Wearable Compression Device Using Shape Memory Alloy Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression devices for enhancing blood flow are bulky, restrictive, and require patients or athletes to remain immobile, limiting their mobility and comfort during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained compression device using shape-changing materials and elongated compression textiles, controlled by a microprocessor, applies controllable intermittent sequential compression to body extremities, allowing for mobility and eliminating the need for external air pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pneumatic compression devices are used, then effective blood flow enhancement is achieved, but device bulkiness and restriction of mobility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional pneumatic mechanical compression systems with an electrical stimulation system that uses electrodes and pulsed electrical currents to induce muscle contractions, thereby enhancing blood flow without requiring bulky pneumatic components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the bulky pneumatic compression mechanism from the device, retaining only the essential function of blood flow enhancement through electrical stimulation, thus improving portability and patient mobility
2Force
If external air pumps are used for compression, then adequate compression force is provided, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical air pump system with an electrical stimulation system that generates compression effects through induced muscle contractions, eliminating complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the patient's own muscles as the compression mechanism by stimulating them electrically, eliminating the need for external compression devices or pumps
3Reliability
If patients remain immobile during treatment, then effective compression is maintained, but treatment comfort and practicality decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static compression approach into a dynamic system where electrical stimulation induces active muscle movements, allowing patients to maintain comfort and mobility while receiving treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies periodic pulsed electrical stimulation to induce rhythmic muscle contractions, maintaining blood flow enhancement effectiveness while allowing patient mobility
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 arterial blood flow enhancement with increased comfort and mobility, reducing the risk of blood clots and improving recovery and performance for patients and athletes.
Implementation Method 1
The wires are formed of a shape memory material that changes shape in response to a stimulus
Implementation Method 2
The shape changing materials may be a shape memory metal that contracts in response to heat or an electrical current
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable massage and/or compression device 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-memory wires 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 device encircling the limb, to thereby apply pressure to the limb.