Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10071012B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-11-17 01:13:52
Document Index: 129363917

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art 100', 'art.\n3', 'art.\n4', 'art.\n5', 'art.\n6', 'art.\n9']

US10071012B2 - Electro active compression bandage - Google Patents
US10071012B2
US10071012B2 US14/340,130 US201414340130A US10071012B2 US 10071012 B2 US10071012 B2 US 10071012B2 US 201414340130 A US201414340130 A US 201414340130A US 10071012 B2 US10071012 B2 US 10071012B2
US14/340,130
US20150025426A1 (en
2004-10-11 Priority to EP04445108.6 priority Critical
2004-10-11 Priority to EP04445108 priority
2013-08-26 Priority to US13/975,732 priority patent/US20130345610A1/en
2014-07-24 Priority to US14/340,130 priority patent/US10071012B2/en
2014-07-24 Application filed by Swelling Solutions Inc filed Critical Swelling Solutions Inc
2014-08-27 Assigned to SWELLING SOLUTIONS, INC. reassignment SWELLING SOLUTIONS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2015-01-22 Publication of US20150025426A1 publication Critical patent/US20150025426A1/en
2018-09-11 Publication of US10071012B2 publication Critical patent/US10071012B2/en
229920001940 conductive polymers Polymers 0 description 15
239000002322 conducting polymer Substances 0 description 11
FIGS. 1a-c show schematic cross-section views of devices according to embodiments of the invention,
FIGS. 1d-e show schematic cross-section views of devices according to the prior-art solutions,
FIGS. 4a-b show schematic cross-section views of a first embodiment of a proposed pressure transition system,
FIGS. 5a-b show schematic cross-section views of a second embodiment of a proposed pressure transition system,
FIGS. 6a-c show perspective views of further embodiments of the proposed pressure transition system,
FIGS. 8a-b illustrate a basic morphology of a planar field activated EAM-based actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 9a-c illustrate the morphology of a cylindrical field activated EAM-based actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 10a-b illustrate the morphology of a field activated EAM-based actuator of multilayer type according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 11a-b illustrate the morphology of a field activated EAM-based actuator of C-block type according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 12a-b illustrate the morphology of a field activated EAM-based actuator of bubble type according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 14a-b show a field activated EAM-based actuator of a second cymbal type having a flexible interface to link mechanical energy produced the actuator towards a body part according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 15a-b illustrate a basic morphology of an ionic EAM-based actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 16a-b illustrate the morphology of a bilayer ionic EAM-based actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 17a-b illustrate the morphology of a triple ionic layer EAM-based actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 18a-c show side and top views of a conducting polymer actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 19a-b schematically illustrate the operation of a segment in a device according to one embodiment of the invention which includes actuators of the type shown in the FIGS. 18a -c,
FIGS. 20a-b show side views of a bending actuator according to one embodiment of the invention,
FIGS. 21a-b schematically illustrate the operation of a segment in a device according to one embodiment of the invention which includes actuators of the type shown in the FIGS. 16a -b,
FIG. 1a shows schematic cross-section view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention for exerting an external pressure to a human body part 100. The device includes a segment S1, which is adapted to at least partially enclose the body part 100 in a form-fitting manner. The segment S1 contains a controllable active-material based actuator A1 (e.g. of electroactive ceramics or polymer, conducting-polymer, carbon-nano-tube or electroactive-gel type) that in response to a control signal is adapted to cause the segment S1 to apply a basic pressure profile P1 to the body part 100. A pressure transition system PTS of the device is adapted to redistribute this basic pressure profile P1 into an adjusted pressure profile P1 ad, which is different from the basic pressure profile P1. Thus, in response to a control signal in respect of the segment S1, the adjusted pressure profile P1 adj is applied to the body part 100.
FIG. 1b shows a schematic cross-section view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention where the device includes (at least) two segments S1 and S2. A first segment S1 at least partially encloses a first portion B1 of a body part 100 and a second segment S2 at least partially encloses a second portion B2 of the body part 100. The pressure transition system PTS is here adapted to redistribute pressure profiles between the first and second segments S1 and S2. Specifically, this means that if the first segment S1 receives a control signal which causes the segment S1 to generate a first basic pressure profile P1, the pressure transition system PTS applies a first adjusted pressure profile P1 adj to at least a part of the second portion B2 of the body part 100. Correspondingly, if the second segment S2 receives a control signal which causes this segment S2 to generate a second basic pressure profile P2, the pressure transition system PTS applies a second adjusted pressure profile P2 adj to at least a part of the first portion B1 of the body part 100. Hence, in response to control signals in respect of the segments S1 and S2 relatively smoothed-out, or fuzzy, pressure profiles are applied to the body part 100. This is advantageous both from a medical and a patient-comfort point-of-view.
