Compression Garment Inflation Control via Test Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vascular compression systems face challenges in consistently applying a target therapeutic pressure gradient to a limb due to variations in the manner of garment application, limb size and shape, and wearer activity, leading to disparities between intended and actual bladder pressure.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a test inflation cycle to control fluid flow to inflatable bladders, using pressure sensors to compare pressure signals to reference values, adjust inflation parameters, and inflate bladders to a second pressure greater than the test inflation pressure, ensuring an appropriate pressure gradient is maintained across the limb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compression systems use fixed inflation parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of applying target therapeutic pressure gradient deteriorates due to variations in garment application, limb size, and wearer activity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a test inflation cycle where pressure sensors measure actual bladder pressures, the controller compares these measurements to expected values, and adjusts inflation parameters based on the comparison results. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable application of target therapeutic pressure gradient despite variations in garment application, limb size, and wearer activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts inflation parameters (such as inflation pressure and duration) based on real-time pressure measurements from the test cycle. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed values, the system maintains reliable therapeutic pressure gradient application across different wearing conditions and patient anatomies.
2Manufacturing precision
If the system performs a test inflation cycle and adjusts inflation parameters, then the manufacturing precision of pressure application is improved, but the productivity of the compression therapy process deteriorates due to additional test and adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The test inflation cycle is performed as a preliminary step before actual therapeutic compression begins. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-adjust inflation parameters to match the patient's specific anatomy and garment fit, ensuring precise pressure gradient application from the start of therapy without requiring mid-treatment adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses pressure sensors to compare pressure signals and adjust inflation parameters, then the measurement precision of bladder pressure is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are integrated into the compression garment to provide real-time feedback on actual bladder pressures during the test inflation cycle. The controller uses this feedback to compare measured pressures against expected values and automatically adjusts inflation parameters, achieving high measurement precision while managing device complexity through automated control.
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 approach increases the likelihood of applying a consistent therapeutic pressure gradient, reduces the risk of pressure gradient shifts over time, and facilitates more efficient and effective compression therapy by adjusting inflation parameters based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure signals from at least one pressure sensor are received and compared to one or more reference pressure values
Data Source
AI summary
A test inflation cycle of fluid flow is controlled from a fluid source to each inflatable bladder of a plurality of inflatable bladders of a compression garment. Pressure signals from at least one pressure sensor are received and compared to one or more reference pressure values. One or more inflation parameters of at least one of the inflatable bladders is set based at least in part on the comparison of the pressure signals, and the inflatable bladders are inflated to a respective second pressure greater than the corresponding test inflation pressure of each bladder based at least in part on the set one or more inflation parameters.