DE102019131530A1 - Yarn for the production of strain measuring cuffs and measuring cuffs for measuring body circumference, in particular erection measuring cuffs based on a textile measuring and carrier system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an elastic, electrically conductive yarn for a textile strain measuring cuff, in particular an erection measuring cuff, suitable for use in medical treatments, and a measuring device suitable for operating the erection measuring cuff. The invention also relates to a strain measuring cuff or erection measuring cuff per se. Furthermore, the erection measuring cuff and measuring device can be used for an application on a stationary terminal (laptop, notebook or tablet) and / or on a mobile telecommunication terminal.

Description

Technical subject

The present invention relates to an elastic, electrically conductive yarn, in particular for a textile strain measuring cuff or erection measuring cuff, suitable for use in medical treatments, and a measuring device suitable for operating the erection measuring cuff. Furthermore, a use of the strain measuring cuffs or erection measuring cuff and a measuring device for an application, especially on a stationary terminal (e.g. a data logger, laptop, notebook or tablet) as well as a mobile telecommunication terminal, are provided.

State of the art

Erectile dysfunction has taken on an important role in modern urology and andrology, but also across disciplines in medical applications, due to the continuously growing incidence and steadily increasing life expectancy of men.

In this regard, it is particularly worth mentioning the medical connection between erectile dysfunction or erectile function in persons of the male sex with the heart signature and blood flow of the respective person. By diagnosing and analyzing erectile activity and erectile dysfunction, accurate and early conclusions can be drawn about the quality of the cardiovascular system and general blood flow, which in turn enables an insight into a patient's risk of heart attack and stroke, among other things. Accurate measurements of erectile activity open up a wide range of treatment and diagnosis options for common cardiovascular diseases.

As a result, there is a need in the field of medical technology for devices and equipment for testing penile rigidity and erection strength, as well as for objectifying an erection, the associated measurements and their documentation. Of particular interest here are consecutive measurements, especially nocturnal involuntary erections, and the correlation of the measurement results obtained with the accompanying diseases that occur in the event of irregularities.

A first method for measuring erectile function is duplex sonography or Doppler sonography in the course of which the blood flow between the latency phase and the detumescence phase of the erection is determined by ultrasound diagnostics. Even if this method allows very good results in terms of measuring the penile blood flow and consequently penile rigidity, it is completely unsuitable for measuring the erectile activity of nocturnal erections. On the one hand, the devices used are usually large and heavy and, on the other hand, they are completely unsuitable for attachment to a patient's penis. Mobility of the patient during the measurement is completely excluded, as a result of which the comfort during the measurement is severely impaired. Long-term measurements are not possible. Furthermore, the equipment used is complex to handle and can only be adequately operated by trained medical specialists. In addition, essential erection parameters such as penis length, growth or girth are not accessible.

Other methods of erection measurement, which, in contrast to sonography, are also suitable for nocturnal measurements thanks to the simplified application and reduced size of the apparatus, are, on the one hand, systems that use electrodes to measure the impedance of the tissue and, on the other hand, mechanical methods, which are placed on rings surrounding the penis or use tissue and provide information about rigidity, growth, volume, blood flow, etc.

So revealed US 2007078493 Techniques for sensing penile swelling based on the impedance of tissue between two electrodes implanted in the penis. A change in the impedance in the case of penis swelling can be observed, which means that conclusions can be drawn about the length and circumference of the penis, for example. However, due to the need for surgical intervention, the system is not suitable for routine examinations and many parameters such as penile rigidity are inaccessible. The amount of data recorded is not sufficient for a fully exhaustive analysis of the erection.

Another invention based on electrodes and impedance measurement is disclosed in US Pat WO 9842255 . The system described here, consisting of a recorder and three measuring electrodes that can be stuck to the penis, enables measurements of the duration and course of individual erection events, as well as the arterial inflow to the patient's limb. However, sticking electrodes is considered by patients felt uncomfortable and the reusability of the electrodes is not guaranteed. Likewise, a precise, constant positioning, especially in the extremely slack state (eg wrinkling), cannot be mapped.

Another system for measuring erectile function is the RigiScan® system, described in the patent US 6162188 The product disclosed herein comprises two measuring loops that are placed around the penis, which contract at set time intervals and during the contraction provide data relating to the quantity and quality of erectile function. Even if the method disclosed therein solves the problems associated with measuring electrodes, the number and quality of the data recorded is insufficient for a meaningful diagnosis. Furthermore, patient comfort is only inadequately guaranteed, since the periodic contraction of the loops is usually perceived as annoying by patients. In particular, measurements of erection while a patient is sleeping are consequently hindered. Furthermore, when an erection begins, the blood flow is disturbed or significantly delayed. This results in falsified measurement results. The backlog of blood that took place in the process cannot be recorded in terms of time or dimensions.

The document US 20160198993 discloses a pair of underpants equipped with a macromolecular, elastic fiber material for monitoring the axial length of the penis, the radial length of the penis and the penis volume. In addition, a temperature detector and an oxygen saturation measuring device are built into the underpants. An integrated circuit chip receives and processes output signals from the mechanical device, the temperature detector and the oxygen saturation measuring device. The system described here is elaborately designed and combines many components that make commercial manufacture and use difficult.

In view of the state of the art and the described problems of currently available systems for measuring erection, it is evident that there is a need for a new methodology for measuring erectile activity in men. Since all the systems disclosed so far either ensure insufficient comfort during the measurement or only provide insufficient insight into data relevant for erection measurements, the focus of the disclosure described here is on the provision of a new measurement set-up as well as on new materials suitable for use in said measurement set-up , Methodologies for using the measurement setup and methods for processing the data obtained through the measurement setup and their visualization.

Objects to be solved by the invention

The problems described below arise from the prior art and are to be solved.

A first main task describes the provision of a small, mobile measuring device for the measurement of erectile activity, with high precision and particularly high wearing comfort in the patient's native environment, i.e. without any disruptive equipment, so that the patient can use the measuring device ergonomically and in a familiar environment for a long time Can carry periods of time without stigma and hygienic restrictions. This leads to a more accurate measurement of the parameters and higher patient compliance.

