Morphing Compression Garments for Space Medicine and Extravehicular Activity Using Active Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Space Medicine

Background:

• Traditional compression garments are difficult to don/doff due to their constrictive nature.
• This challenge is particularly pronounced for garments used in space medicine and extravehicular activity (EVA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative solution for easier-to-don compression garments.
• To integrate shape-changing materials into compression garments for on-command constriction.

Main Methods:

• Developed a parameterized, 2-spring analytic counterpressure model for garment design.
• Created a methodology for producing shape memory alloy (SMA) coil actuator cartridges.
• Manufactured and tested five active compression sleeve prototypes, measuring counterpressure before, during, and after voltage application.

Main Results:

• Achieved controllable active counterpressures up to 34.3 kPa, exceeding EVA life support requirements (29.6 kPa).
• Prototypes with linear fabrics showed good agreement with the analytic model (4.1%/-10.5% error).
• Observed pressure non-uniformities due to friction and cartridge structure, with nonlinear fabrics deviating significantly from model predictions.

Conclusions:

• This research presents the first demonstration of controllable compression technology using active materials in garments.
• The developed technology offers a novel approach to compression garment design.
• Potential for easy-to-don compression garments with broad applications in space and on Earth.