Shape-Memory Compression Garments for Easy Donning and Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression garments face challenges such as unpredictable pressure distribution, difficulty in donning and doffing, and reliance on external power sources, leading to non-compliance among users, particularly those with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Innovation Solution
Development of active fabrics using shape memory alloys that transition between martensite and austenite states for adjustable compression, incorporating passive and active materials with integrated switches to manage tension and power consumption, allowing for self-fitting and tailored fit without fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional elastic compression garments are used, then compression force is provided, but donning and doffing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment uses shape memory alloy fibers that dynamically change their mechanical properties based on temperature. The garment transitions from a compliant, easy-to-don state at lower temperatures to a rigid, high-compression state at body temperature, eliminating the trade-off between ease of donning and compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment exploits temperature as a control parameter to change the phase of shape memory alloy fibers. By controlling temperature, the garment can switch between martensite phase (compliant, easy to don) and austenite phase (rigid, high compression), providing both ease of operation and therapeutic compression force.
2Force
If under-sized elastic garments are used, then compression is applied, but pressure distribution becomes unpredictable due to anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy fibers automatically adjust to the wearer's anatomy through a self-regulating mechanism. When the garment is donned, the SMA fibers sense the local anatomical geometry and self-adjust their contraction force to provide uniform pressure distribution, eliminating the need for precise pre-sizing and accounting for individual anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates a feedback mechanism where shape memory alloy fibers continuously sense mechanical stress and temperature conditions, automatically adjusting their phase state to maintain optimal compression pressure. This closed-loop behavior ensures consistent pressure distribution regardless of anatomical variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory alloy fibers are used, then compression adjustability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shape memory alloy fibers with conventional textile manufacturing processes. The SMA fibers are integrated into standard knitting or weaving machines, merging advanced material properties with established manufacturing techniques. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while achieving superior compression adjustability through temperature-responsive phase transitions.
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
Provides consistent, adjustable compression that adapts to user anatomy and activity levels, enhancing comfort and compliance by eliminating the need for external power and fasteners, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a second plurality of filaments, each of the second plurality of filaments comprising an active material. The first plurality of filaments are arranged in a knit pattern with each of the second plurality of filaments, and the active material is a material that undergoes a phase transition at a predetermined temperature to generate a change in the fabric between a relaxed state and an activated state
Implementation Method 2
Shape memory alloys that transition between martensite and austenite states for adjustable compression
Implementation Method 3
a power source configured to provide an electrical current to heat the first plurality of filaments
Data Source
AI summary
Active fabrics can be created by combining active and passive materials. Active materials with shape memory or other actuation characteristics can generate compression or dynamic fit, and the level of compression and/or change in fit can be determined by setting a knit index, wire diameter, and garment ease, or fit in relation to the body. Maximum compression can be set not only by varying physical properties of the knit structure but by built-in circuit breaking technologies, or by segmentation and control of the garment by a controller. In some embodiments, additive manufacturing can be combined with traditional textile equipment (e.g., circular knitting machine). Uniquely functional or active textiles can be made from additively manufactured, heterogeneous filaments. Yarn-like filament with varying properties (such as elasticity, stiffness, conductivity, activation, or surface properties) can be additively manufactured. This filament can be formed into a textile or garment with functional properties that are a results of emergent interactions between the heterogeneous filament components.