Pressure-Sensing Compression Garment for Precise Leg Gradient Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments for treating venous stasis ulcers lack precision in applying a linear pressure gradient, leading to inconsistent healing times and potential harm due to inaccurate pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A system of sensors and computing devices that measure and output precise pressure data using force sensing mechanisms and pogo pins, integrated into a garment, to accurately apply a gradient of pressure from the ankle to the knee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive wraps and compression sleeves are applied to the patient's leg, then compression therapy can be provided, but the pressure applied cannot be accurately controlled or measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical compression garments with an active system using inflatable bladders and a pump mechanism. This allows precise control of pressure through mechanical inflation/deflation while enabling accurate pressure measurement through integrated sensors, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that provide real-time feedback on the pressure applied to the leg. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor and adjust pressure levels to achieve the desired gradient (higher at ankle, lower at knee), ensuring accurate pressure control while maintaining ease of use through automated regulation.
2Productivity
If a linear pressure gradient is applied with highest pressure at the foot and lowest at the knee, then healing time is reduced, but it is difficult to apply a known amount of absolute pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression garment into multiple inflatable bladders positioned at different locations along the leg (ankle, calf, thigh). Each bladder can be independently inflated to different pressure levels, enabling precise creation of a linear pressure gradient with highest pressure at the ankle and progressively lower pressure toward the knee, thus achieving both fast healing and accurate pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure sensors and a control system to dynamically adjust the pressure parameters in each bladder segment. This allows precise control of absolute pressure values while maintaining the desired gradient, enabling the system to achieve the optimal pressure distribution for rapid healing with accurate measurement and adjustment capabilities.
3Force
If too much pressure is applied to the leg, then compression is increased, but blood flow back to the heart is restricted and healing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the pressure applied to the leg and provide feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that pressure remains within the optimal range—providing sufficient compression force to push pooled blood back into the deep venous system while preventing excessive pressure that would restrict blood flow and delay healing.
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 faster healing times for venous stasis ulcers by ensuring a precise pressure gradient is applied, reducing healing time from months to as little as 60 days and preventing recurrence.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensing mechanism affixed to the first circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for determining and outputting pressure and force data associated with one or more locations of a fabric configured to be flexibly warn underneath a compression garment.