As can be seen in the FIG. 1b , at each body cross section enclosed by the device, the pressure transition system PTS is positioned between a first surface defined by the first and second segments S1 and S2, and a second surface defined by the body part 100. Additionally, the pressure transition system PTS extends over the first and second portions B1 and B2 of the body part 100. In order to further illustrate the function of the proposed pressure transition system PTS we now refer to FIG. 1c . This figure shows a diagram wherein the horizontal axis indicates a position along the body part 100 and the vertical axis reflects a pressure towards the body part 100. A dashed line represents a desired pressure Pdes to be applied to the body part 100. As can be seen, the pressure transition system PTS a comparatively even pressure P approximately at the Pdes-level along the entire extension of the pressure transition system PTS (i.e. also between and outside the segments S1 and S2).
FIGS. 1d and 1e illustrate a situation corresponding to that shown in the FIGS. 1b and 1c , wherein the first and second segments S1 and S2 are form-fitted around the body part 100, however without any intermediate pressure transition system PTS. Here, unacceptable pressure peaks above the desired pressure Pdes occur at several places, particularly at the edges of the segments S1 and S2. The FIG. 1e also illustrates separate pressure curves P1 and P2 respectively, which are caused by each individual segment S1 and S2 in the absence of the pressure transition system PTS.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Here, each of a number of segments S1, S2, etc. at least partially encloses a body part 100. Moreover, the segments are arranged such that a portion of one segment S1 covers a portion of a neighboring segment S2, and so on. Thereby, analogous to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1b , relatively smoothed-out, or fuzzy, pressure profiles may be applied to the body part 100 in response to control signals in respect of the segments S1 and S2. Moreover, to redistribute these pressure profiles a pressure transition system PTS is located between the segments and the body part 100. Preferably, the pressure transition system PTS has a low-friction surface towards the segments S1 and S2, so that smooth tangential movements of the segments S1 and S2 are allowed relative to the pressure transition system PTS.
FIGS. 4a-b show two cross-section views of one embodiment of the proposed pressure transition system PTS.
Here, the pressure transition system PTS includes a number of collapsible ribs 410 which are positioned between at least one segment S1 and a particular portion of the body part 100 when the device is fitted on the body part 100. Preferably, a cover layer 420 separates the ribs 410 from the body part 100. The ribs 410 extend along a general central axis of the body part 100. Hence, in these cross-section views, we only see the section profile of the ribs 410. In response to a control signal, an actuator A1 of the segment S1 is adapted to cause a tangential movement T of the segment S1 relative to the body part 100 (see FIG. 4b ). In response to the movement T, in turn, the ribs 410 are adapted to fold, such that when folded the ribs 410 exert a radial pressure P on the particular portion of the body part 100.
FIGS. 5a-b show two cross-section views of another embodiment of a proposed pressure transition system PTS. Also in this case, the pressure transition system PTS is adapted to transform a tangential movement T into a resulting radial pressure P on a body part 100. Here, however, the pressure transition system PTS includes at least one flexible chamber 510, which is positioned between at least one segment S1 and the body part 100 when the device is fitted on the body part 100. An actuator A1 of the segment S1 is adapted to cause the tangential movement T of the segment S1 relative to the body part 100 in response to a control signal. The tangential movement T, in turn, deforms the flexible chamber 510, so that the chamber 530 causes a radial pressure P on the body part 100, preferably via an underlayer 520. The chamber 510 has at least one attachment point 530 to the segment S1. When the segment S1 slides over the body part 100 the attachment point 530 follows this movement, and the chamber 510 is compressed. The chamber 510 may contain any flexible medium, such as a gas, a gel or a liquid. In any case, chamber 510 has elastic walls, which according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are made of an anisotropic material. Thereby, the chamber 510 may be arranged relative to the body part 100 when the device is fitted thereto, such that the chamber 510 is relatively stretchable in a circumferential direction of the body part 100 and relatively stiff in a direction along a general central axis of the body part 100. Thus, the radial pressure P may be well distributed over the body part 100. At the same time, the pressure transition system PTS can be soft in the circumferential direction, so that fit and patient comfort is enhanced.
