Wearable Fluid-Driven Therapy for Continuous Muscle Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resistance stimulation applications for muscle recovery occur only at intervals, with idle periods of non-stimulation, and are not available to all patients, limiting the effectiveness of at-home therapy.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a network of flexible cells and channels that provides continuous, passive muscle compression and stimulation through fluid redistribution due to user movement, mimicking a cardiovascular system to deliver targeted therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If resistance stimulation is applied only at intervals with idle periods in between, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the duration of therapeutic action is insufficient and productivity of recovery is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous therapeutic action through a self-driven mechanism where the subject's own movements power the device. The flexible cells with working material continuously redistribute in response to subject movement, eliminating idle periods and providing uninterrupted therapeutic stimulation while maintaining simple device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-service by using the subject's own movements to drive the therapeutic action. The flexible cells automatically respond to subject movement without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, thereby extending duration of action while keeping device complexity low
2Adaptability or versatility
If professional muscle stimulation services are provided only in controlled settings, then treatment precision is improved, but adaptability to different patients and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to self-administer therapy at home through their own movements, dramatically improving adaptability and availability. The self-driven mechanism automatically adjusts treatment delivery based on individual patient movement patterns, maintaining treatment precision while expanding access to all patients regardless of location
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts to each patient's unique movement patterns and physical characteristics. The flexible cells respond in real-time to individual subject movements, allowing the treatment to be customized to each patient's needs while maintaining therapeutic precision through the mechanical feedback loop
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
Enables continuous muscle recovery and stimulation during daily activities, enhancing long-term prognosis by providing continuous resistance and massage stimulation, suitable for various conditions and populations.
Implementation Method 1
A working material in the internal cavity of each cell may be redistributable by pressure differentials caused by the forces resulting from the movement of the subject exerted on the inner surface of the material that is transmitted into the internal cavity of the cell
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for providing a therapeutic stimulus to a subject. The device may have a therapeutic portion, a reservoir, a tube operatively coupling the therapeutic portion and the reservoir, and a working material disposed within the therapeutic portion, reservoir, and tube. The tube may be configured to transfer pressure applied to the reservoir by a movement of the subject from the reservoir to the therapeutic portion. The therapeutic portion may be configured to engage a first portion of the subject. The reservoir may be remote from the therapeutic portion and configured to engage a second portion of the subject.