Furthermore, an object of the invention is aimed at providing a large number of measurement parameters (i.e. data on length, circumference, stiffness, duration), as a result of which more differentiated anamnesis are made possible. In particular, the focus here is on providing as extensive a set of data as possible on the length, extent and duration of erections over an extended period of time, as well as on the rigidity of erections derived from this data. Measurement of the pulse and the arterial flow / pressure should also be made accessible with more sensitive sensor areas.

Another task is the provision of sensor areas in a material on a textile basis, which enable sensitive measurements of the expansion and tension, and at the same time guarantee a high level of comfort for the patient.

In particular, it is an object to provide a sensor material that enables a sufficiently sensitive parameter measurement (especially current resistance measurement) over as wide an expansion range as possible, so that an unambiguous assignment of the measured resistance to a corresponding expansion is ensured.

These objects are achieved with the following aspects, variants and embodiments. In particular, these objects are achieved by means of a yarn according to claim 1 and a cuff according to claim 13.

Summary of the invention

The first aspect of the invention describes an elastic, electrically conductive yarn, comprising one or more elastic, non-electrically conductive central core threads and two or more electrically conductive wrapping threads, which are wound one above the other around the core (core thread). In the following, the two terms core thread and soul are used synonymously.

In the further course of the following description, the term "elastic" is defined as a property of the yarn or core thread or wrapping thread or thread or fiber described, changing its shape when the force is applied and returning to the original shape when the force is removed. Unaffected by this, an elastic yarn is also elastic within the meaning of the invention if forces that extend the yarn or core thread or wrapping thread or thread or fiber beyond the elasticity range of the respective yarn or core thread or wrapping thread or thread or fiber, and the yarn or core thread or wrapping thread or thread or fiber also shows inelastic behavior, or breaks. An elastic range of the yarn is sufficient.

In the sense of the first aspect of the invention, “electrically conductive” is defined as the ability of the yarn (s) or core thread or wrapping thread or thread or fiber to conduct electrical current. Materials that have an electrical conductivity (at 25 ° C) of> 10 ^-5 S / m are referred to as electrically conductive. The conductivity of the yarn depends on the composition of the composite. In general, the yarn comprises a non-conductive core thread with a conductivity (at 25 ° C) of <10 ^-5 S / m and electrically conductive wrapping threads (synonymous with a wrapping thread) consisting of a wrapping thread core material and a wrapping thread coating material ( 1 ), wherein the wrapping thread core materials have a conductivity (at 25 ° C) of <10 ^-5 S / m and wherein the wrapping thread coating materials have an electrical conductivity (at 25 ° C) of> 10 ⁶ S / m.

The test of the electrical conductivity is preferably carried out according to the following scheme: The yarn / core thread / wrapping thread / thread / fiber is almost free of longitudinal tension (i.e. freely hanging and without noticeable tension, but preferably straight and without bending of the measurement object) between two preferably clamped in silver-plated clamps. The attached terminals are connected to an ohmmeter (Metra Hit 15 S; measuring range up to 30 MΩ). The distance between the clamps was chosen between 200 mm and 450 mm. A terminal spacing of 300 mm is used as standard. The resistance between the terminals is measured in [Ω] as a function of the expansion. The electrical conductivity of the yarn / core thread / wrapping thread / thread / fiber is the reciprocal resistance.

Furthermore, yarns of the first aspect are preferably defined by a yarn-specific change in resistance WiS as a function of the elongation or a relative change in length of the yarn.

The resistance of the yarn depends on the elongation of the yarn and increases with increasing elongation of the yarn and thus allows direct conclusions to be drawn about the change in length of the yarn. Further specific values are given in Example 1. Basically, the resistance is to be seen as a function of the elongation as a function of the elongation. The course is often non-linear. What is important here, however, is that the change in resistance is proportional to the expansion over as wide a range as possible, so that conclusions can be drawn about the expansion of the yarn from the change in resistance. The evaluation is carried out using software that interprets, evaluates and visualizes the results accordingly.

It is also preferred that the electrically conductive wrapping threads are not elastic or are non-elastic without twisting and topological stresses.

Non-elastic wrapping threads increase the stability of the yarn and prevent the thread from tearing or overstretching, even when the force is exerted, compared with yarns that comprise stretchable wrapping threads.

The wrapping threads can also preferably be elastic. It is preferred here that they have a lower elasticity than the core thread.

The wrapping threads are wound one on top of the other, i.e. one type of wrapping thread is wound first on the core thread in the S or Z direction and subsequent threads are wound sequentially. The first and second wrapping threads are preferably wound in opposite directions.

Yarns of the first aspect described here allow a greatly improved elongation conductivity profile to be achieved by using two or more wrapping threads in the manner described above and with the properties described above. In particular, such a yarn ensures a bijective assignment of the elongation / length of the yarn to the electrical resistance of the yarn over a large elongation range. The preferred expansion range in this context preferably corresponds to an expansion by a factor of at least 0.5, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.8, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 (i.e. double expansion). In addition, a yarn of the first aspect achieves a continuous increase in the ohmic resistance with an approximately constant gradient over a wide range of expansion.

A first variant of the first aspect of the invention describes a yarn according to the first aspect, wherein the resistance increases with the elongation of the yarn according to the invention along the length direction of the yarn and wherein the wrapping threads are metallically coated polymer wires.

The longitudinal direction in the sense of the yarn, described by the present variant and all subsequent variants of the first aspect, is defined as the direction with the greatest extension of the yarn and corresponds to the normal to the cross-sectional area of the yarn.

Wrapping threads U of the variant described here can be divided into two sub-areas as in 1 shown: a wrapping thread core area UK , consisting of a polymer, and a wrapping thread coating area UB , consisting of a metallic coating.

The wrapping thread core area UK a wrapping thread U of the variant described herein is preferably a homopolymer or a copolymer of two, three, four, five or more types of monomer units. The wrapping thread core area UK The wrapping thread belonging to the present variant is more preferably a polymer or copolymer which can be assigned to the group of thermoplastics.

