Single-Panel DVT Garment with Expandable Bladder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep vein thrombosis prevention garments are expensive to manufacture due to multi-layered materials and complex construction, and they do not allow for customizable compression, making them costly and inefficient for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment with an expandable bladder made from a single panel of material, using a single-layered design with Velcro fasteners for easy customization and a pump-driven air supply to provide progressive compression from the distal to proximal direction, mimicking muscle contractions to enhance blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-layered materials and complex construction are used in DVT prevention garments, then the garment provides effective compression therapy, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers into a single integrated garment structure. The compression garment incorporates an expandable bladder, air supply tube, and fastening system into one unified design that can be manufactured as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate multi-layered components while maintaining compression effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides compression therapy, houses an expandable bladder for pneumatic compression, includes integrated fastening mechanisms, and incorporates air supply pathways. This multi-functionality in a single structure reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed compression design is used in DVT prevention garments, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to customize compression for different patients is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed compression to dynamic adjustable compression by incorporating an expandable bladder that can be inflated to different pressure levels. The garment structure includes integrated air supply tubes and fastening systems that allow the compression level to be dynamically adjusted based on patient needs while maintaining a simple single-panel construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment is divided into functional segments including the expandable bladder, air supply tube, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through the single-panel construction approach.
3Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used in DVT prevention garments, then the garment can be securely adjusted, but the ease of use and quick application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from complex multi-component systems and implements it through simple integrated Velcro fasteners that are built into the garment structure. This allows for secure adjustment while enabling quick application and removal by the patient or caregiver.
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 garment effectively reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis by providing cost-efficient, customizable, and easy-to-manufacture compression therapy that promotes continuous blood flow, minimizing the formation of blood clots during periods of inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized air is supplied through a flexible air supply tube to an expandable bladder housed within a chamber formed in the central panel. As the expandable bladder inflates, it provides progressive compression from a distal to proximal direction along the limb
Implementation Method 2
The panels are secured to each other through Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A deep vein thrombosis prevention garment includes a body having a central panel, a left side panel, and a right side panel formed with a number of attachment straps having an integral fastener, such as Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners. The central panel is formed with a single air chamber containing a single expandable air bladder receiving air from a pump through a flexible air supply tube. The central panel, left side panel and right side panel are formed from a single material which does not require a skin-safe liner or other combination of materials. The single chamber with nested expandable bladder is attached to the central panel. A cover panel covers the chamber having an expandable bladder, and is attached along its perimeter to the central panel. The cover panel and the body are made from the same material which can be placed against a patient's skin.