Tubular Compression Textile With Segmented Junction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression articles, particularly high-class ones, are difficult for patients with reduced mobility to put on, as they tend to slide and form folds, especially at the foot level, leading to discomfort and altered compression efficacy, and are often designed for open toes without proper distal end positioning assistance.
Innovation Solution
A tubular compression textile article comprising a first and second tubular compression element connected by a circular junction zone with a third element forming the distal end, preventing sliding and facilitating correct superposition, which can be designed for both open and closed toes, and manufactured through continuous knitting or assembly methods like sewing or ultrasonic welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single knitted tube with two heel zones is used to form both sock and stocking, then the article is formed in one piece, but the first compression element slides on the second element causing folds and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The single knitted tube is segmented into three distinct functional elements: a first tubular compression element (stocking), a second tubular compression element (sock), and a third intermediate element connecting them. This segmentation prevents sliding between compression elements while maintaining one-piece manufacturing through continuous knitting with stitch transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The third intermediate element acts as an intermediary component between the first and second compression elements. It provides a non-slip connection zone that prevents the first element from sliding on the second element, thereby eliminating folds and discomfort while allowing both elements to be formed in one piece.
2Reliability
If high class compression articles are used to achieve adequate compression levels, then compression efficacy is improved, but the articles become difficult for patients with reduced mobility to put on
Solution Approach 1:
The compression article is divided into two separate compression elements (sock and stocking) with different compression classes, allowing the patient to easily put on the softer sock first, then the firmer stocking over it. This segmentation maintains high overall compression efficacy while improving ease of application for patients with reduced mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first compression element (stocking) is put on over the second compression element (sock), creating a nested structure where the softer sock serves as a base layer and the firmer stocking provides additional compression. This nesting approach facilitates easier donning while achieving the required compression levels.
3Device complexity
If the distal end positioning is not assisted, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but correct superposition of elements cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The third intermediate element can be distinguished from the first and second compression elements by visual differences in color, texture, or knitting pattern. This visual distinction guides the user to correctly position and superpose the elements during application, ensuring proper alignment without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The third intermediate element automatically performs the function of positioning assistance through its inherent structural features during the application process. As the patient puts on the article, the intermediate element's distinct characteristics naturally guide correct superposition of the compression elements without requiring additional positioning mechanisms or complex manufacturing steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a tubular compression textile article (1) that comprises first (2) and second (3) tubular compression elements to be placed one on top of the other when putting on the article (1). Characteristically, the first (2) and second (3) elements are connected to each other along a circular junction area (9) from which extends a third element (6) adapted to define the distal end of said article when putting on said article. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a production method for obtaining said textile article (1).