Wrapping thread core areas of this group guarantee high tensile strength and flexibility of the wrapping thread as well as high tensile strength, flexibility of a yarn in which said wrapping threads are used.

Wrapping threads of the variant described here, the wrapping thread core area of which consists of a homopolymer from the group of thermoplastic polyamides, are even more preferred. Particularly preferred are polyamides selected from the group PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12, PA 11 and PA 12, particularly preferably PA 6 and PA 6.6.

The tensile strength of the wrapping thread and of the yarn containing the wrapping thread are particularly emphasized here. Furthermore, polymers from the group mentioned allow the wrapping thread and the yarn to be highly resistant to external influences, e.g. abrupt kinking of the thread / yarn. The durability of the thread / yarn is increased compared to threads / yarns with other core areas.

The wrapping thread coating area of a wrapping thread of the variant described herein preferably consists of a pure metal ("pure" in the sense of the disclosure described here is equivalent to an absolute purity of ≥ 95% wt. Of the respective substance or metal) or an alloy consisting of two, three, four, or more different metals.

In this context, wrapping threads whose wrapping thread coating area consists of only one pure metal are particularly preferred.

Most preferred in this context are wrapping threads whose wrapping thread coating area consists of only one pure metal, the pure metal being an electrical one Has conductivity measured at room temperature of> 10 ⁶ S / m. Metals belonging to the group of silver, copper and gold are particularly preferred here.

Metals from these groups are particularly suitable because they combine good electrical conductivity with high flexibility of the yarn / wrapping thread. Furthermore, metals of this group are particularly suitable for applications in the medical-technical area and are hypoallergic.

In view of the variant described here, particularly preferred yarns are those whose wrapping threads have a wrapping thread core area made of polyamide, in particular PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10 or PA 6.12, and a wrapping thread coating area made of pure silver or pure gold or pure copper .

These wrapping threads are particularly suitable for applications in the medical-technical field. In addition, particularly good resistance and durability of the threads and the threads in which such threads are used are guaranteed.

Yarns of the variant described here allow a simple determination of the length of the yarn by measuring the resistive ohmic resistance of the yarn with the inventive measurement methods.

In a second variant of the first aspect, the core thread is a polymer or a combination of different elastic polymers. This core thread describes the core of the yarn and this is preferably elastic. The core thread is preferably made of the same material as the wrapping core thread UK .

In a further good alternative, the core thread comprises at least one elastic polymer, as before for the wrapping core thread UK described, this preferably not being the same as the polymer of the wrapping core thread UK is.

Another variant of the yarn of the first aspect is characterized in that the wrapping threads are wound one on top of the other in such a way that the winding sense in the S or Z direction of each wrapping thread is opposite to the other wrapping threads wound directly above and below the wrapping thread, if any is and therefore preferably result in intersection points of the wrapping threads. This means that the wrapping direction of the wrapping threads runs in opposite directions to one another. While one of the wrapping threads is wrapped around the core thread in the S-direction, that is, the second wrapping thread must have been wrapped around the core thread and the inner wrapping thread in the Z-direction, that is, left-handed, or vice versa, so that the wrapping points at intersection. An exemplary wrapping with opposite wrapping directions is in this context in 2 shown. The definitions of S and Z rotations are sufficiently known to the person skilled in the art.

A surprising advantage of the variant described here is that a gradual increase in the resistive ohmic resistance of the yarn can be guaranteed as the yarn expands. Yarns of the variant guarantee a bijective assignment of an elongation of a yarn to an ohmic resistance of the yarn. Furthermore, a yarn in the variant described here enables the electrically conductive wrapping threads to cross one another and to be wound around the core thread one above the other. A continuous change in the relative resistance (i.e. an approximately linear increase in resistance with increasing elongation) over an elongation range from 0% elongation to 250% elongation (an elongation of 100% corresponds to twice the length of the yarn), preferably at least 50%, can be achieved.

In the context of the variant described here, 2 an exemplary embodiment of the yarn of the variant shown. Here shows 2 a yarn with a core thread K or several core threads K . The core thread (s) K are wrapped with a first wrapping thread U1 in a first winding sense WS1 . Furthermore, the core thread (s) are / are K with a second wrapping thread U2 in a second, opposite winding sense WS2 wrapped around. Here is the first wrapping thread U1 below the second wrapping thread U2 and consequently the second wrapping thread lies U2 above the first wrapping thread U1 . The sense of winding WS1 of the first wrapping thread U1 differs from the winding sense WS2 of the second wrapping thread.

As a result of stretching, this means that the intersection points of the first and second wrapping threads formed by the wrapping senses running in opposite directions move relative to one another along the longitudinal direction of the thread.

Another variant of the yarn of the first aspect describes a yarn of the first aspect, wherein the winding density of a first wrapping thread is greater than the winding density of every other winding thread that is wound over the first wrapping thread. The winding density of the inner yarn is particularly preferably greater by a factor of 3 than the winding density of the second yarn, particularly preferably by a factor between 1.5 and 2.

The greater the total winding density of the individual wrapping threads, the greater the number of resulting crossing points of said threads.

It has surprisingly been shown that a higher wrapping density of a first innermost wrapping thread leads to a more homogeneous wrapping of the further outer wrapping threads and enables a more homogeneous thread profile. This is particularly desirable with a view to simple further processing such as sewing into a carrier textile. This also reduces the susceptibility of the wrapping thread to breakage.

Furthermore, by a high or higher wrapping density of the first inner wrapping thread, a trouble-free and fault-free wrapping of a subsequent wrapping thread can be ensured.

In example 1 and 2 it is shown that a higher wrapping density of the inner wrapping thread independent of the choice of the individual wrapping threads (inner and outer wrapping threads the same or different) meaningful measurements of the resistances depending on the elongations performed can be achieved.

The winding density W is defined as described below.

