs, torsos, and heads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an expandable gusset with a releasable closure system, such as a secondary zipper, that allows the sleeve to expand when opened, reducing the force needed to close the main zipper and apply compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a zipper is used as a closure mechanism for a compression sleeve, then the sleeve can be easily opened and closed, but the force required to close the zipper becomes excessively high under compression tension
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two independent zippers: a main zipper for opening/closing the sleeve and a secondary zipper for adjusting the gusset. This segmentation allows the closing force to be distributed across two separate closure mechanisms rather than concentrating all tension on a single zipper, making the device easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset is designed as an expandable dynamic element that can change size based on the compression level required. When the secondary zipper is opened, the gusset expands to increase sleeve width; when closed, it reduces to provide compression. This dynamic adjustment allows the sleeve to accommodate different compression forces without requiring excessive closing force.
2Reliability
If high levels of compression are applied to the body part, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of closing the zipper increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is managed through two separate zipper systems that can be independently adjusted. The main zipper provides the primary closure, while the secondary zipper on the gusset allows for fine-tuning of compression levels. This segmentation enables effective high compression to be achieved without requiring the single main zipper to overcome excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression level is controlled by changing the physical state of the gusset through the secondary zipper mechanism. By opening or closing the secondary zipper, the gusset expands or contracts, thereby adjusting the compression parameter applied to the body part. This allows therapeutic compression effectiveness to be achieved through parameter adjustment rather than through excessive closing force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sleeve width is increased to accommodate swelling, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but the force required to close the main zipper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The width adjustment function is segregated into a dedicated gusset with its own secondary zipper, separate from the main closure system. This allows the sleeve width to be adjusted independently of the main compression force application. When the secondary zipper is opened, the gusset expands to increase width for comfort and adaptability without increasing the force required on the main zipper.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset acts as an intermediary element between the user's body and the main compression sleeve. It provides a buffer zone that can expand or contract as needed, mediating between the need for width adjustability and the need to maintain manageable closing forces on the main zipper.
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
Significantly decreases the force required to close the compression device, enabling easier application and increased comfort while maintaining effective compression therapy for oedema and venous lymphatic disorders.
Implementation Method 1
at least one expandable gusset provided with a releasable closure system extending along the length of said gusset, said gusset and releasable closure system being configured and arranged, such that when said releasable closure system is closed said gusset is prevented from expansion and when said releasable closure system is opened said gusset is allowed to expand
Data Source
AI summary
A compression device for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression device comprises a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the body part of a user. The sleeve has an upper edge, a lower edge and an opening extending from its upper edge to its lower edge, said opening having two side edges. The first side edge is provided with one half of a zipper and the second side edge is provided with a complementary half of said zipper. The sleeve includes at least one expandable gusset provided with a releasable closure system extending along the length of said gusset, said gusset and releasable closure system being configured and arranged, such that when said releasable closure system is closed said gusset is prevented from expansion and when said releasable closure system is opened said gusset is allowed to expand.