Compression Garment Strain Relief and Segmented Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression garment systems for lymphedema treatment lack efficient mechanisms for distributing pressure uniformly and easily, leading to strain on tubing and potential leaks, and require complex donning and doffing processes.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises a trunk and leg garment with integrated pressure applying regions, tubing, and strain relief portions, along with loop portions and hook-and-loop fasteners for easy donning and doffing, and sacrificial attachment points to reduce wear and improve fitment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compression garments use traditional fastening mechanisms, then pressure distribution can be achieved, but donning and doffing processes become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple independent chambers that can be individually inflated and deflated. This segmentation allows the system to apply different pressure levels to different body regions simultaneously, improving compression effectiveness while maintaining ease of operation through independent control of each chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
A pump system serves as an intermediary mechanism to automatically inflate and deflate the chambers. This intermediary device eliminates the need for manual fastening and unfastening operations, significantly simplifying the donning and doffing process while enabling precise control over pressure distribution across the garment.
2Reliability
If tubing is routed directly through the garment, then fluid transport is efficient, but strain on tubing increases leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A strain relief portion acts as an intermediary element between the tubing and the garment. This component absorbs and distributes mechanical strain, protecting the tubing from direct stress while maintaining efficient fluid transport through the garment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief portion is pre-installed at critical points where tubing passes through the garment. This beforehand cushioning measure prevents strain-induced leaks by continuously protecting the tubing from mechanical stress during garment movement and use.
3Reliability
If compression pressure is applied uniformly, then lymphatic therapy effectiveness improves, but garment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple independent chambers that can be individually inflated and deflated. This segmentation allows the system to apply different pressure levels to different body regions simultaneously, improving compression effectiveness while maintaining ease of operation through independent control of each chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment employs dynamic pressure control through sequential inflation and deflation of chambers. The pump system can dynamically adjust pressure levels in real-time, creating varying compression forces that enhance lymphatic drainage effectiveness without requiring complex static pressure distribution 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 system provides effective lymphatic compression therapy by distributing pressure uniformly, reducing strain on tubing, and simplifying the donning and doffing process, enhancing user convenience and garment longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure applying regions may define chambers configured to receive fluid to inflate or deflate to expand or contract the chambers in size to provide the compression therapy to the user's body
Data Source
AI summary
Compression garment systems may include a trunk garment and a leg garment to be positioned about a trunk and leg of a body to provide compression therapy thereto. The trunk garment and the garment may include a plurality of controllable pressure applying regions to move lymph from the leg and trunk.