Motorized Compression Sleeve for Variable Pressure Lymphedema Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lymphedema compression sleeves struggle to accommodate a wide range of user arm sizes and varying lymphedema symptom severity, often requiring custom solutions and multiple sleeve classes, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A compression sleeve apparatus with a plurality of motors and filaments that can adjust pressure and create a peristaltic action, allowing for variable pressure application and accommodation of different arm sizes through a controller and user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If off-the-shelf lymphedema sleeves are used, then cost is reduced, but they cannot accommodate varying arm sizes and symptom severity
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve incorporates motors and filaments that enable dynamic adjustment of compression pressure levels. The system can transition from static fixed-pressure sleeves to dynamic variable-pressure sleeves, allowing real-time adaptation to different arm sizes and lymphedema severity levels through motor-driven filament tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from fixed to variable by implementing motor control systems that can adjust compression levels. The controller modifies operational parameters (pressure, tension) based on user needs, enabling a single sleeve to replace multiple fixed-pressure classes.
2Reliability
If multiple classes of lymphedema sleeves are used to treat varying symptom severity, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve is designed with multi-functionality to perform the role of multiple sleeve classes. By incorporating adjustable pressure mechanisms (motors, filaments, controller), a single sleeve can deliver various compression levels (class 1 through class 4), eliminating the need for users to purchase and maintain multiple specialized sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-pressure design to dynamic adjustable-pressure design, enabling one sleeve to adapt to different treatment requirements over time as lymphedema symptoms vary in severity.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-made lymphedema sleeves are used, then fit and pressure precision are improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves precise pressure control through motor-driven filament tensioning systems. By electronically controlling motor output, the system can precisely adjust compression pressure levels without requiring custom manufacturing for each pressure class, standardizing production while maintaining precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-pressure compression sleeves are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different users and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control elements (motors, filaments, controllers) into the compression sleeve, transforming it from a static garment to an active, adjustable medical device. This enables real-time pressure modification while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular component integration.
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 apparatus provides customizable pressure levels and peristaltic action, effectively managing lymphedema symptoms across varying arm sizes and symptom severities, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the need for multiple sleeves.
Implementation Method 1
each motor in the plurality of motors is configured to wind each filament around an axis of a shaft when each motor in the plurality of motors is engaged in a first direction and unwind each filament from around the axis of the shaft when each motor in the plurality of motors is engaged in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
each filament in the plurality of filaments is configured to apply radial pressure to a surface of the sleeve in response to being wound around the axis of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
the sequence comprises a peristaltic wave sequence between the first end of the sleeve and the second end of the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A lymphedema compression sleeve apparatus and system. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a compression sleeve apparatus configured to apply variable pressure to a user's arm or leg via the use of a plurality of electric motors and wires/filaments disposed along a length of the compression sleeve apparatus. The plurality of electric motors may each comprise a shaft configured to drive one or more means for gathering a length of the wires/filaments in order to shorten the wires/filaments. The wires/filaments may be circumferentially disposed around the user's arm or leg when the compression sleeve apparatus is worn by the user. The action of shortening the wires/filaments via the electric motors creates pressure on the surface of the user's arm or leg to treat lymphedema symptoms. The plurality of electric motors may be engaged in a sequence to create a peristaltic action along the length of the compression sleeve.