Shape Memory Alloy Compression Integument for Sequential Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for enhancing blood flow, such as DVT cuffs and compression stockings, are often uncomfortable and restrictive, limiting mobility and compliance in treatment regimens, particularly for patients and athletes, and do not effectively address conditions like deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and muscle soreness.
Innovation Solution
A compression device utilizing shape-changing materials and elongated compression textiles that apply controllable intermittent sequential compression to body extremities, powered by an on-board microprocessor and power supply, allowing for mobility and comfort during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional DVT cuffs or compression stockings are used to enhance blood flow, then blood flow enhancement is achieved, but patient mobility and comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device transitions from static compression (traditional stockings) to dynamic sequential compression through the progressive inflation of multiple chambers in a distal-to-proximal sequence, enabling blood flow enhancement while maintaining patient mobility and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the compression mechanism into multiple independent inflatable chambers that operate sequentially rather than simultaneously, allowing controlled progressive compression that enhances blood flow without restricting overall patient movement
2Force
If external air pumps are used to power compression devices, then compression capability is achieved, but device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an integrated power supply and control system that operates autonomously without requiring external air pumps, making the system self-contained and portable while maintaining effective compression capability through the sequential inflation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the power supply, control system, and compression chambers into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate external pumping equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compression effectiveness
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 provides effective blood flow enhancement without the need for external pumps, reducing the risk of DVT and related conditions, improving patient and athlete compliance and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
the shape changing material may be a shape memory metal that contracts in response to heat or an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
the shape changing material may be a phase change material that contracts as the material changes phase
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile compression integument for applying controllable scrolling or intermittent sequential forces, such as compression forces, to the body and limbs of a user comprises an elongated fabric body sized to encircle a limb of a user, one or more shape-changing elements carried by the fabric body and configured to apply a compression pressure to the limb through the fabric body upon changing shape in response to a stimulus, and a micro-processor based controller for selectively actuating the one or more shape-changing elements to reduce the effective diameter of the integument encircling the limb, to thereby apply pressure to the limb.