Blood Flow Restriction Garment Controller With Motion-Based Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
BFR training requires manual adjustment of compression garments, limiting portability and flexibility, and is often confined to a single room due to the need for external pumps and controllers.
Innovation Solution
A blood flow restriction garment controller with integrated sensors and a pump system that automatically adjusts pressure based on movement and pressure measurements, allowing for portable and flexible training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of compression garment is used, then pressure can be adjusted, but it is time consuming and not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts compression pressure based on sensor feedback from the garment and pump operations, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The controller monitors pressure levels and autonomously modifies pump operation to maintain optimal compression without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor compression pressure and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts pump operation to maintain the desired pressure level, creating a closed-loop control system that responds in real-time to changing conditions.
2Reliability
If external pump and controller are used, then pressure control is achieved, but the system is not portable and limited to a single room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump, controller, and sensors into a single portable unit that can be attached to the compression garment. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external components and allows the system to be used in various locations without requiring a fixed setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a modular, detachable unit that can be easily attached and removed from the compression garment. The portable controller with integrated pump and sensors can be segmented from the main garment structure, enabling flexibility and portability while maintaining full functionality.
3Reliability
If compression garment is used for BFR training, then blood flow is restricted, but manual adjustment limits flexibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts compression pressure in real-time based on sensor feedback and pump operation. This allows the compression level to be modified during training sessions to accommodate different exercise intensities, user responses, and training goals, providing adaptability while maintaining reliable blood flow restriction.
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 portable and flexible BFR training by automatically adjusting pressure according to user movement and exercise data, enhancing training efficiency and user performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pump arranged to increase a pressure in an air bladder of a blood flow restriction garment
Implementation Method 2
an air pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure of the air bladder and provide a signal indicative of the measured pressure
Implementation Method 3
a valve arranged to control the pressure of the air bladder, wherein the valve has at least two operating states, wherein the operating states comprise an open state and a closed state
Implementation Method 4
at least one or more of an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, arranged to determine movement of the blood flow restriction garment controller and provide a signal indicative of the determined movement
Implementation Method 5
an accelerometer, arranged to determine movement of the blood flow restriction garment controller
Data Source
AI summary
A blood flow restriction garment controller, a blood flow restriction garment system, a method of controlling a blood flow restriction garment, a method of controlling an electronic device and computer software. The blood flow restriction garment controller comprising: a pump arranged to increase a pressure in an air bladder of a blood flow restriction garment; an air pressure sensor arranged to measure a pressure of the air bladder and provide a signal indicative of the measured pressure; a valve arranged to control the pressure of the air bladder, wherein the valve has at least two operating states, wherein the operating states comprise an open state and a closed state; at least one or more of an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, arranged to determine movement of the blood flow restriction garment controller and provide a signal indicative of the determined movement; processing means for providing a signal to control the valve by selecting one of the at least two operating states, wherein the signal to control the valve is based on at least one of the signal indicative of the measured pressure and the signal indicative of the determined movement.