With regard to the variant described here, the winding density W of a winding thread is defined by the following relationship (1): $$\text{W.}=\frac{\begin{array}{l}\text{Number of wraps of the wrapping thread}\\ \text{around all core threads in a length X of the yarn}\end{array}}{\text{Total length X of the yarn}}$$

The length X of the yarn is defined as follows: A section of yarn was observed G with a defined length S. in the longitudinal stress-free state. Becomes the yarn section G stretched under a force until the first yield point R _e is reached, the yarn section has G a length SG . The length X now corresponds to the length of the yarn section G in the state of elongation under an elongation force with a magnitude of, for example, 80% of the elongation force which is necessary _{to reach the first yield point R e} , and thus corresponds to the total length of the yarn. The lengths S. , SG and X are through 3rd described.

The yield point R _e is the material characteristic value that denotes the tension up to which a yarn does not show any permanent plastic deformation under uniaxial and moment-free tensile stress. All tensile tests required to determine the lengths described are preferably carried out according to ISO 2062 standard carried out.

According to the preferred variant of the first aspect described here, the first wrapping thread, which is part of the yarn according to the first aspect and is wound around the entirety of the core threads of the yarn, preferably has the highest winding density of all the winding threads of the yarn.

Particularly preferred in the sense of the variant described here are yarns whose innermost wrapping thread, i.e. the first wrapping thread wound onto the core thread or threads, has a winding density W of 2 turns / cm to 30 turns / cm. Even more preferred in this connection are yarns whose innermost wrapping thread has a winding density W of 4 turns / cm to 20 turns / cm.

Particularly preferred in the sense of the variant described here are also yarns whose second-innermost wrapping thread, i.e. the second wrapping thread wound onto the core thread or the core threads and the first wrapping thread, has a winding density W of 1 turns / cm to 25 turns / cm . In this context, particularly preferred are yarns whose second-innermost wrapping thread has a winding density W of 1 turns / cm to 25 turns / cm.

Furthermore, particularly preferred in the sense of the variant described here are yarns whose third-innermost wrapping thread, i.e. the third wrapping thread wound onto the core thread or threads and onto the first wrapping thread and onto the second wrapping thread, has a winding density W of 1 turns / cm has up to 20 turns / cm. In this context, particularly preferred are yarns whose third-innermost wrapping thread has a winding density W of 1 turns / cm to 22 turns / cm.

In view of the variant of the first aspect described here, even more preferred are yarns whose innermost wrapping thread has a wrapping density of 3 turns / cm to 20 turns / cm, more preferably from 4 turns / cm to 15 turns / cm, and whose second- innermost winding thread has a winding density of 2 turns / cm to 19 turns / cm, more preferably from 2 turns / cm to 14 turns / cm, and its third innermost winding thread has a winding density of 1 turn / cm to 16 turns / cm, more preferably from 1 turns / cm to 12 turns / cm.

In a further variant of the yarn of the first aspect of the invention, the number of wrapping threads is two or three.

Yarns with a number of wrapping threads according to the variant described here are particularly preferred, since these yarns have a comparatively small thickness and at the same time are particularly flexible, elastic and stable. Furthermore, yarns with two or three wrapping threads enable good overlapping and resistance properties of the wrapping threads in the yarn both in the longitudinally tension-free (unstretched) state and in the stretched state.

In an exemplary manufacturing process, the central elastic core thread, which forms the core, is first drawn, i.e. pre-stretched, on a drafting system. The core is then passed through the first rotating hollow spindle, on which there is a spool of yarn with the first conductive wrapping thread. The first conductive wrapping thread is now pulled off evenly and wraps around the core in even turns. The core thread, which is now simply wound around, is then passed through the second rotating hollow spindle, on which there is again a spool of thread, now with the conductive winding thread. This is now rotated again evenly around the already wound yarn, preferably a different direction of rotation, d. H. a winding direction opposite to that of the first conductive wrapping thread is selected. At the end the yarn is relaxed on a bobbin. Now the wraps are closer than during the actual process and the wrapping density is now greater.

As a result of the torsional stresses that are present, a hyperstructure is preferably formed in the course of the relaxation process due to internal twisting of the wrapping threads around themselves. This hyperstructure forms additional crossing points that come apart when stretched and thus contribute to an increase in resistance. The wrapping threads on the yarn are therefore preferably under torsional stress.

Another variant of the first aspect describes a yarn according to the first aspect, at least one of the wrapping threads itself being a twisted thread. This twisted thread particularly preferably comprises two, three or more metallically coated polymer wires.

A yarn of the first aspect is also particularly preferred, the total length of each individual core thread free of longitudinal tension of the yarn being smaller than the total length of each individual wrapping thread free of longitudinal tension. The ratio of the total length free of longitudinal tension of at least one wrapping thread to the total length free of longitudinal tension of at least one core thread is preferably at least 1.5: 1, more preferably at least 2: 1. This enables the formation of a pronounced twisted hyperstructure. In this way, particularly precise measurements of the resistance as a function of the elongation can be achieved.

In this context it is particularly preferred that at least one of the wrapping threads of the yarn is a twisted thread with a relative twist angle ϕ _rel between 360 ° / cm and 3600 ° / cm is. _{A twist angle ϕ rel} between 720 ° / cm and 2520 ° / cm is even more preferred here. In this context, the relative twist angle ϕ _{rel of} a wrapping thread is defined as the twist (in one direction of rotation) of a thread in [°] per length of the thread in [cm].

Yarns of the variant described here have particularly high stability and tear resistance. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the yarn is positively influenced, so that a longer and more uniform measurement of the yarn extension with the length is made possible and the change in the yarn resistance with the extension along the longitudinal direction of the yarn is expediently improved.

A next variant of the first aspect of the invention describes a yarn according to the first aspect, which is stretched to 3 to 10 times the length, preferably to 4 and 8 times the length, of the longitudinally tension-free yarn without breaking a wrapping thread or core thread can.

A yarn according to the aspect formulated here ensures high tensile strength and allows the yarn to be used in a wide range of textile materials, such as knitted textiles, woven textiles, knitted textiles, plaited textiles, sewn materials, fleeces and felts.

In addition, a yarn of the variant formulated here allows a wide range of methods for processing the yarn on an industrial scale.