Generally, the tension-force to pressure transduction embodiments illustrated in the FIGS. 4a-b and 5a-b may provide useful designs whenever a slim, robust and energy efficient device is desired.
FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the proposed pressure transition system PTS, which includes a number of protrusions in the form of rigid ribs 620. These ribs 620 are adapted to be positioned between at least one segment S1, S2 and S3 respectively and a particular portion of the body part 100. The ribs 620 are adapted to extend along a general central axis of the body part 100 and to convert the basic pressure profile of the segments S1, S2 and S3 into a non-uniform pressure profile to the particular portion of the body part 100. Thus, a peak pressure ridge of the non-uniform pressure profile is produced for each rib, and the pressure ridges are defined by the positioning of the ribs 620 relative to the body part 100. More important, however, by means of the ribs 620 pressure profiles applied by the segments S1, S2 and S3 are distributed across the body part 100. Preferably, the ribs 620 may be sewn into a soft backing material, so that the entire structure can easily expand in the radial direction (e.g. to accommodate a wide range of patient limb sizes) while being stiff in the axial direction (i.e. along the body part 100). For illustrative purposes, the segments S1, S2 and S3 have here been separated more than what is normally preferable.
FIG. 6b shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the proposed pressure transition system PTS, where instead the protrusions are cylindrical bulges 630. The bulges 630 are adapted to be positioned between at least one segment S1 and a particular portion of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part. Analogous to the above-mentioned ribs, the bulges 630 are adapted to convert the basic pressure profile of the segment S1 into a non-uniform pressure profile to the particular portion of the body part. Here, however, each bulge 630 causes a circular pressure peak. Such pressure peaks are particularly suitable when treating lymphoedema.
FIG. 6c shows yet another perspective view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. The device includes a number of segments S1, S2, . . . , Sn, which are arranged linearly along a body part 100, such as an arm or a leg. Analogous to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a , for illustrative purposes, the segments S1, S2 and S3 have also here been separated more than what is normally preferable. Nevertheless, each segment S1, S2, . . . , Sn is associated with a pressure transition system PTS which encloses the body part 100 and has fiber directions according to the curved lines. Moreover, the pressure transition systems PTS overlap partially, such that some portions of the body part 100 are covered by more than one pressure transition system PTS. For instance, a majority of the body part 100 may be covered by at least two different pressure transition systems PTS. This configuration results in that an activation of a first segment S1 causes a pressure to be applied to portions of the body part 100 which may also be pressurized via a second segment S2, and so on. Hence, smoothed-out, or fuzzy, pressure profiles may be applied to the body part 100 in response to control signals C(i) in respect of the segments S1, S2, . . . , Sn. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a control unit 640 produces a respective control signal C(i) to each of segment S1, S2, . . . , Sn. Preferably, these control signals C(i) are distributed via a common signal delivery system 650. The control unit 640 is adapted to vary the control signals C(i) over time, so that a treatment profile is implemented with respect to the body part 100. The treatment profile may involve producing repeated cycles of variations between relatively high and relatively low basic pressure profiles by means of each segment S1, S2, . . . , Sn.
FIG. 8a illustrates the basic morphology of a planar field activated EAM-based actuator 805. Two essentially plate-shaped electrodes 810 and 811 are here separated by means of an EAM piece 820. When an electric field is applied over the EAM piece 820, i.e. when one of the electrodes 810 is connected to a first polarity, say a positive voltage, and the other electrode 820 is connected to a second polarity, say a negative voltage, the EAM piece 820 undergoes a shape change, for instance by becoming thinner and longer. This situation is shown in FIG. 1 b.
FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate top- and side views respectively of the morphology of a cylindrical field activated EAM-based actuator 905, which may be used to apply pressure according to the invention. Here, a first cylindrical electrode 910 is enclosed by an EAM piece 920. A second electrode 911, in turn, encloses the EAM piece 920. FIG. 9c shows a side-view corresponding to the FIG. 9b , however where the first electrode 910 is connected to a positive voltage and the second electrode 911 is connected to a negative voltage. In similarity with the example shown in FIG. 8b , the EAM piece 920 contracts in response to the applied electric field, and the actuator's 905 diameter decreases while its length increases.
