Shape Memory Compression Garments for Adjustable Limb Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression garments lack the ability to apply pressure to limbs in a controlled and adjustable manner to stimulate bodily fluids and improve circulation or treat medical conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
Compression garments equipped with flex frames made of shape memory materials or wires that can be contracted or lengthened via electrical or mechanical means to apply or release compressive forces, controlled by a microelectronic system for targeted compression and fluid flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression garments use traditional elastic materials, then they provide continuous compression, but they lack the ability to dynamically adjust pressure levels and control fluid flow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The flex frame transitions from a static elastic structure to a dynamic active structure capable of changing its compression state. Electrical actuators integrated into the flex frame enable real-time adjustment of compression levels and directional control of fluid flow, allowing the garment to adapt to varying physiological conditions and treatment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional passive elastic compression is replaced with an active electromechanical system. Electrical actuators (such as shape memory alloys or miniature motors) substitute for elastic recoil, providing controlled mechanical movement of the flex frame elements to generate precise compression forces and direct fluid flow in specific directions.
2Force
If compression garments apply high compressive force, then they effectively stimulate bodily fluids and treat medical conditions, but they may cause discomfort or tissue damage if not precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors integrated into the compression garment continuously monitor the compressive force applied to the limb. This feedback is transmitted to a control system that adjusts the electrical actuation signals in real-time, ensuring the compression force remains within therapeutic ranges and preventing tissue damage or patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression garment enables dynamic modification of compression parameters including force magnitude, duration, and frequency. The electrical actuators can vary the compression force applied by the flex frame, allowing optimization of therapeutic effect while minimizing potential harm through precise parameter control.
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
Enhances circulation, aids in injury recovery, treats conditions like lymphedema and deep vein thrombosis, and provides relief for conditions like restless leg syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis through controlled application of compressive forces.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory material can include an austenite phase and a martensite phase. The martensite phase can be a detwinned martensite phase or a twinned martensite phase. When the flex frame is subjected to a compressive load, a portion of the austenite phase can transform into the martensite phase, which can cause the flex frame to elongate in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
A controller of the compression garment can supply an electrical input to the wire, generating heat that can cause the wire to contract such that the flex frame deflects to a shorter length
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A compression garment having one or more flex frames that can be shortened or lengthened to apply or release a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of a user. The compression garment can have a wire made of shape memory material (shape memory alloy). A controller of the compression garment can supply an electrical input to the wire, generating heat that can cause the wire to contract such that the flex frame deflects to a shorter length to apply a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of the user. The one or more flex frames can be contracted in unison or in sequence to direct the flow of bodily fluids in the limb or other anatomical feature of the user.