Magnetic Tension Measurement for Compression Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression devices for limb therapy lack a simple, durable, and cost-effective method to accurately measure and communicate tension levels, relying on indirect calculations and being susceptible to variations in textile material properties, which limits accuracy and requires separate measurement tools.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic measurement device with at least one first and second magnetic element that are displaceable to measure tension based on the magnetic interaction force, allowing direct measurement of tension force applied to the compression device, integrated into the compression device or as a separate unit, with visual, audible, or electronic indication of tension levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tensiometers (spring scales or electronic strain gauges) are used to measure tension, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tensiometers (spring scales, electronic strain gauges) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Magnetic elements interact through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces that are influenced by textile tension, allowing tension measurement without direct mechanical contact or complex electronic sensors integrated into the compression device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic elements as an intermediary measurement mechanism. Instead of directly measuring textile tension with complex sensors, the magnetic elements serve as a mediator whose interaction force changes in response to textile elongation, providing an indirect but accurate measurement method that simplifies device integration.
2Device complexity
If textile elongation is used to indirectly calculate tension, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to material property variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the indirect elongation-based calculation method with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of relying on textile stretch properties to infer tension, the magnetic elements directly respond to tension-induced changes in their relative positions or interaction forces, providing accurate measurements independent of textile material variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from textile elongation (which varies with material properties) to magnetic interaction force or position (which provides a more direct and consistent relationship with applied tension). This parameter change eliminates the accuracy problems associated with textile material property variations.
3Measurement precision
If separate scale cards or external indicators are used to measure elongation, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function directly into the existing compression device structure by integrating magnetic elements into the bands or body portion. Instead of adding separate external scale cards or indicator systems, the magnetic elements are incorporated into the device's existing components, eliminating the need for additional separate measurement tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the compression device components serve dual functions: the bands and body portion both provide compression therapy and contain magnetic elements for tension measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement devices while maintaining accurate tension monitoring capability.
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 magnetic measurement device provides a durable, cost-effective, and accurate means to directly measure tension force, maintaining reliability and durability by using a consistent magnetic interaction force, allowing instant communication of tension levels and ensuring precise compression application.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second magnetic element (1, 2), wherein the first and the second magnetic elements (1, 2) are relatively displaceable such that tension is measurable depending on a relative displacement of the first and second magnetic elements (1, 2) to each other based on a tension force overcoming a magnetic interaction force between the first and second magnetic elements (1, 2)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
Measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) for measuring a tension and/ or a displacement of a compression material (37, 54, 79) of a compression device (42, 63) or a force and/or a displacement associated with the compression device (42, 63) applied to a patient, characterized in that the measurement device (4, 17, 24, 45, 52, 78) comprises at least one first and at least one second magnetic element (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83), wherein the first and the second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) are relatively displaceable such that the tension and/or force is measurable depending on a relative displacement of the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83) based on a tension and/or force overcoming a magnetic interaction force between the first and second magnetic elements (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30a, 30b, 35, 36, 58, 59, 60, 61, 82. 83).