Pneumatic Bladder for Automatic Compression Garment Donning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression donners require grip strength, range of motion, and pulling strength to don compression garments, which many individuals with medical conditions cannot provide, leading to reliance on caregivers or non-compliance with medical treatment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a bladder system and pneumatic air source that inflates to automatically don compression garments, reducing the need for manual strength and coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual compression donners are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required grip strength and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic bladder system that inflates with air to automatically advance the compression garment along the limb. The bladder is positioned within a trough structure and, when inflated, pushes the garment forward without requiring manual pulling or gripping actions from the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pulling system with an automated pneumatic system. Instead of requiring the user to mechanically pull the garment using handles or strings, the system uses controlled air pressure to mechanically advance the garment through the trough
2Ease of operation
If automatic pneumatic donning is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to pneumatic system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic bladder system that inflates with air to automatically advance the compression garment along the limb. The bladder is positioned within a trough structure and, when inflated, pushes the garment forward without requiring manual pulling or gripping actions from the user
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic bladder serves multiple functions: it acts as the propulsive mechanism to advance the garment, provides structural support within the trough, and can be controlled to regulate the speed and pressure of garment advancement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid trough structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to lack of adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible bladder constructed from elastic materials that can expand and contract. This flexible membrane maintains the structural integrity needed for pneumatic operation while adapting to different limb shapes and sizes, allowing the same device to accommodate various users
4Ease of operation
If pneumatic compression is applied, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy increases due to air compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The bladder is inflated only during the brief moment needed to advance the garment, then deflated and reset for the next cycle. This intermittent operation significantly reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous compression
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
Enables independent donning of compression garments without requiring grip strength or coordination, minimizing skin damage and ensuring compliance with medical treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic air source in fluid communication with the inlet port of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The inner surface defines an interior volume of the bladder. The wall is folded upon itself along a rolled end so that a first portion of the wall is surrounded by a second portion of the wall
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for donning a compression garment includes a base having a platform extending along a longitudinal axis. A bladder has a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an interior volume. The wall is folded upon itself along a rolled end so that a first portion of the wall is surrounded by a second portion of the wall. An inlet port is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the bladder. The outer surface of the first portion of the wall defines a receiving space positioned within and surrounded by the outer surface of the first portion. At least a portion of the bladder is movable relative to the platform to permit the rolled end to change position along the wall of the bladder.