Portable Oscillating Compression for Home ECP Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical external counter pulsation (ECP) systems are large, expensive, and not portable, making them unsuitable for home use and limiting flexibility in treatment schedules, which can negatively impact patient adherence and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A portable oscillating compression system that includes an air compressor, accumulator tank, air pressure adjustment module, valve body assembly, hoses, inflatable cuffs, controller, and power supply, designed for unsupervised use, allowing for flexible treatment options and improved cardiovascular health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clinical ECP systems are used to provide effective cardiovascular therapy, then therapeutic benefit is achieved, but the system size and cost make it unsuitable for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a portable compression device with inflatable cuffs, a separate control unit, and a power supply. This segmentation allows the therapy-delivering components to be compact and mobile while keeping the control system accessible, resolving the contradiction between portability and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified home version that copies the essential therapeutic function of clinical ECP systems. By replicating the core oscillating compression mechanism and pressure control logic in a scaled-down, affordable device, it provides equivalent therapeutic benefit without the bulk and cost of clinical equipment.
2Reliability
If clinical ECP systems are used to improve blood circulation, then cardiovascular health is improved, but the system is prohibitively expensive for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses affordable, readily available components such as standard inflatable cuffs, off-the-shelf compression chambers, and conventional microcontrollers. By replacing expensive medical-grade components with cost-effective alternatives that maintain therapeutic efficacy, the system becomes economically viable for home purchase and ownership.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed for unsupervised self-administration, eliminating the need for expensive clinical infrastructure, trained operators, and facility overhead. The automated control system guides patients through therapy protocols independently, reducing service costs while maintaining treatment quality.
3Reliability
If clinical ECP systems are used to provide structured therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the rigid schedule and lack of flexibility reduce patient adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts compression parameters including pressure levels, inflation/deflation timing, and treatment duration based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors and user input. This allows the therapy to adapt to individual patient needs and changing conditions while maintaining scientifically validated treatment protocols, resolving the contradiction between structured effectiveness and flexible adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If portable ECP systems are designed for mobility, then home use becomes feasible, but the system may lack the functionality of clinical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device incorporates multiple functions into a single unit: compression delivery, pressure monitoring, treatment timing control, and data tracking. The microcontroller integrates these diverse functions through software, allowing a compact hardware platform to provide comprehensive therapy capabilities that would otherwise require separate clinical equipment.
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 system provides a portable and flexible means to improve blood circulation and cardiovascular health, alleviating pain and improving quality of life by mimicking clinical ECP therapy, while being more accessible and convenient for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The air compressor takes in air and compresses it to a predetermined pressure, after which it is deposited in the accumulator tank.
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable cuffs are inflated by the compressed air from the valve body assembly and deflate when the compressed air is halted by the valve body assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable oscillating compression system including an for compressing air; an accumulator tank for receiving and storing the compressed air from the air compressor; an air pressure adjustment module for modulating pressure of the compressed air when the compressed air exits the accumulator tank; a valve body assembly attached to the accumulator tank, a plurality of inflatable cuffs connected to the valve body assemble for receiving the compressed air from the valve body assembly; a controller for controlling the valve body assembly; a power supply; and a housing for containing said system.