Shape-Memory Compression Garments for Targeted Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression garments lack the ability to apply pressure to limbs in a controlled and customizable manner to stimulate bodily fluids and improve circulation or treat medical conditions.

Innovation Solution

Compression garments equipped with flex frames made of shape memory materials or wires that can be contracted or lengthened via electrical input or mechanical motors to apply or release compressive forces, controlled by a microelectronic system for targeted pressure application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If compression garments use traditional elastic materials, then they provide basic compression, but they lack the ability to apply pressure in a controlled and customizable manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control capabilityVSAvoidgarment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression garment is divided into multiple independent panels, each containing its own flex frame with shape memory wires. This segmentation allows each panel to be controlled independently, enabling customized pressure application to different body regions while maintaining overall garment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical elastic compression is replaced with an electromechanical system using shape memory alloys. Electrical current applied to the shape memory wires causes them to contract, generating controlled compressive forces without relying on elastic material properties, thus achieving precise pressure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If compression garments apply uniform pressure, then they simplify the design, but they cannot effectively stimulate bodily fluids or treat specific medical conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecirculation stimulation effectivenessVSAvoidpressure distribution control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different panels of the compression garment can apply different pressure levels and patterns tailored to specific anatomical regions and medical conditions. The microelectronic controller enables independent adjustment of each panel's compression force, allowing optimized local pressure distribution for circulation stimulation and treatment of conditions like lymphedema or DVT.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The compression garment can apply pressure in sequential or periodic patterns across different panels, mimicking the natural physiological flow of bodily fluids. This periodic compression action enhances circulation by creating a wave-like effect that propels fluids through the limb, improving treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If compression garments use shape memory materials with electrical input, then they achieve controlled pressure application, but they increase energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure application controlVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy wires utilize phase transitions between austenite and martensite phases to generate mechanical contraction in response to electrical heating. This phase transition mechanism allows the material to store and release mechanical energy efficiently, reducing overall electrical energy consumption compared to continuous motor-driven systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase 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

The solution enables controlled and customizable pressure application to enhance circulation, treat conditions like lymphedema and deep vein thrombosis, and provide relief for conditions such as restless leg syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

Implementation Method 1

A controller of the compression garment can supply an electrical input to the wire, generating heat that can cause the wire to contract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12564537B2Electro-actuatable compression garments with shape memory elements

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 KOYA MEDICAL INC

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.