Compression Therapy Controller Using Randomized Deflated Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression therapy systems use fixed cycle times, which are not optimal for all patients, leading to inefficiencies in blood circulation and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially in patients with varying physiologies and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compression therapy system with a controller that randomly varies the deflated time of each cycle within a defined range, using pseudorandom values to ensure that no two sequential cycles have the same deflated time, thereby accommodating individual patient needs and improving blood flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cycle times are used in compression therapy systems, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment efficacy is reduced for patients with varying physiologies
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the deflated time of compression cycles by introducing random variations around a baseline value. This allows the system to adapt to different patient physiologies without requiring complex monitoring equipment, as the randomization inherently provides variability needed for different venous refill times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter (deflated time) of the compression cycles by applying random variations. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate different patient needs while maintaining a relatively simple controller structure that only needs to implement random number generation and basic timing control.
2Productivity
If fixed deflated times are used for all cycles, then system operation is simplified, but blood circulation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic compression cycles with randomly varied deflated times. This periodic action maintains the fundamental rhythm needed for effective compression therapy while introducing variability in the deflated phase to optimize blood circulation efficiency for different patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a feedback mechanism where the random deflated time values are selected based on patient response and circulation needs. The controller adjusts subsequent cycle timings based on observed effects, creating a feedback loop that optimizes blood circulation without requiring complex monitoring infrastructure.
3Reliability
If random variation in deflated time is implemented, then treatment efficacy is improved for varying patient conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves itself by generating random deflated time values without requiring external input or complex decision-making algorithms. This self-service approach improves treatment efficacy through variability while keeping the device complexity low, as the randomization process is inherently simple to implement.
4Productivity
If uniform compression cycles are applied to all patients, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but treatment effectiveness varies across patient populations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by tailoring the deflated time parameter to individual patient needs through random variation. Each patient receives a customized timing pattern within the compression cycles, improving treatment effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for promoting vascular circulation, including a garment configured to at least partially surround an anatomical structure of a patient. A compression element is coupled to the garment and configured to compress at least a portion of the anatomical structure when the compression element is actuated. A controller is configured to selectively actuate the compression element over a plurality of cycles. Each cycle has an actuated time during which the compression element is arranged to exert a first pressure and an unactuated time during which the compression element is arranged to exert a second pressure different than the first pressure, and the controller is configured to use a random value in determining the deflated time of one or more of the cycles.