Portable Limb Compression Device for DVT Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enhancing blood and lymph flow in limbs, particularly to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and manage peripheral vascular disorders, are often cumbersome, non-portable, and require medical training, limiting their accessibility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained device that applies intermittent mechanical compression to the limb using electrical or magnetic energy conversion, equipped with sensors and a microprocessor for data monitoring and transmission, allowing for easy operation by laypersons and adjustable to fit various sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-portable large devices are used for enhancing circulation, then circulation enhancement effectiveness is improved, but device portability and ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent compression elements (bladders or chambers) that can be individually controlled, allowing the system to provide targeted compression to specific limb regions while maintaining a compact overall structure. This segmentation enables effective circulation enhancement without requiring a large monolithic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic control of compression elements through computerized algorithms that adjust compression intensity, duration, and frequency based on real-time feedback from sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the compact device to deliver circulation enhancement effects comparable to larger static devices while maintaining portability.
2Reliability
If non-portable large devices are used for enhancing circulation, then circulation enhancement effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single system including circulation enhancement, real-time monitoring of physiological parameters, data storage, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to dedicated large-scale circulation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated control algorithms and sensors that self-regulate the compression therapy based on detected physiological conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual control systems and reducing overall device complexity. The system automatically adjusts parameters to achieve circulation enhancement without requiring sophisticated external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If medical staff training is required for device operation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but accessibility and ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with user-friendly interfaces and automated control systems that enable patients to independently operate the circulation enhancement therapy without medical staff intervention. The system self-adjusts based on sensor feedback, maintaining treatment effectiveness while eliminating the need for specialized training.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from sensors monitors physiological parameters and automatically adjusts device operation to maintain optimal circulation enhancement. This closed-loop control ensures consistent treatment effectiveness while simplifying user operation, as the system self-regulates without requiring user expertise or medical supervision.
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 device effectively enhances blood and lymph flow, reduces the risk of DVT, and provides real-time monitoring capabilities, making it a more accessible and efficient solution for preventing stasis-related disorders.
Implementation Method 1
converting energy, more specifically electrical or magnetic energy into mechanical compressions
Implementation Method 2
converting energy, more specifically electrical or magnetic energy into mechanical compressions
Data Source
AI summary
A portable limb-mounted device for enhancing blood and/or lymph flow in a limb and/or for preventing stasis related disorders, the device comprising an energy generating device, an actuator, one or more compressing elements for generating squeezing forces on the limb of a user, a sensor located adjacent to the body of the user and coupled to a transceiver device, and a transceiver device coupled to the sensor to receive signals generated by the sensor, to transfer the signals received from the sensor device to a computing device. The device further comprises a computerized control system including a microcontroller and a memory device to store activity related information for subsequent downloads to an external computer-based monitoring device.