Self-fastening Compression Strip with Integrated Fixing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression bandages are cumbersome to apply, prone to sliding, and often require additional fastening devices that can be painful or ineffective, and are not easily washable or reusable.

Innovation Solution

A self-gripping compression bandage with integrated elastic threads and reversible fastening elements, allowing it to fix to itself without additional clips or adhesives, while maintaining elasticity and being washable and reusable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening devices (clips) are used to secure the compression bandage, then the bandage can be fixed to the limb, but the device complexity increases and the patient may be injured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidnumber of additional components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is merged into the compression bandage itself through integrated first and second fixing elements that are part of the bandage fabric. These elements allow the bandage to self-fasten without requiring separate clips or additional fastening devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression bandage is designed to fasten to itself using the integrated fixing elements. The first fixing elements on one side of the bandage engage with the second fixing elements on the other side, enabling the bandage to secure itself without external fastening devices, thus eliminating the need for additional components and reducing patient injury risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If hook-and-loop fastener strips are applied to the compression bandage, then the bandage can reversibly attach to itself, but the production complexity increases and the fastener strips may impair the extensibility of the bandage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversible attachmentVSAvoidproduction steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are merged into the bandage fabric structure itself rather than being applied as separate hook-and-loop strips. The first and second fixing elements are incorporated during manufacturing, allowing reversible attachment without requiring post-manufacturing application of additional fastener strips, thus simplifying production while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements are integrated into the composite fabric structure of the compression bandage, combining the fastening function with the compression material. This integration ensures that the fixing elements do not separate from the fabric and maintain the extensibility properties of the original bandage material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If latex coating is applied to make the bandage cohesive, then the bandage can attach to itself, but the bandage becomes difficult to wash and reuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-adhesionVSAvoidwashability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are designed to provide temporary adhesion during wear that can be easily removed during washing. The elements allow the bandage to function as a reusable product rather than a disposable one, maintaining self-adhesion during use while enabling complete separation during laundering for reuse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements provide strong adhesion under compression during wear but allow easy separation when the compression is released during washing. The mechanical properties of the fixing elements change based on the applied load, providing self-adhesion when compressed but facilitating separation when uncompressed, enabling washability and reuse

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 bandage provides secure, adjustable compression without sliding, is easy to apply, and maintains effectiveness through washability and reusability, enhancing patient comfort and treatment efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

elastic threads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

first fixing elements on said first face, second threads extending mainly over at least a portion of the second face and forming second fixing elements on said second face, the second fixing elements being arranged to cooperate with the first fixing elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4366670B1Self-fastening compression strip
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 THUASNE SA
  • EP4366670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4366670B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4366670B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The therapeutic compression strip (1) has a first face (2) and a second face (4), said strip comprising a woven fabric formed of weft threads (10) and warp threads (12) comprising at least: - elastic threads (14), - first threads (16) extending mainly on the first face (2) and forming first fixing elements (20), - second threads (18) extending mainly on the second face (4) and forming second fixing elements (22), the second fixing elements (22) being arranged to cooperate with the first fixing elements (20) when at least part of the first face (2) is applied to at least part of the second face (4) so as to reversibly fix said first face (2) to said second face (4).