Portable DVT Compression With Integrated Cuff and Disposable Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DVT prevention devices are not portable, require electrical cords and tubes, pose tripping hazards, and lead to decreased profit margins due to the use of refurbished cuffs, necessitating a need for integrated pressure cuffs and disposable barriers.
Innovation Solution
A portable compression system with an inflatable apparatus, monitor unit, and disposable sleeve barrier, which includes a cuff configured to wrap around the body, providing compression without cords or tubes, and a disposable sleeve for each use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pneumatic compression devices are used with separate compressors and tubes, then compression function is provided, but portability is reduced and tripping hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor, control unit, and pressure cuff into a single integrated portable device. The compressor housing contains both the compression mechanism and control electronics, eliminating the need for separate compressor units and connecting tubes, thereby improving portability while maintaining compression functionality.
2Reliability
If electrical cords and tubes are used to connect compressor to pressure cuff, then compression is provided, but tripping hazards and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor and pressure cuff are integrated into a single unit with internal pneumatic channels, eliminating external electrical cords and pneumatic tubes. This integration removes tripping hazards and connection failure points while maintaining the compression function.
3Ease of manufacture
If refurbished cuffs are used to reduce costs, then price pressure is addressed, but profit margins decrease and hygiene concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sterile barriers and single-use components that can be discarded after each patient use. This eliminates the need to refurbish and reuse cuffs, ensuring hygiene standards are maintained while providing a clear revenue stream from component sales to maintain profit margins.
4Ease of operation
If integrated pressure cuffs are implemented, then portability and safety are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is designed with modular segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The compressor housing, control unit, and pressure cuff are distinct modules that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and then integrated, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving portability.
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 is portable, cost-effective, and safer, reducing tripping hazards and maintaining profit margins by using integrated cuffs and disposable barriers, enhancing patient convenience and hospital efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
activating the monitor unit to provide a pressurized fluid to the at least one inflatable air cell thereby inflating the inflatable air cell, thereby providing a desired level of compression to the portion of the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
A portable compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a cuff configured to be wrapped around a portion of a patient's body where prevention of deep vein thrombosis is desired. The portable compression system includes an inflatable apparatus, which includes at least one inflatable air cell disposed within the cuff, a pump configured to provide pressurized air to the at least one inflatable air cell to, thereby, inflate the inflatable air cell and provide cycles of compression to the portion of the patient's body, and a monitor unit configured to control an operation of the pump. The monitor unit includes a rechargeable battery, a power button configured to provide one-touch activation of the monitor unit and the pump, and a display configured to display at least a time the portable compression device has provided compression, and an air pressure in the at least one inflatable air cell.