Compression Garment Controller Mounting Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vascular compression systems with portable controllers often result in the loss of the controller unit when the compression garment is removed, as the design does not ensure secure disconnection of the controller before garment removal, posing a risk of accidental disposal.
Innovation Solution
The compression garment and portable controller unit are configured such that the controller must be disconnected from the garment before it can be readily removed, with a secure mounting system using snap-fit connectors and a design that prevents the controller from being removed with the garment, ensuring the controller is 'first off' when removing the garment and 'last on' when applying it, along with high visibility indicators to prevent loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the portable controller unit is mounted on the compression garment for portability and convenience, then patient mobility and compliance are improved, but the controller unit is at risk of being lost when the garment is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the controller unit to be disconnected from the compression garment before the garment can be removed from the patient's body. This preliminary disconnection action prevents the controller from being accidentally discarded with the disposable garment, while still allowing the controller to be conveniently mounted on the garment during use for patient mobility
2Device complexity
If the controller unit is made portable and mountable on the compression garment, then the system complexity is reduced compared to stationary systems, but the risk of controller loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal system is designed so that disconnecting the controller unit from the compression garment is a prerequisite step before garment removal. This built-in procedural requirement ensures controllers are not lost while maintaining the simplicity and portability of the overall system design
3Ease of operation
If the compression garment is designed for easy removal after use, then patient convenience is improved, but the controller unit may be accidentally removed with the garment
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires controller disconnection as a preliminary step before garment removal can proceed. This design ensures that even though the garment itself is easy to remove, the controller cannot be accidentally discarded with it, as the disconnection step must be completed first
Solution Approach 2:
The mount structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the controller unit and the compression garment. It provides a secure attachment during use but requires intentional disconnection before garment removal, acting as a mediator that prevents accidental loss while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A compression garment assembly comprises a compression garment adapted for placement on a body part in a self-retaining configuration and for removal from the body part. The compression garment has at least one inflatable bladder for applying compression to the body part. A portable controller unit is adapted for fluid connection to the inflatable bladder and is configured for cyclically inflating the bladder. The compression garment and portable controller unit are configured so that the portable controller unit must be disconnected from the compression garment before the compression garment can be removed from the body part. Loss of the portable controller unit by, for example, accidental disposal with the compression garment is thus prevented.