A multilayer cylindrical actuator of the type shown in the FIGS. 9a and 9b may be accomplished straightforwardly by wrapping a planar actuator around a spring, or tube-like mandrel. Thereby, a compact, multilayered (i.e. high strength) tubular actuator can be cost effectively created from a simple planar starting geometry.
FIG. 10a shows a schematic side-view of a field activated EAM-based actuator 1005 of multilayer (or stacked) type, which may be used according to the present invention. Many interconnected layers of EAM 1020 are here alternately separated by a first essentially planar electrode 1010 and a second essentially planar electrode 1011. FIG. 10b illustrates the case when an electric field is applied across the electrodes 1010 and 1011. As can be seen, this again results in a contraction of the EAM 1020. However, a material expansion may instead result if for example a piezoceramic is used as the EAM 1020. In any case, by means of a stacked-type of actuator, a substantial mechanical amplification can be achieved. Triple layer actuators (or so-called bimorph cantilever actuators) can be formed by means of two EAM pieces separated by a supporting element, where opposite electric fields are applied to the EAM pieces. Thereby, the actuator can be controlled to bend in two different directions depending on which EAM piece that is activated, or the polarities applied to each of the EAM pieces.
FIG. 11a shows a schematic side view of a field activated EAM-based actuator 1105 of C-block type, which also may be used according to the invention. In each block of this actuator 1105 a curved-profile laminate material 1130 adjoins an EAM piece 1120, which likewise has a curved profile. The general curved profile of each block amplifies the motion of the basic movement of the EAM piece 1120. Two or more of these blocks may be connected in series with one another to accomplish a further amplification effect. When an electric field is applied between the respective EAM piece 1120 and the laminate material 1130, the EAM piece 1120 contracts according to what is illustrated in FIG. 11 b.
FIG. 12a illustrates the morphology of a field activated EAM-based actuator 1205 of bubble type according to one embodiment of the invention. Here, an EAP membrane 1220, shaped as a truncated sphere (or similar bubble-like shape), is attached to a rigid mounting material 1230. According to one embodiment of the invention, a pneumatic pressure bias is used to create the convex shape of the EAP membrane 1220. An electric field across the EAP membrane 1220 causes the membrane 1220 to expand from its initial (inactivated) morphology. FIG. 12b illustrates such an activated state. For example, such actuators can be used to create localized pressure points on the body.
FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of another cymbal type of field activated EAM-based actuator 1405, which may be used in a device according to the invention. FIG. 14b shows a sectional side view of this actuator 1405. Here, two interface surfaces 1435 a and 1435 b are interconnected by means of a number of flexible members 1430, which in turn, are attached to an EAM piece 1420 located between the interface surfaces 1435 a and 1435 b. Thereby, upon activation of the actuator 1405, so that the EAM piece 1420 expands E, the interface surfaces 1435 a and 1435 b move toward one another DE (essentially along their symmetry axes). Analogous thereto, upon activation of the actuator 1405, so that the EAM piece 1420 instead contracts C, the interface surfaces 1435 a and 1435 b are separated from one another DC (essentially along their symmetry axes). Hence, a desired pressure can be created towards a body part through transformation of the basic material movement of the EAM piece 1420.
FIG. 15a illustrates a basic morphology of an ionic EAM-based actuator 1505 according to one embodiment of the invention. Ionic electroactive materials are characterized in that actuator systems based on them contain ions and that migration of these ions occurs under the influence of voltage potentials applied between electrodes 1510 and 1520 within the system. The ion migration, in turn, causes swelling or shrinking of the actuator. There are many designs based on the concept of electrically induced ionic migration. Some exemplary designs, which may be used according to the invention will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 17.
Returning now to FIG. 15a , conducting polymer actuators generally have an ion reservoir, such as an electrolyte 1550 (in the form of a liquid, a gel or a solid), which separates a working electrode 1510 and a counter electrode 1520. The working electrode 1510 usually includes the EAM (i.e. the conducting polymer). Also the counter electrode 1520 may include an EAM, however usually different from the EAM of the working electrode 1510. The counter electrode 1520 may thus include a naturally conducting material, such as a metal or a graphite film. Moreover, the counter electrode 1520 may be made from nanocomposites, fabricated to have both high conductivity and low mechanical stiffness.
