Inelastic Graduated Stocking With Fluid Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Venous compression garments are often noncompliant due to difficulty in donning, discomfort, pain from ischemia, lack of fashionability, high cost, soiling, and frequent replacement due to worn-out elasticity, especially in treating venous stasis disease.
Innovation Solution
An inelastic self-adjusting graduated stocking with a fluid bladder system that applies a pressure gradient to the leg, unloading pressure with elevation, made of non-elastic nylon mesh or knit fabric, featuring a closure device and a bladder column extending from the thigh to the ankle, filled with fluid to provide consistent pressure without complex controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic compression stockings are used to treat venous stasis disease, then compression pressure is applied to improve venous return, but the elasticity wears out over time requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic compression stocking with a disposable inelastic garment and reusable pump system. The garment itself is inexpensive and can be laundered repeatedly, while the compression function is provided by the replaceable pump mechanism, eliminating the problem of elastic degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical property of the stocking material with an active pump system that mechanically generates compression pressure. This substitution allows the garment to maintain compression effectiveness without relying on elastic materials that degrade over time.
2Stress or pressure
If high compression stockings are used to treat venous stasis ulcers, then adequate compression pressure is applied, but pain from ischemia occurs when legs are raised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pump system that can adjust compression pressure in real-time based on leg position and physiological needs. When the leg is elevated, the pump reduces or stops compression to prevent ischemia, while maintaining therapeutic pressure during ambulation, thus resolving the contradiction between adequate compression and ischemia prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor leg position, pressure, and physiological parameters, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the pump to automatically adjust compression levels to prevent ischemia during elevation while maintaining therapeutic compression during normal activity.
3Reliability
If traditional compression stockings are used, then venous compression is provided, but the stockings are hard to put on especially for the elderly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression function into separate components: a simple inelastic garment that is easy to don and an active pump system that provides compression. This segmentation allows the garment to be easily put on without requiring the user to manipulate elastic materials or adjust compression levels, while the pump is controlled automatically or via simple interface.
4Stress or pressure
If elastic compression stockings are used, then initial compression is effective, but comfort decreases over time as elasticity wears out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the degrading elastic mechanical system with an active pump system that can maintain consistent compression pressure regardless of garment age. The inelastic garment does not lose its compression properties over time, and the pump compensates for any material relaxation, maintaining comfort and effectiveness throughout the garment's usable life.
Data Source
AI summary
A garment for the treatment of venous stasis disease is directed to an inelastic self-adjusting graduated stocking which includes the stocking, a closure device and a fluid bladder. The stocking is comprised of an interior non-elastic mesh, preferably made of nylon.