Truncal Compression Garment With Integrated Lymph-Directing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truncal compression garments for lymph drainage are separate and lack integrated structures to effectively promote lymphatic fluid transport, often bunch up or shift, require additional assistance for placement, and involve separate items that can be lost or misplaced, especially for individuals with limited mobility.
Innovation Solution
A truncal compression garment with an integrated structure featuring protrusions and channels to direct lymphatic fluid towards undamaged vessels, combined with a secure elastic band and closure mechanism, eliminating the need for separate channeled pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate channeled pressure pads are used inside compression garments, then lymph drainage can be encouraged, but the pads can bunch up or shift and require additional assistance for placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression garment and channeled pressure pad into a single integrated device. The channeled structure is built directly into the compression garment body, eliminating the need for separate pads that need to be placed inside pockets or against the skin. This integration ensures the channeled structure remains in the correct position while maintaining lymph drainage effectiveness.
2Reliability
If channeled pressure pads are placed in garment pockets, then compression is provided, but a layer of fabric between the channel and body minimizes the full potential of the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The compression garment and channeled structure are merged into a single integrated device. The channeled structure forms an integral part of the garment body, eliminating the need for separate pockets or layers of fabric between the channel and the user's body, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate compression garment and channeled pad items are provided, then treatment requirements are met, but maintaining two separate items can result in lost or misplaced units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compression garment and channeled pressure pad into a single integrated device, reducing the number of components from two separate items to one unified garment. This eliminates the risk of losing or misplacing separate components while maintaining the full treatment functionality.
4Ease of operation
If nighttime compression treatment uses milder compression levels, then comfort is improved, but thick channeled pads are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the channeled structure to be incorporated directly into the compression garment body, eliminating the need for additional thick pads. The channeled structure itself provides the necessary lymph drainage function without requiring extra thickness, thereby maintaining comfort during nighttime use.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
In a truncal compression garment (100) for use by a user, a body portion (120) has dimensions so as to be able to be wrapped at least partially around a length of the user's torso. A supporting band (130) is made of an elastic material that holds the body portion (120) in place while being worn by the user. An integrated structure (122) is disposed on an inside part of the body portion and is configured to promote movement and transport of lymph in the user towards available and undamaged lymph vessels. In a method of relieving lymphedema in a user having a lymphatic system that transports lymphatic fluid, an area of the user is massaged with a truncal compression garment (100) so as to move the lymphatic fluid. Protrusions (124) are used in the truncal compression garment to direct transport of lymph in the user towards available and undamaged lymph vessels.