FIG. 15b illustrates a situation where a positive voltage has been applied to the working electrode 1510 and a negative voltage has been applied to the counter electrode 1520. As a result, the working electrode 1510 extends while its width decreases. For improved expansion properties, the working electrode 1510 may be designed as a composite of conductive helical supporting structure encapsulated by the EAM (not shown here). A possible extension of the counter electrode 1520 (resulting from an included EAM) is illustrated by means of a dashed profile.
FIG. 16a illustrates the morphology of a bilayer ionic EAM-based actuator 1605 according to one embodiment of the invention. Here, a working electrode 1610 of a conductive polymer (EAP) adjoins a non-conducting polymer backing element 1620, which mainly functions as a mechanical support to the actuator laminate of the working electrode 1610. A counter electrode 1611 is arranged physically separated from both the working electrode 1610 and the backing element 1620. The working electrode 1610 and the EAP 1620 are attached to an anchor member 1630, and all the elements 1610, 1620 and 1611 are surrounded by an electrolyte 1640. FIG. 16b shows a situation when a negative voltage has been applied to the working electrode 1610 and a positive voltage has been applied to the counter electrode 1611, causing the conductive polymer to contract, and as a result, the entire working electrode and backing element system to bend.
FIG. 17a illustrates the morphology of a triple ionic layer EAM-based actuator 1705 according to one embodiment of the invention, which is similar in morphology to the actuator design of FIGS. 16a and 16b . Here however, two conductive polymer electrodes 1710 and 1711 are separated by means of a non-conducting polymer element 1720. All the elements 1710, 1711 and 1720 are attached to an anchor member 1730, and may or may not be surrounded by an electrolyte. Namely, the non-conducting polymer element 1720 may include a solid polymer electrolyte, and thus forego the need for a surrounding electrolyte. In such a case, the elements 1710, 1711 and 1720 must be encapsulated to prevent evaporation of the electrolyte. FIG. 17b illustrates how the actuator 1705 upon activation can be controlled to flex in different directions .SIGMA1 and .SIGMA2 depending on the polarity of a voltage applied between the electrodes 1710 and 1711. In this case, the actuator 1705 bends upwards .SIGMA1 in response to a negative voltage potential connected to the first electrode 1710 and a positive voltage potential connected to the second electrode 1711. Correspondingly, the actuator 1705 would bend downwards .SIGMA1 in response to opposite voltage potentials.
FIG. 18a shows a side view of an inactivated conducting polymer actuator A1 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 18b shows a corresponding top view. This actuator A1 operates according to the basic principle described above with reference to the FIGS. 15a and 15b . Nevertheless, both a working electrode 1810 and a counter electrode 1820 include a conductive polymer. An electrolyte 1830 is enclosed by these electrodes 1810 and 1820. The actuator A1 is activated by means of an applied voltage between a first electrode tab 1810 a and a second electrode tab 1810 b. When such a voltage is applied, the working electrode 1810 contracts and the counter electrode 1820 expands. As a result, the actuator A1 both contracts in plane and expands out of the plane according to the top-view illustration of FIG. 18 c.
FIG. 19a illustrates a side view of a segment in a device according to one embodiment of the invention, which includes a number of actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3 of the type shown in the FIGS. 18a-c . Theoretically, one actuator is sufficient to exert an external pressure to a body part 100 by means of the proposed device. However, for improved effect a plurality of actuators may be used. If so, the actuators are mechanically connected to one another to at least partially enclose the body part 100, such as the limb of a patient, in a form-fitting manner. Depending on the number of actuators and the range of motion of each actuator A1 1, Al2, and Al3, the device may be capable of completely disengaging the body part 100 at the conclusion of treatment. In this case, a strap 1910 (or equivalent) transmits actuator forces around the body part 100 and fixates the actuators Al1, Al2) and Al3 to the body part 100. In other cases, the strap 1910 may contain a variety of locking mechanisms to assist with the removal of the device from the patient after treatment, or assist with size adjustment of the device to the patient.
Here, a first actuator A1 1 includes a first working electrode 1810 1 and a first counter electrode 1820 1; a second actuator A1 2 includes a second working electrode 1810 2 and a second counter electrode 1820 2; and a third actuator A1 3 includes a third working electrode 1810 3 and a third counter electrode 1820 3. Further, the first actuator A1 1 is connected to the second actuator A1 2, which in turn, is connected to the third actuator A1 2 according to the configuration of FIG. 19a . Strap members 1910 are attached to the first and third actuator A1 1 and Al3 to fixate the device to the body part 100. The electrode tabs of each actuator A1 1, Al2, and Al3 are also electrically connected to an electric power source, so that the actuators can be activated by means of electric charges being supplied to their electrodes. However, for reasons of a clear presentation, this is not shown in the FIG. 19 a.
