Convertible Compression Sleeve for Venous Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular therapy devices for preventing blood clots in immobile patients are cumbersome and uncomfortable, limiting patient mobility and compliance during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A compression apparatus with removable portions and a valve connector for quick disconnect from a pressurized fluid source, allowing for a convertible sleeve that can be easily adjusted from thigh to knee length, and featuring perforations for improved comfort and compliance, with sequential air delivery to promote blood circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-length compression sleeve is used to prevent DVT, then blood circulation is improved, but patient mobility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve is divided into modular segments (thigh portion, calf portion, ankle portion) that can be independently removed or adjusted. This allows the sleeve to be converted from full-length to partial-length configuration, maintaining blood circulation protection while improving patient mobility and comfort during recovery
2Ease of operation
If a removable portion is added to make the sleeve convertible, then comfort and mobility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal mechanism integrates the air supply line connection with the portion attachment structure. When a portion is removed, its air supply line automatically disconnects from the valve connector, combining two functions into one simple action and avoiding additional complex mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a quick disconnect valve is added to facilitate removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve connector integrates the air supply line connection with the portion attachment structure. When a portion is removed, its air supply line automatically disconnects from the valve connector, combining two functions into one simple action and avoiding additional complex mechanisms
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 apparatus reduces bulk and enhances comfort and mobility by allowing easy adjustment and continued fluid delivery, effectively preventing blood clots and improving venous return.
Implementation Method 1
A compression apparatus with removable portions and a valve connector for quick disconnect from a pressurized fluid source, allowing for a convertible sleeve that can be easily adjusted from thigh to knee length, and featuring perforations for improved comfort and compliance, with sequential air delivery to promote blood circulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression apparatus is provided that includes a sleeve configured for disposal about a limb. The sleeve includes a first portion defining a first expandable chamber and a second portion defining a second expandable chamber and a third expandable chamber. The second portion includes a connector in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and the chambers thereby facilitating fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers. The first portion is removable from the second portion. The first portion may be connected to the second portion via a perforated attachment. The sleeve may define at least one ventilation opening. The connector can communicate with the chambers via a tubular pathway. The sleeve may be convertible from a length extending from below a knee to above the knee, to a length extending solely below the knee.