Conductive Fastener Circuit for Compression Garment Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression systems for preventing deep vein thrombosis and improving blood circulation in immobile patients lack effective monitoring of proper garment securing, which is crucial for ensuring compliance with treatment regimens and ensuring effective compression therapy.
Innovation Solution
A compression system that integrates electrically conductive loop and hook components on the garment, forming part of an electric circuit, which, when engaged, completes a securement verification circuit, allowing the controller to determine if the garment is properly secured and monitor patient compliance by tracking the engagement of fasteners, thus ensuring proper compression treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compression systems are used without monitoring, then the treatment can be administered, but compliance with treatment regimens cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener components with electrically conductive elements to create an integrated compliance monitoring system. The loop and hook fasteners are made conductive and incorporated directly into the garment structure, so that the act of fastening the garment simultaneously completes an electrical circuit that signals compliance. This merging of fastening function and monitoring function eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices while ensuring treatment compliance.
2Loss of information
If electrically conductive fasteners are integrated into the garment, then compliance monitoring is enabled, but the garment manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components serve multiple functions: they provide the mechanical fastening action required to secure the compression garment, and simultaneously act as electrical conductors to complete the compliance monitoring circuit. This multi-functionality means that the same components used for fastening also provide the sensing capability, eliminating the need for separate sensors or conductive elements and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the conduit electrically insulates the electrically conductive portion, then electrical safety is improved, but the electrical connection reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection path from the conductive fasteners through the conduit to the controller, with the conduit providing electrical insulation along the fluid communication pathway. This segmentation allows the conductive components to be isolated from each other electrically while maintaining fluid flow, ensuring that pressurized fluid can be delivered safely without creating unwanted electrical connections or shock hazards.
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 system ensures that the compression garment is securely fastened, allowing for accurate monitoring of patient compliance and ensuring that the full treatment regimen is completed, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis by providing real-time feedback on proper engagement and securement.
Implementation Method 1
The fasteners and the conduit each include respective electrically conductive portions forming at least part of an electric circuit when the controller is operatively connected
Implementation Method 2
The electrically conductive portion in the conduit is located within a wall of the conduit such that the conduit electrically insulates the electrically conductive portion in the conduit
Implementation Method 3
The controller comprises detection circuitry for determining whether the compression garment is secured to the wearer's body based at least in part on detection of whether the electric circuit is open or closed
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for applying compression treatment to a wearer's body includes a compression garment 10 positionable on the wearer's body. The garment includes an inflatable bladder and fasteners 14, 18. The fasteners are electrically conductive and form part of an electric circuit 22. Connection of the fasteners closes the electric circuit and disconnection of the fasteners opens the circuit. A controller 5 that provides air pressure to the garment is able to detect whether the electric circuit is opened or closed. The magnitude of the measured current of the electric circuit is compared to a certain current threshold. If the current is nonzero but its magnitude is not above the threshold, an indication is produced to indicate the connection that is present is not optimal for the best compression treatment.