Peristaltic Limb Compression Device for Venous Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compression socks and sleeves are ineffective in preventing and treating venous insufficiency, as they lose elasticity over time and fail to adequately address the issue of stagnant blood in the lower extremities due to prolonged standing or inactivity.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device with a sleeve and actuator system that generates peristaltic pressure waves to facilitate venous return, using a combination of cams and flexible elements to apply sequential external forces that propel blood back to the heart, with adjustable pressure and frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If compression socks and sleeves are used to prevent venous insufficiency, then some compression effect is provided, but they lose elasticity over time and become ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of compression effectVSAvoidretention of elasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses an actuator system with cams and flexible elements to dynamically generate peristaltic pressure waves that move sequentially along the limb. This dynamic mechanism replaces static compression garments with an active system that can maintain consistent pressure application over time without relying on material elasticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the passive elastic mechanical system of compression garments with an active actuated system using motors, cams, and flexible elements. This substitution enables controlled peristaltic motion that can be maintained indefinitely as long as the actuator has power, eliminating the degradation issue of elastic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If compression socks are used to address stagnant blood, then some pressure is applied, but the pressure is insufficient to effectively propel blood back to the heart

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression pressureVSAvoidvenous return effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs periodic actuation of the cams to generate sequential peristaltic pressure waves that travel along the limb. This periodic action creates rhythmic compression and decompression cycles that effectively propel blood forward, mimicking natural physiological pumping mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The compression is divided into multiple segments along the length of the limb, with each cam-flexible element pair creating a discrete compression zone. These segmented compression zones act sequentially to create a wave-like propulsion effect, improving venous return efficiency compared to uniform compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a wearable device with actuator and cams is used to generate peristaltic pressure waves, then effective venous return is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing venous insufficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of actuator and cam system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses flexible elements that wrap around the limb to transmit the mechanical motion of the cams to the compression surface. These flexible films simplify the structure by eliminating rigid connection elements and allowing the compression interface to conform naturally to the limb geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator-cam-flexible element assembly serves multiple functions: generating peristaltic motion, applying compression, and creating sequential pressure waves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device effectively prevents and treats venous insufficiency by providing sustained peristaltic pressure, reducing the risk of varicose veins and blood clot formation, and can be used in various settings, including prolonged standing and space travel, without the limitations of existing compression garments.

Implementation Method 1

rotational motion of the actuator about an axis of rotation causes the plurality of cams, via the respective plurality of flexible elements, to induce a peristaltic pressure wave in the limb

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS20220211576A1Devices, systems and methods for treating and preventing venous insufficiency, thrombosis, orthostatic intolerance, and impaired lymphatic drainage

Publication Date: 2022.07.07 ORBITAL BIODESIGN LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for treating or preventing venous deficiency, thrombus development, orthostatic intolerance, lymphedema, and/or edema comprising a sleeve wearable on a limb of a user; an upper bracket and a lower bracket releasably couplable to the limb; an actuator coupled to one of the upper or lower brackets; a shaft coupled to the actuator and the other of the upper or lower brackets; a plurality of cams fixedly coupled to, and longitudinally spaced along, the shaft; and a respective plurality of flexible elements each coupled to one of the plurality of cams and to the sleeve. Rotational motion of the actuator about an axis of rotation causes the plurality of cams, via the respective plurality of flexible elements, to induce a peristaltic pressure wave in the limb.