Another variant of the first aspect of the invention discloses a yarn of the first aspect, wherein the total length of each individual wrapping thread of the yarn free of longitudinal tension is smaller than the total length of each individual core thread of the yarn in the respective state of maximum (elastic) elongation (without breakage) of the core thread in the longitudinal direction .

The maximum elongation in the sense of the variant of the first aspect is an elongation that is reached under tension shortly when the first yield point R _{e is} reached. Yarns of the variant described here are particularly stable and tear-resistant compared to yarns that do not correspond to the variant.

A final variant of the first aspect of the invention is a yarn in the sense of the first aspect, which is sheathed by a non-electrically conductive elastic sheath, “electrically conductive” being defined as above. This sheathing is used for electrical insulation between the yarns so that possible reflections and / or impedances are prevented.

In this context, a sheathing is preferably an envelope, a coating or a membrane.

The sheathing of the variant described here is preferably a polymer, particularly preferably an elastomer. Polymers and / or typical stretchable cable insulators are particularly preferred here.

Most preferred are sheaths which correspond to the composition of the core thread (s) of the yarn, since the modulus of elasticity can be adjusted here and the overall structure with a sheath has a comparable expansion behavior.

A second aspect of the invention describes an elastic textile product comprising at least one yarn according to the first aspect of the invention or one of the variants described in its context. Different yarn types can be mixed here in order to achieve special effects, such as a larger linear expansion measurement range, e.g. with two or more yarns according to the invention.

Particularly preferred are elastic textile products selected from the group of knitted textiles, woven textiles, plaited textiles, sewn textiles, laid textiles, fleece textiles and felt textiles (knitted fabrics, knitted fabrics, braids , Nonwovens and felts, scrims). Woven textiles, knitted textiles, plaited textiles and sewn textiles which only consist of yarns of the first aspect of the or one of the variants of the first aspect are also preferred here.

Most preferred are woven textiles, knitted textiles, plaited textiles, sewn textiles, laid textiles, knitted textiles, fleece textiles and felt textiles which contain only one yarn in accordance with the first aspect or variant of the first aspect, and where the yarn is not with yourself in the corresponding carrier textile in which the yarn according to the invention is incorporated or crossed over or touches itself.

A third aspect of the invention discloses a textile, elastic cuff, the cuff comprising one or more base materials and one or more sensor areas. In this context, the base material describes the base material of the product in which no yarn according to the invention is incorporated. It is particularly preferred here if the sensor area (s) are suitable for enabling a measurement of the circumference and / or the length or a change in circumference or a change in length of the cuff at one or more points. It is also preferred if the sensor area (s) comprises at least one yarn according to the first aspect or a variant of the first aspect, which is incorporated into a carrier material. It is also possible to equip the cuff with other measuring materials with which the cuff expansion can be determined.

Such a measuring cuff can be used for technical measurements in which the extent and length are recorded permanently, sensitively and precisely in order to monitor and document them. Such a cuff is preferably suitable for measuring erection. Other applications are compression stockings or water congestion diseases, e.g. due to impaired venous function or kidney function or in diseases in which the lymph nodes have been surgically removed or have a limited function.

The base material of the cuff described in the aspect is preferably a textile, a textile product or a homogeneous, stretchable plastic, such as silicone, natural rubber, or natural rubber.

A cuff of the third aspect is preferably a cuff that is open on two sides (cf. 4a) , or around a cuff closed on one side (cf. 4b) . The closed cuff is here in a converging point SP and a cylindrical part ZY divided.

In the context of the third aspect, sensor areas are particularly preferred which are linked to the base material of the cuff using textile-technical methods. Preference is given to knitting, interweaving, knitting, interlacing, sewing, fleece, i.e. incorporation into fleece textiles (e.g. in thermal bonds, meltblowns, needle fleece and others) and felting.

Furthermore, the sensor areas of the aspect described here are preferably flat sensor areas which have an extension both in the longitudinal and in the width direction, ie in the axial and radial direction. Exemplary configurations of the sensor areas are shown in 5 shown. Rectangular, square, trapezoidal and triangular surface shapes are particularly preferred, it being possible for each side of the surface shapes described to be linked to one or more sides of the surface shape described.

The sensor areas are designed in such a way that they can identify or make recognizable changes in length and associated expansions of the respective sensor area in the longitudinal or width direction based on the corresponding change in resistance and pass these changes in length to a measuring device.

Furthermore, the sensor areas are preferably suitable for recognizing duration and expansion by the action of force from a sensor area.

In particular, the sensor areas are also designed in such a way that the sensor areas can determine changes in length / expansions, duration of changes in length / expansions and expansions coincidentally and / or make them recognizable due to the effects of forces.

The sensor areas preferably consist of a carrier textile and a sensor material. The carrier is preferably a textile, a textile product or a homogeneous, stretchable plastic, such as silicone, natural rubber, or natural rubber. The carrier fabric of the sensor area is preferably the same as the base material of the cuff of this aspect. The sensor material is a material, a textile or a textile product which is designed in such a way that it can enable the detection of length changes / expansions, duration of length changes / expansions and force of expansions of a sensor area. The sensor material is preferably a yarn of the first aspect.

With the aid of the cuff according to the invention it is thus possible to collect data on the point in time, the frequency and intensity of the rigidity and thus to draw conclusions about the cardiovascular system and the blood flow properties of the patient's limb.

It should be emphasized in this context that a cuff according to the invention preferably has neither a compressing nor a supporting function and therefore neither bulges nor influences and thus falsifies the expansion of the limb while it is being worn.

The third aspect therefore also relates to a textile, elastic cuff, the cuff comprising one or more base materials and one or more textile sensor areas, the sensor area (s) being suitable for measuring the circumference and / or the length to enable the cuff at one or more points, the sensor area (s) comprising at least one yarn according to the first aspect or a variant of the first aspect.

A particularly preferred variant of the third aspect here describes a textile, elastic cuff, the sensor area comprising a carrier fabric with at least one yarn according to the first aspect of the invention, the yarn in particular being applied to the carrier fabric or being present in the carrier fabric or being integrated therein.