Preferably, a pressure transition system PTS is arranged as an interface between the actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3 and the body part 100. The pressure transition system PTS is adapted to redistribute a basic pressure profile of the actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3, such that when the actuators are activated, an adjusted pressure profile different from the basic pressure profile is applied to the body part 100. Thereby, a smoother (or more fuzzy) pressure profile P can be applied to the body part, which is desirable in many medical applications.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, any voids between the actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3 and the pressure transition system PTS are filled with an open-celled foam (not shown). Namely, this further assists in redistributing pressure from the actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3 to the body part 100 without overly affecting the breath ability of the device.
FIG. 19b illustrates a situation when all the actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3 are activated, and therefore each actuator A1 1, Al2, and Al3 has adapted morphology equivalent to what is shown in the FIG. 18c . As a result, a pressure profile P is applied to the body part 100, and as a further consequence the body part 100 is normally compressed/deformed (which is here illustrated by means of a reduced cross-section diameter). If, however, the body part 100 were very stiff, and therefore would not deform under the pressure profile P applied, the actuators Al1, Al2, and Al3 and the strap members 1910 would exert tensile forces F around the body part 100 without undergoing the large deformations depicted in the FIG. 19 b.
FIGS. 20a and 20b show side views of a bending actuator A2 according to one embodiment of the invention. Preferably, this type of actuator A2 includes a bending member 2010 of field activated EAM-type. The bending member 2010 is adapted to operate against a local pressure transition system PTS' and an over layer 2030, for instance in the form of an appropriate interfacing fabric. An elastic back plate side of the bending member 2010 faces the over layer 2030. FIG. 20a illustrates an inactivated state of the actuator A2, while FIG. 20b illustrates an activated state. As can be seen, when activated the bending member 2010 pushes the over layer 2030 away from the local pressure transition system PTS'. This leads to tensile forces F in the over layer 2030, which according to the invention may be converted into a desired pressure profile applied to a body part.
FIG. 21a shows a side view of a segment in a device according to one embodiment of the invention, which includes a number of actuators A2 1 and A2 2 of the type shown in the FIGS. 20a and 20b . In the configuration shown, the number of actuators is increased to accommodate a wider range of available motion, and to more evenly distribute pressure to a curved body part 100. If an increase pressure is desired, two or more actuators may be applied in parallel, i.e. be stacked, such that the actuators a layered on top of one another. Alternatively, multilayered laminates within each actuator element of an actuator array may be thickened. Nevertheless, for illustrative purposes only two actuators A2 1 and A2 2 are shown here. The actuators A2 1 and A2 2 are located next to one another and have a common over layer 2110 (compare with 2030 in the FIGS. 20a and 20b ). Preferably, the over layer 2110 has at least one attachment point 2120 between the actuators A2 1 and A2 2. Thereby, when activated, each actuator A2 1 and A2 2 contributes maximally to the generation of a pressure towards the body part 100. Moreover, in addition to the local systems of each actuator, a pressure transition system PTS is preferably arranged as an interface between the actuators Al1 and Al2 respectively and the body part 100. Such a pressure transition system PTS is adapted to redistribute a basic pressure profile of the actuators Al1 and Al2, so that when the actuators are activated, an adjusted pressure profile different from the basic pressure profile is applied to the body part 100. Thereby, a smoother (or more fuzzy) pressure profile P can be applied to the body part, which is desirable in many medical applications.
In similarity with the FIG. 19b , FIG. 21b shows a situation when the actuators Al1 and Al2 are activated, and a pressure profile P is applied to the body part 100. Normally, this leads to a compression/deformation of the body part 100 (which is here illustrated by means of a reduced cross-section diameter). If, however, the body part 100 were very stiff, and therefore would not deform under the pressure profile P applied, yet the over layer 2110 would still exert tensile forces F around the body part 100.
