Helical Therapeutic Wrap With Actuated Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for conditions like lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, and skin ulcers are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring repeated wrapping and unwrapping of therapeutic devices, which hampers convenience and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wrap or garment with actuators and coupling features that maintain a helical shape, allowing easy application and removal by sliding, and pressure-adjustable channels or voice coils to provide massage therapy, facilitating convenient and effective treatment at home.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If therapeutic devices are wrapped around affected areas using traditional methods, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap transitions from a static traditional bandage to a dynamic system with actuators that can actively adjust and maintain pressure. The actuators enable the wrap to adapt its shape and pressure distribution automatically, eliminating the need for manual re-wrapping while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms through actuators and coupling features that automatically maintain the helical shape and pressure application. The system serves itself by maintaining treatment pressure without requiring repeated manual intervention for re-wrapping, significantly reducing application and removal time.
2Reliability
If traditional wrapping methods are used to apply therapeutic pressure, then treatment is effective, but convenience is reduced due to repeated wrapping and unwrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is pre-configured with actuators and coupling features that automatically form the helical shape when applied. The coupling features engage to lock the helical configuration in place, eliminating the need for complex manual wrapping procedures while ensuring proper therapeutic pressure distribution from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical wrapping process is replaced with an automated actuator system that applies and maintains pressure. The actuators electronically control pressure application, substituting the complex manual mechanical wrapping process with a simpler application method that maintains treatment effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are added to provide automated pressure adjustment, then convenience and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is divided into multiple independent segments distributed along the wrap. Each actuator operates independently to provide localized pressure adjustment, allowing the complex function to be distributed across simpler modular components rather than requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators serve multiple functions: they apply pressure, maintain the helical shape, and enable easy adjustment of the wrap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while providing automated pressure adjustment and improved convenience.
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 convenient and effective massage therapy by maintaining a helical shape for easy application and removal, and using actuators to apply pressure in a directional pattern, enhancing blood flow and lymphatic fluid movement, thereby managing conditions like lymphedema and DVT.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic actuator is operably coupled to the power source. The electromagnetic actuator is operable between a deployed state and a non-deployed state in response to a voltage from the power source. The electromagnetic actuator applies pressure to the affected area when in the deployed state.
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic wrap includes a flexible member configured to wrap around an affected area. Actuators are operably coupled to the flexible member. Each actuator is operable between a deployed state and a non-deployed state. A first coupling feature is disposed proximate a first edge on a first surface of the flexible member. A second coupling feature is disposed proximate a second edge on a second surface of the flexible member. The first coupling feature is configured to engage the second coupling feature when the flexible member is wrapped around the affected area and when the flexible member is slidably adjusted relative to the affected area. A retaining feature is coupled to at least one end of the flexible member and configured to retain the flexible member in a selected position on the affected area.