In this context, the sensor areas of the cuff preferably consist entirely of a yarn of the first aspect or consist of a textile carrier, one or more yarns of the first aspect being knitted, woven, warped, interwoven or sewn into the sensor area of the cuff. Preference is given here to yarns of the first aspect knitted, woven, knitted, interwoven, knitted or sewn into the carrier textile, which are knitted, woven, knitted, interwoven, knitted or sewn into the carrier textile in a meandering, straight or spiral shape. Particularly preferred are yarns knitted, woven in, knitted, interlaced, knitted or sewn into the carrier textile which correspond to one of the in 5 correspond to the patterns shown or are similar to the patterns shown. Alternative measuring materials can also be incorporated into the cuff.

A second variant of the third aspect describes a textile, elastic cuff according to the third aspect, designed in such a way that it can be used to measure the erectile strength of the penis and / or to measure the change in the penis circumference in at least two places and / or the penis length and / or the duration of the erection and / or penile stiffness, is suitable.

A further variant of the third aspect describes a circular-knitted or flat-knitted cuff made of textile.

Circular knitted cuffs according to the variant avoid seams which would reduce the wearing comfort of a cuff of the aspect described here. Furthermore, the resilience of the cuff can be noticeably increased even with frequent use.

Even more preferred are flat-knitted cuffs, which allow production both with and without seams. Or circular knitted goods with the use of very small knitting cylinder diameters. In this way, products can be manufactured which are very comfortable to wear and have very good fit properties.

In particular, in the context of wearing comfort, it is additionally preferred if the cuff of the third aspect is a single-layer cuff. Single-layer cuffs are perceived as more comfortable by the patient and allow the cuff to be cleaned more easily. In particular, single-layer cuffs made of regenerated fibers such as cotton, viscose, modal, lyocell or cupro can be ergonomically designed and are therefore to be preferred. Regenerated fibers, also called "regenerated cellulose fibers", comprise chemically produced fibers based on naturally occurring and renewable raw materials. Cuffs made of such materials have good breathability and are particularly allergy and environmentally friendly. We are in an extremely sensitive area of the body. The aforementioned materials are particularly suitable for this because of their particularly fine and thus positive haptic fibers and yarn structures.

In this context, it is also particularly preferred if the textile material of the cuff has a thickness of <0.6 cm. A thickness of the textile material of <is even more preferred 0.5 cm. Textile cuffs of this material thickness or smaller allow a particularly increased wearing comfort.

In addition, it is preferred that the textile, elastic cuff according to the third aspect is characterized in that the textile sensor areas are designed for measuring a resistive ohmic resistance in the sensor area.

The resistive ohmic resistance is determined by the length of the sensor material processed in the sensor area and the degree of expansion of the sensor material.

The textile sensor areas of the cuff are preferably strain gauges.

In view of the aspect described here, textile, elastic cuffs which include at least two sensor areas, but at most three sensor areas, are particularly preferred. This number of sensor areas ensures sufficient data acquisition by the sensor areas, and at the same time the production costs of the cuff can be minimized.

Two sensor areas are preferred S1 and S2 incorporated into the textile, elastic cuff, and the textile, elastic cuff is an open cuff as in 4a shown, with the two sensor areas S1 and S2 are preferably attached to both open ends of the cuff and each preferably extend over the entire circumference or part of the circumference or parts of the circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 6th shown. The total (added) length of the two sensor areas is preferably not greater than 50% of the total length of the cuff.

Two sensor areas are also preferred S3 and S4 enclosed in the textile elastic cuff, and the textile elastic cuff is an open cuff like in 4a shown, whereby one of the two sensor areas ( S4 ) is also preferably attached to one of the two open ends of the cuff and wherein the sensor area S4 preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The second sensor area S3 is in this case preferably attached along the longitudinal direction of the cuff and extends only over part of the circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 7th shown.

Another preferred embodiment comprises two sensor areas S5 and S6 in the textile, elastic cuff, the textile, elastic cuff being a closed cuff, as in 4b shown, whereby one of the two sensor areas ( S5 ) is preferably attached to the open end of the cuff and preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The second of the two sensor areas ( S6 ) is preferably attached as close as possible to the tip of the cuff, but completely in the cylindrical area of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 8th shown. The total (added) length of the two sensor areas is preferably not greater than 50% of the total length of the cuff.

A textile, elastic cuff with two sensor areas is also preferred S7 and S8 , whereby the textile, elastic cuff is a closed cuff, as in 4b is shown. Preferably one of the two sensor areas ( S7 ) attached to the open end of the cuff, which preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The second sensor area ( S8 ) is preferably attached in the longitudinal direction of the cuff and preferably extends only over part of the circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 9 shown.

Cuffs with three sensor areas are also preferred S9 , S10 and S11 , wherein the textile, elastic cuff is preferably an open cuff, as in 4a is shown. Two of the sensor areas ( S9 , S11 ) are preferably attached to both open ends of the cuff and each preferably extend over the entire circumference of the cuff. The third sensor area ( S10 ) is preferably arranged between the first two sensor areas and also preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 10 shown.

Are three sensor areas S12 , S13 and S14 enclosed in the textile elastic cuff, and the textile elastic cuff is an open cuff, as in FIG 4a shown, so it continues to be preferred if two of the sensor areas are preferably attached to both open ends of the cuff and each preferably extend over the entire circumference of the cuff. The third sensor area is then preferably arranged centrally between the first two sensor areas and extends over at least 80% of the length of the cuff and preferably does not extend over the entire circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 11 shown.

Are three sensor areas S15 , S16 and S17 enclosed in the textile elastic cuff, and the textile elastic cuff is a closed cuff, as in 4b shown, one of the sensor areas is preferably attached to the open end of the cuff and preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The second sensor area is preferably attached as close as possible to the tip of the cuff, but completely in the cylindrical area of the cuff, and likewise preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The third sensor area is preferably arranged centrally between the first two sensor areas and also preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 12th shown.