FIG. 22 shows a side view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention for exerting an external pressure to a human body part 100. The device includes segments S1, S2 and S3, which are adapted to at least partially enclose the body part 100 in a form-fitting manner. Each segment S1, S2 and S3 contains a controllable active-material based actuator A (e.g. of the type illustrated in the FIGS. 21a and 21b ) that is adapted to cause the segment to apply a pressure profile to the body part 100 in response to a control signal C(i). The device may also include a pressure transition system PSS, which is adapted to redistribute a basic pressure profile produced by the segments S1, S2 and S3 into an adjusted pressure profile which is different from the basic pressure profile. Thus, the pressure transition system PSS accomplished a relatively smoothed-out, or fuzzy, pressure profile to be applied to the body part 100. This is advantageous both from a medical and a patient-comfort point-of-view. The pressure transition system PSS, in turn, preferably includes an auxetic-foam composite or other material having a deformable microcellular structure.
1. A device for exerting an external pressure to a human body part, the device comprising:
an actuator apparatus controllable in response to control signals from a control unit;
at least two segments of which a first segment is adapted to at least partially enclose a first portion of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part and a second segment is adapted to at least partially enclose a second portion of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part, each of the at least two segments configured with the actuator apparatus operable so as to in the absence of any intermediate component between the actuator apparatus and the body part when the device is fitted on the body part cause each of the at least two segments to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part; and
a pressure transition system adapted to be positioned between a surface defined by the first and second segments and a surface of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part, wherein the pressure transition system comprises a plurality of deformable flexible chambers containing a flexible medium, wherein the pressure transition system extends over the first and second portions of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part, wherein the pressure transition system is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments, in such a manner that movement of the first segment under control of the actuator apparatus causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the second portion of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part and movement of the second segment under control of the actuator apparatus causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part, and wherein each of the first adjusted pressure profile and the second adjusted pressure profile are different from each of a first basic pressure profile of the first segment and a second basic pressure profile of the second segment.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure transition system is adapted to be positioned between the first and second segments and the first and second portions of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second segments are arranged such that at least a portion of the first segment extends over at least two deformable flexible chambers and at least a portion of the second segment extends over at least two deformable flexible chambers when the device is fitted on the body part.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of deformable flexible chambers has an elastic wall of an anisotropic material, the at least one chamber is adapted to be arranged relative to the body part when the device is fitted on the body part such that the at least one chamber is relatively stretchable in a circumferential direction of the body part and relatively stiff in a direction along a general central axis of the body part.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device applies a treatment profile comprising gradually varying pressure profiles applied to the body part via said segments when the device is fitted on the body part.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible medium comprises at least one of a gas, a gel, and a liquid.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the flexible medium comprises a gas.
8. A device for exerting an external pressure to a human body part, the device comprising:
a pressure transition system defined by at least a first surface and a second surface, the second surface to be positioned adjacent a body part, wherein the pressure transition system comprises a plurality of deformable flexible chambers containing a flexible medium; and
an actuator apparatus controllable in response to control signals from a control unit and associated with at least one elongate element comprising at least a first portion adapted to at least partially encircle at least a first portion of the body part and a second portion adapted to at least partially encircle at least a second portion of the body part,
wherein the actuator apparatus causes tangential movement of at least the first and second portions of the at least one elongate element to exert a radial pressure on the body part,
wherein the pressure transition system extends underneath the actuator apparatus associated with the at least one elongate element and over the first and second portions of the body part when the device is fitted on the body part, and
wherein the pressure transition system is adapted to redistribute the radial pressure applied by the actuator apparatus associated with the at least one elongate element, wherein movement of the first portion of the at least one elongate element under control of the actuator apparatus causes the pressure transition system to apply at least a distributed pressure to at least a part of the second portion of the body part and movement of the second portion of the at least one elongate element under control of the actuator apparatus causes the pressure transition system to apply a distributed pressure to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first surface comprises a low friction surface, and further wherein at least the first and second portions of the at least one elongate element are positioned adjacent the low friction surface.
10. The device according to claim 8, wherein at least a part of the first portion of the at least one elongate element covers at least a part of the second portion of the at least one elongate element.
11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the device comprises at least one rib structure extending along an axial direction of the device corresponding to a direction along the body part, wherein the at least one rib structure provides a stiffness in the axial direction while allowing the device to expand in a radial direction.
12. The device according to claim 8, wherein the device takes the form of a garment for enclosing at least a part of a limb.
13. The device according to claim 8, wherein the flexible medium comprises at least one of a gas, a gel, and a liquid.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the flexible medium comprises a gas.
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