Foot Pump Compression Device for Extremity Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving extremity circulation, such as compression devices, are inadequate in efficiently promoting blood flow against gravity and addressing increased oxygen and waste removal demands during exercise, post-trauma, or medical conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wearable compression device with a support member and chamber members that cyclically compress and release the extremity using a foot pump, allowing pressure changes to enhance blood circulation, featuring a system of fluidly connected chambers and a bladder embedded in footwear to facilitate pressure adjustment through user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compression wraps with fluid-filled bladders are used to cyclically compress the extremity, then blood circulation is improved, but the device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device utilizes the user's own body weight and movement to power the compression mechanism. The flexible bladder is positioned to be compressed by the user's body during natural movement, which automatically pressurizes the fluid and forces it through the delivery tube into the extremity, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex pumping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs fluid pressure transmission through a flexible bladder and delivery tube to transmit mechanical compression force from the user's body movement to the extremity. The fluid acts as a medium to transfer and amplify the compression effect, enabling cyclic compression without mechanical pumps or motors.
2Ease of operation
If discrete fluid-filled bladders with constant pressure are placed around the wrap, then comfort and stability are improved, but the ability to dynamically respond to circulation needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compression pressure is made dynamic by positioning the flexible bladder to be compressed by the user's body during natural movement. This converts static constant-pressure bladders into dynamic variable-pressure systems that automatically adjust compression levels based on the user's movement state, enhancing both comfort and adaptive circulation support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device leverages the periodic nature of natural body movement to create cyclic compression and decompression phases. As the user moves periodically, the bladder is compressed and releases fluid in rhythmic cycles, providing periodic compression therapy that mimics natural muscle pump action and enhances blood flow without requiring external control 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 device effectively improves blood circulation, provides pain relief, and supports recovery by cyclically compressing and releasing the extremity, enhancing oxygen delivery and waste removal, suitable for various conditions including exercise and post-medical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The foot pump member is operable to change a pressure inside the chambers as a result of being stepped upon by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compressing an extremity of a user includes a wearable support member operable to be worn on the extremity of the user. The device also includes a plurality of chamber members that are arranged across and coupled to the support member. The chamber members each have a respective chamber therein. The chamber is at least partially defined by a base wall that is disposed adjacent the support member, a side wall that is attached to and that extends away from the base wall, and a top wall that is attached to the side wall and that is spaced away from the base wall. Furthermore, a foot pump member is operable to be disposed underneath a foot of the user. The foot pump member is operable to change a pressure inside the chambers as a result of being stepped upon by the user.