Pneumatic Compression Apparatus with Adjustable Pressure Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for venous ulcers, such as compression bandages and mechanical devices, are cumbersome, difficult to apply, and limit patient mobility, while mechanical devices can cause ischemia and excessive pressure, making them unsuitable for deep-vein thrombosis patients.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic compression apparatus with a flexible member and air bladder chamber, featuring an adjustable pressure regulator with check valves and a selector valve to automatically maintain selected pressures (20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, and 40 mmHg) for precise and easy application of compression therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compression bandages are used to treat venous ulcers, then compression therapy is applied, but the treatment is cumbersome and difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic compression device with an inflatable chamber that applies compression therapy through controlled air inflation, replacing the manual application of compression bandages. This automated pneumatic system makes the treatment easier to apply while maintaining effective compression pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device includes an automatic pressure regulator that self-regulates the inflation pressure without requiring constant manual monitoring or adjustment by the user, making the device easier to operate while providing consistent therapeutic compression.
2Reliability
If mechanical compression devices are used to treat venous ulcers, then compression pressure is applied, but patient mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is designed as a portable, segmented unit that can be easily donned and doffed by the patient, allowing compression therapy to be applied only when needed rather than requiring continuous immobilization. This enables patients to maintain mobility while receiving reliable compression treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies compression therapy periodically rather than continuously, allowing patients to use the device for treatment sessions while maintaining normal mobility between sessions, thus preserving patient mobility while ensuring effective compression when applied.
3Reliability
If mechanical compression devices are used to apply high pressure, then compression therapy is effective, but ischemia and excessive pressure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an automatic pressure regulator that provides feedback control of the inflation pressure, automatically stopping inflation when the preset maximum pressure is reached. This prevents excessive pressure and ischemia while ensuring effective compression therapy is delivered.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator allows the maximum compression pressure to be adjusted to different parameter levels, enabling the device to deliver effective compression therapy at controlled pressure levels that prevent ischemia while maintaining treatment efficacy.
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 easy, accurate, and adjustable compression therapy, ensuring proper pressure application without risking ischemia or excessive pressure, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient mobility.
Implementation Method 1
An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state
Implementation Method 2
An adjustable pressure regulator is fluidly coupled to the bladder chamber and automatically limits the pressure to a selected amount. The pressure regulator includes a plurality of check valves, each being operable at a different pressure and a selector valve
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for applying compression therapy to a portion of the human body includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the body portion to secure the air bladder chamber thereto. An air pump inflates the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. An adjustable pressure regulator is fluidly coupled to the bladder chamber and automatically limits the pressure to a selected amount. The pressure regulator preferably includes a plurality of check valves, each being operable at a different pressure and a selector element. The check valves are fluidly coupled to the selector and the selector is fluidly coupled to the bladder chamber. Operation of the selector fluidly couples one of the check valves to the bladder chamber. According to the presently preferred embodiment, three check valves are provided, operable at 20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, and 40 mmHg.