Another preferred embodiment describes a textile, elastic cuff which preferably has three sensor areas S18 , S19 and S20 includes, and the textile, elastic cuff a closed cuff, as in 4b is shown. Here one of the sensor areas ( S18 ) preferably attached to the open end of the cuff and preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The second sensor area ( S20 ) is preferably as close as possible to the tip of the cuff, but completely in the cylindrical area of the cuff, and also preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff. The third sensor area ( S19 ) is preferably arranged centrally between the first two sensor areas and extends over preferably at least 80% of the length of the cuff and preferably does not extend over the entire circumference of the cuff. An exemplary embodiment of this preferred arrangement of the sensor areas of the cuff is shown in FIG 13th shown.

The examples, variants and embodiments contained in the present application describe the invention without restricting it.

In the context of the variant described here, it is further preferred if the textile sensor areas contain a carrier material selected from the group comprising cotton, elastane, polyamide, polyacrylic, polyester, polypropylene, silk and wool, preferably regenerated fibers or natural fibers.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the modulus of elasticity of the sensor areas or the sensor area of carrier materials and the modulus of elasticity of the base material of the elastic sleeve are matched to one another in such a way that the sensor areas undergo sufficient expansion when, for example, the measurement object is stiffened so that the material expansion can be determined the cuff is made possible by the resistive resistance measurement of the conductive yarns in the sensor area.

The coordination of the modulus of elasticity of the sensor area carrier materials and the modulus of elasticity of the base material depends on the type of measurement carried out by the sensor area and the position of the sensor area on / in the cuff. Exemplary embodiments of the cuff are listed below.

In a first embodiment, a sensor area preferably extends over the entire circumference of the cuff, whereby it is designed in such a way that primarily a large extent in the longitudinal direction (cf. 14th ) of the cuff is measured. (ie based on the total length of the cuff in the longitudinal direction in the state free of longitudinal tension, expansion of the cuff by greater than or equal to 50%). In this embodiment, it is preferred if the modulus of elasticity of the base material of the cuff is less than or equal to the modulus of elasticity of the sensor area carrier material. It is even more preferred in this context if the carrier material of the sensor area has a greater modulus of elasticity compared to the base material.

In a further preferred variant, the carrier material and the base material can be the same and have the same modulus of elasticity.

A coordination of the modulus of elasticity, as described in the embodiment, allows a precise assignment of a measured change in resistance / a measured resistance of the yarn integrated in the sensor area to an expansion of the cuff over the entire, large expansion area of the cuff.

In a further preferred embodiment, a sensor area extends over the entire circumference of the cuff and is designed in such a way that primarily a small expansion in the longitudinal direction (cf. 14th ) the cuff is measured (ie based on the total length of the cuff in the longitudinal direction in the longitudinally tension-free state, expansion of the cuff by less than 50%). It is preferred here if the modulus of elasticity of the base material of the cuff is greater than or equal to the modulus of elasticity of the sensor area carrier material. It is particularly preferred in this context if the carrier material has a lower modulus of elasticity compared to the base material.

Such a coordination of the modulus of elasticity of the base material and the carrier material, as described in the embodiment, also allows small expansions of the cuff to be detected in the longitudinal direction, and facilitates an exact assignment of a measured resistance of the yarn integrated in the sensor area to an expansion of the cuff over the entire, small expansion area of the cuff.

In another, likewise preferred embodiment of the cuff, a sensor area extends over the entire circumference of the cuff, the sensor area being designed in such a way that primarily a large change in the cuff circumference (i.e., based on the circumference of the cuff in a tension-free state of the cuff in the circumferential direction / Transverse direction, expansion of the cuff by greater than or equal to 30%) is measured (cf. 15th ). In this case it is very preferred if the modulus of elasticity of the carrier material is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the base material. It is even more preferred here if the modulus of elasticity of the carrier material is not greater than 1.5 times the value of the modulus of elasticity of the base material.

A cuff, as described in the embodiment, allows the exact measurement of an expansion of the cuff in the circumferential direction and an exact assignment of a measured resistance value of the yarn integrated in the sensor area to an expansion of the cuff in the transverse direction over the entire, large expansion area of the cuff. Furthermore, a constriction of the penis can be minimized, which increases the wearing comfort of the cuff. Furthermore, a reduction in the blood flow caused by the constriction, which could falsify a measurement, is to be prevented.

In another, likewise preferred embodiment of the cuff, a sensor area extends over the entire circumference of the cuff, the sensor area being designed in such a way that primarily a small change in the cuff circumference (i.e. based on the circumference of the cuff in a tension-free state of the cuff in the circumferential direction / Transverse direction, expansion of the cuff by less than 30%) is measured (cf. 15th ). In this case it is very preferred if the modulus of elasticity of the carrier material is smaller than the modulus of elasticity of the base material.

A cuff, as described in the embodiment, enables an exact measurement of a small expansion of the cuff in the circumferential direction and an exact assignment of a measured resistance value of the yarn integrated in the sensor area to an expansion of the cuff in the transverse direction over the entire, small expansion area of the cuff.

In an additional preferred embodiment of the cuff, a sensor area extends in the longitudinal direction of the cuff over part of the circumference of the cuff. In this case, it is very preferable if the difference in the modulus of elasticity of the carrier material and the modulus of elasticity of the base material is small. It is particularly preferred here if both moduli of elasticity correspond to one another.

A cuff of the embodiment prevents the cuff from slipping on the skin before, during and after the erection and prevents the erection cuff from wrinkling, which would falsify both the wearing comfort and the measurement accuracy. As a result, an exact measurement of an expansion of the cuff is ensured and the wearing comfort of the cuff is increased during the measurement.

