Elastic Cooling Undergarment With Front Pack Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-vasectomy care methods, such as wearing tight-fitting underwear and applying ice packs, are cumbersome and uncomfortable, and there is a need for a more efficient way to provide compression and cooling to the surgical area without requiring frequent garment removal.
Innovation Solution
An elastically biased undergarment with a specially shaped holding pocket for a cooling pack that automatically positions itself over the surgical area, allowing easy insertion and removal of the pack without removing the garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patients wear tight-fitting underwear and apply ice packs separately, then compression and cooling are provided to the surgical area, but the process becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable requiring frequent garment removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression garment and cooling pack into a single integrated unit. The holding pocket is built into the garment structure, allowing the cooling pack to be inserted and secured without removing the garment. This merging eliminates the need for separate application of compression and cooling, reducing the frequency of garment removal while maintaining both functions' effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling pack is nested within a holding pocket that is integrated into the garment structure. The pocket is configured to receive and secure the cooling pack in position, allowing the cooling element to be contained within the garment without requiring the garment itself to be removed for replacement.
2Temperature
If a conventional rectangular gel pack is used, then cooling is provided, but it does not automatically position itself over the surgical area and requires frequent garment removal for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling pack is designed with a curved shape that matches the contours of the human body and the holding pocket. This curved geometry allows the cooling pack to automatically position itself over the surgical area when inserted, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and reducing the need for frequent garment removal for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling pack features an asymmetric design with a tapered leading end and a broader rear portion. This asymmetric shape provides visual guidance for correct insertion orientation and ensures proper positioning over the surgical area. The tapered end facilitates easy insertion while the broader rear portion provides stability and comfort during wear.
3Ease of operation
If the holding pocket is made accessible on the front wall, then cooling pack replacement is simplified, but the pocket must be strategically positioned to cover the surgical area
Solution Approach 1:
The holding pocket is strategically positioned on the front wall of the garment in a location that simultaneously provides accessibility for the user and ensures proper coverage of the surgical area. The pocket's location on the front wall allows easy access while its positioning and shape ensure it covers the scrotal area appropriately when the garment is worn.
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 undergarment provides continuous compression and targeted cooling to the surgical area, enhancing patient comfort by minimizing discomfort and swelling while simplifying the process of replacing cooling packs.
Implementation Method 1
The body of the garment is formed of elastic material. By elastic material herein is meant woven or knitted textile fabric or non woven fabric which includes an elastic material or yarn such as spandex and similar elastic material in the weave or knit. Further is meant that the elastic material will elongate when stretched in at least two opposing directions and preferably in four opposing directions, and once elongated will bias inward opposite the direction which the garment is stretched outward. This inward bias or retraction of the elastic material acts to provide the desired compression to the surgical area of the user wearing the garment.
Implementation Method 2
The holding pocket is sized for insertion of a cooling pack therein used in combination with the garment. While the holding pocket will accommodate and hold a conventional rectangular gel pack used for the transmission of heat or cold
Data Source
AI summary
An undergarment is provided which provides for concurrent communication of compression and cold temperature to a surgical area of a vasectomy patient. The undergarment is formed of elastic material which will impart compression when stretched. A holding pocket on a front portion of the undergarment body accepts a removably engageable cooling pack which when positioned within the holding pocket will communicate cold temperatures to the surgical area.