Compression Garment Controller Pressure Gradient Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vascular compression systems face challenges in consistently applying a target therapeutic pressure gradient due to variations in garment application, limb size, and wearer activity, leading to disparities between intended and actual pressure gradients.

Innovation Solution

A compression device controller with a pressurized fluid source, manifold, pressure sensor, and two-way valves, which directs fluid to inflatable bladders sequentially and adjusts pressure based on measured signals to maintain a predetermined pressure gradient, allowing for independent measurement and control of each bladder's pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a compression garment is used to apply pressure gradient to a limb, then blood circulation is enhanced and DVT risk is decreased, but the actual pressure gradient applied may vary from the target gradient due to garment application manner, limb size/shape, and wearer activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure gradient consistencyVSAvoidadaptability to garment fit variations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pressure sensors in each bladder to measure actual pressure, and the controller uses this feedback to adjust pump operation and valve timing, thereby maintaining the target pressure gradient despite variations in garment fit, limb size, or wearer activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the inflation sequence and pressure levels of individual bladders based on real-time pressure sensor readings, allowing the compression garment to adapt to changing physiological conditions and maintain therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If multiple bladders are inflated simultaneously, then compression coverage is increased, but pressure control precision for each bladder is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression coverage areaVSAvoidpressure measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the compression garment into multiple independently controllable bladders, each with its own pressure sensor and valve control, allowing precise individual pressure control while maintaining comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of all bladders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller inflates bladders in a sequential periodic manner, measuring pressure in each bladder during its inflation phase and adjusting subsequent inflation based on measured values, thereby maintaining precision while achieving full coverage through systematic progression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If the pump delivers fluid to all bladders simultaneously, then fluid delivery speed is maximized, but pressure gradient control is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery speedVSAvoidpressure gradient control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fluid delivery process by controlling valve opening sequences to deliver fluid to one bladder at a time, allowing the pump to maintain high delivery speed while the controller precisely controls pressure gradient by timing and sequencing the fluid delivery to each specific bladder

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution ensures a robust and consistent application of therapeutic pressure gradients, reducing the likelihood of undesirable pressure variations and enabling efficient fluid use, even with changes in garment fit or wearer activity.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor in communication with the manifold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a pressurized fluid source (e.g., a pump)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven fluid flow: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10219971B2Compression garment inflation

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

A compression device controller for use with a compression garment includes a pressurized fluid source (e.g., a pump), a manifold in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, a pressure sensor in communication with the manifold, at least two bladder ports, and at least two two-way valves. The pressure sensor is arranged to measure a signal representative of pressure in the manifold. Each bladder port is connectable in fluid communication to a respective inflatable bladder of the compression garment. Each two-way valve is in fluid communication with the manifold and with a respective bladder port. Each two-way valve is actuatable to control fluid communication between the manifold and the respective bladder port.