Integrated Adjustable Compression Garment for Blood Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood flow restriction (BFR) training techniques require manual adjustment of strap position and tension on limbs, which can be cumbersome and unsightly, and often necessitate carrying a separate apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A sportswear garment with integrated adjustable compression members in sleeves or legs to restrict blood flow in major veins while allowing arterial flow, featuring elastic straps with adjustable tension and hidden mechanisms for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a strap is used for BFR training, then blood flow restriction can be achieved, but the strap is unsightly and requires carrying separate apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the BFR compression mechanism directly into the sportswear garment itself, combining the garment's protective/comfort function with the BFR training function. The compression member is incorporated into the sleeve or leg of the garment, eliminating the need for separate strap apparatus while providing both garment protection and blood flow restriction capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sportswear garment serves multiple functions: it provides standard athletic wear protection and comfort, and simultaneously functions as a BFR training device when the compression member is activated. This multi-functionality allows users to perform BFR training with regular exercise attire rather than requiring specialized separate equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If a strap is used for BFR training, then blood flow restriction can be achieved, but correct positioning on the major vein is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is designed with localized compression zones positioned at specific anatomical locations where major veins are known to be located (upper arm proximate to armpit, upper thigh proximate to groin). The garment's structure ensures compression is applied precisely at these critical locations rather than requiring the user to search for the correct position
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is pre-designed and pre-positioned with the compression member located at the correct anatomical position before use. The sleeve or leg of the garment naturally positions the compression member over the major vein when the garment is worn, eliminating the need for the user to manually locate and adjust the compression position during training
3Stress or pressure
If a strap is used for BFR training, then blood flow restriction can be achieved, but correct pressure adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member uses an elastic strap that can dynamically adjust its tension based on user movement and can be easily tightened or loosened as needed. The elastic material provides continuous pressure adjustment capability without requiring complex mechanical tensioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic strap's tension can be easily modified by the user to change the compression pressure level. The user can adjust the degree of elasticity engagement to achieve the desired pressure for different training intensities or individual needs
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
Facilitates consistent and convenient BFR training by ensuring correct vein compression without arterial restriction, enhancing muscle growth and eliminating the need for separate BFR apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The compression member may comprise an elastic strap configured to be adjustable between a first configuration in which the compression member does not compress the at least one major vein and a second configuration in which the elastic strap is under tension and compresses the at least one major vein
Data Source
AI summary
A sportswear garment comprising means for adjustably compressing at least one major vein in a user's limb such that blood flow through the at least one major vein is restricted.