Medical Compression Stockings With Ankle Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical compression stockings fail to apply uniform and accurate pressure to the lower limb, particularly at the ankle, leading to insufficient pressure and increased risk of ulceration in patients with venous insufficiency due to the irregular shape of the limb and hollow areas between the stockings and the ankle.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an auxiliary pressure part and a pressure sensing part into the medical compression stockings, where the auxiliary pressure part is designed to fill the hollow area between the medial malleolus and tibia, and the pressure sensing part uses conductive materials to monitor and ensure accurate pressure distribution in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If compression stockings are designed with a general knitting structure, then they can cover the entire lower limb, but they cannot apply uniform and accurate pressure to the ankle due to the irregular shape of the lower limb
Solution Approach 1:
The compression stocking is divided into multiple functional segments: a main body portion and a separate auxiliary pressure part. The auxiliary pressure part is specifically designed to fit the ankle region with irregular shape, while the main body provides general compression. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving pressure distribution accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the entire stocking.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the compression stocking are given different structural qualities. The auxiliary pressure part at the ankle has a specific structure designed to conform to the irregular ankle shape, while other parts of the main body have a standard knitting structure. This local differentiation ensures that pressure is applied accurately where needed (at the ankle) without compromising the overall functionality of the stocking.
2Reliability
If the compression stocking follows the irregular shape of the lower limb, then it can adapt to the limb contour, but it creates hollow areas at the ankle where pressure cannot be applied close to bones
Solution Approach 1:
The compression stocking is divided into multiple functional segments: a main body portion and a separate auxiliary pressure part. The auxiliary pressure part is specifically designed to fit the ankle region with irregular shape, while the main body provides general compression. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving pressure distribution accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the entire stocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary pressure part acts as an intermediary element between the main body of the stocking and the ankle. It fills the hollow area and bridges the gap, ensuring that pressure is transmitted effectively to the ankle bone region. This intermediary structure resolves the shape mismatch problem by providing a transitional form that conforms to both the stocking's general structure and the ankle's irregular geometry.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensing parts are integrated into the compression stocking, then real-time pressure monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing function is merged with the existing auxiliary pressure part structure. The conductive part is integrated into the auxiliary pressure part, combining the mechanical support function with the sensing function in a single component. This merging approach enables pressure monitoring without adding separate, independent sensing devices, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary pressure part is designed to serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support and pressure application to the ankle, and simultaneously serving as the housing or integration point for the pressure sensing conductive part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling advanced monitoring capabilities.
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 even pressure distribution at the ankle, preventing ulceration and allowing for real-time monitoring of pressure, ensuring comfort and accuracy, while the integrated design ensures the auxiliary pressure part remains in the correct position during use.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible conductive part senses pressure changes through changes in resistance or capacitance
Implementation Method 2
the flexible conductive part senses pressure changes through changes in resistance or capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pair of medical compression stocking, each comprising a body, an auxiliary pressure part and a present sensing part. The body is formed by means of knitting knitted yarns and inlay yarns. The auxiliary pressure part is integrated with the body, is located at an ankle of a lower limb of each medical compression stocking, and can be in contact with an ankle of a wearer. The pressure sensing part comprises a conducting part and a signal receiving part, wherein the conducting part is integrated with the body and is used for sensing pressure at a corresponding part of the medical compression stocking; and the signal receiving part can receive a signal from the conducting part, and same determines the value of the pressure from the corresponding part according to the signal.