Trimmable Compression Sleeve With Hinged Flap Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compression systems for treating venous and lymphatic disorders, such as venous leg ulcers and lymphoedema, often require professional application and frequent reapplication, and do not provide consistent, easy-to-use compression due to their elastic nature and need for precise fitting.

Innovation Solution

A compression system comprising a sleeve with a trimmable lateral side region and a secondary closure element featuring elongate flaps that can be hingedly moved to secure the sleeve, allowing for easy application and adjustment by non-trained personnel, providing a good anatomic fit and uniform compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If compression bandages are used to provide effective compression therapy, then the therapeutic compressive pressure is improved, but the ease of application deteriorates as they require professional training and frequent reapplication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressive pressureVSAvoidease of application
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression garment is divided into multiple band-like elements (first band element, second band element, third band element) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each band element can be adjusted and fastened separately using fastening mechanisms, allowing non-professional users to achieve proper fit and compression levels without requiring specialized training or frequent reapplication by healthcare providers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If compression stockings are made elastic to enable easy putting on and taking off, then the ease of operation is improved, but the therapeutic compressive pressure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidcompressive pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The compression garment incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of compression levels. The band elements can be secured at different positions and tensions to provide optimal compression therapy while maintaining ease of application. The system transitions from static compression (stockings) to dynamically adjustable compression through multiple independent band elements with fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If compression bandages are used to achieve proper fit and pressure profile, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the time required for application and reapplication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidtime for application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compression garment is divided into multiple independent band elements that can be applied and secured separately. This segmentation allows for more efficient application compared to traditional wrap bandages, as each band element can be independently positioned and fastened without requiring complete rewinding. The modular structure reduces application time while maintaining proper fit and pressure distribution across different limb regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression garment is pre-configured with multiple band elements and fastening mechanisms in specific positions and orientations. This preliminary arrangement of components allows users to quickly assemble and adjust the garment without requiring complex wrapping techniques or professional training, thereby reducing application time while ensuring therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If a trimmable lateral side region is provided in the sleeve, then the adaptability to different limb sizes is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is designed with a trimmable lateral side region that segments the garment into adjustable portions. This allows the compression garment to be customized to different limb circumferences by trimming excess material from the lateral side. The segmentation approach enables adaptability to various patient sizes using a single base pattern, reducing the need to manufacture multiple size variants while maintaining proper fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3160409B1Compression systems
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3160409B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3160409B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3160409B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A compression system for applying compression to a limb of a user comprising a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the limb of a user, the sleeve being provided with a plurality of fastening bands in series between upper and lower edges of the sleeve and a lateral side region being configured and arranged such that it is trimmable. The system further comprising a secondary closure element, said closure element releasably attachable to the lateral side region. The closure element further being provided with either a single elongate pair of flaps or a plurality of pairs of flaps, each including an exterior flap overlying an interior flap, where opposing inner surfaces of the interior and exterior flaps comprise mechanical fastening elements adapted to releasably engage the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of at least the lateral side region of the sleeve.