In a further embodiment of the cuff, it is preferred if the carrier material of the sensor area corresponds to the base material of the cuff, provided that such a choice preferably does not adversely affect the measurement accuracy of the sensor areas. This again prevents the cuff from slipping on the skin and prevents the erection cuff from wrinkling. Furthermore, steps of the manufacturing process of the cuff (e.g. sewing the base material to the sensor area), whereby the production costs of the cuff can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is preferred that a cuff of the third aspect is provided with one or more holding devices, which are preferably suitable for fastening the cuff around a cylindrical measurement object, such as a body part, preferably an erect or non-erect human or animal penis . Consequently, a further variant of the third aspect describes a textile, elastic cuff, furthermore comprising at least one holding area, designed in such a way that the holding area can fix the cuff even with the natural penile expansion and material expansion when measured on the penis shaft. Independent and analog adaptation of the measuring cuff to the measurement object, in this case the penis, is preferred.

In this context, it is preferred if the holding area is attached to at least one open end of the cuff and the holding area extends around the entire circumference of the cuff. It is particularly preferred if at least one holding area fixes the cuff on the penis shaft, preferably in the area of the penis root.

As holding devices, elastic rings or flat or punctiform structures connected to the sensor area or the base material of the cuff are particularly preferred, which allow friction on the object to be measured, adhesion to the object to be measured or sticking to the object to be measured and thus prevent the cuff from slipping off at any time . In particular, it is preferred if the object to be measured is a male member and the holding devices are designed in such a way that they allow pressure on the penis, adherence to the penis or gluing on the penis and thus the cuff from slipping off the penis in the erect and non-erect state Prevent condition in order to ensure a good hold of the cuff on the penis even when moving, making it suitable for everyday use. Annular, sheet-like or punctiform structures can be created, for example, by silicone coatings on the inside of the cuff, which enable the cuff to adhere well to the limb. Alternatively, roughening the inner material due to increased friction can achieve a comparable effect. Additional structures that prevent slipping can also be present in all sensor areas or only in an area near the base of the penis.

Holding devices are preferably made of plastic, holding devices made of silicone and / or natural rubber are particularly preferred. Silicone and / or natural rubber rings allow increased wearing comfort and guarantee that the cuff is adequately attached to the penis. A slipping of the cuff on the skin is prevented both before, during and after an erection. Furthermore, the holding device is preferably one or more rings. In addition, holding devices are preferred here which allow the cuff to adhere to the penis without the use of an adhesive.

A first embodiment of the holding device for the cuff is a single holding device at the open end of a closed cuff. The holding device is either a silicone ring or several flat silicone disks attached to the base material or made of a silicone-like adhesive material.

A second embodiment of the holding device for the cuff are two holding rings attached to both open ends of an open cuff. The holding devices are either two silicone rings or several flat silicone disks attached to the base material. The holding area preferably has a greater modulus of elasticity than the base material, so that the cuff is securely fixed. A holding device of the variant described here secures the cuff against falling off in the relaxed state and against falling off / slipping off in the erect state or during the erection process / the relaxation process as such.

Furthermore, a variant of the third aspect describes a cuff which is equipped with electrically conductive connectors such as push buttons, plug connections or comparable common structures. The electrically conductive connections are preferably designed in such a way that they enable an electrically conductive connection or several separate electrically conductive connections to all of the sensor areas / sensor materials attached to the cuff.

The electrically conductive connectors are preferably attached near an open end of the sleeve. It is even more preferred if the open end to which the buttons are attached is on the side of the penis base during the measurement.

The electrically conductive connector of the variant described enables easy connection and disconnection of the cuff from a measuring device during and after a measurement, whereby the general patient comfort can be increased. However, a conductive connector is preferred, the nature of which prevents an independent or accidental separation of the measuring cuff from the measuring device. The preferred positioning of the electrically conductive connector also enables a natural wearing comfort and increases the general comfort of the patient during a measurement. Furthermore, differently designed cuffs can be connected to different measuring devices, whereby the user-friendliness can be improved.

Another variant of the third aspect comprises a textile, elastic cuff according to the third aspect, the sensor areas being connected to a data acquisition device via a textile or non-textile electrical line, the line being suitable for data transmission between the sensor areas of the cuff and the data acquisition device.

1. i. einen Basisbereich, der ein textiles Basismaterial M umfasst, dass derart konfiguriert ist, dass es den Penis in Umfangsrichtung schlauchförmig umhüllt;
2. ii. einen textilen Sensorbereich A, der in der Umfangsrichtung verläuft und in Längsrichtung auf der Seite zum Peniswurzel an den Basisbereich anschließt, wobei der Sensorbereich zur Umfangsausdehnungsmessung und/oder Längenausdehnungsmessung geeignet ist;
3. iii. einen textilen Sensorbereich B, der in der Umfangsrichtung verläuft und in Längsrichtung der auf der Seite der Eichel an den Basisbereich anschließt, wobei der Sensorbereich zur Umfangsausdehnungsmessung und/oder Längenausdehnungsmessung geeignet ist;
4. iv. einen textilen Sensorbereich C, welcher im Bereich zwischen den Sensorbereichen A und B in der Längsrichtung verläuft und zur Längenausdehnungsmessung und/oder Umfangsausdehnungsmessung geeignet ist.

In addition, a further variant of the third aspect is a textile, elastic cuff, characterized in that the cuff comprises:

1. i. a base region comprising a textile base material M that is configured such that it envelops the penis in a tubular manner in the circumferential direction;
2. ii. a textile sensor area A, which runs in the circumferential direction and adjoins the base area in the longitudinal direction on the side facing the penis root, the sensor area being suitable for measuring circumferential expansion and / or longitudinal expansion;
3. iii. a textile sensor area B, which runs in the circumferential direction and adjoins the base area in the longitudinal direction on the side of the glans, the sensor area being suitable for measuring circumferential expansion and / or longitudinal expansion;
4. iv. a textile sensor area C, which runs in the longitudinal direction in the area between the sensor areas A and B and is suitable for measuring linear expansion and / or measuring circumferential expansion.

A preferred embodiment of the base material of the variant described is a base material which consists of a non-electrically conductive material.

Particularly preferred in the sense of the variant is a sensor area A which extends along the entire circumference of the cuff. Regardless of this, it is also preferred if the sensor area A is suitable for carrying out circumferential expansion measurements. Regardless of this, it is also preferred if the sensor area includes a textile sensor; Textile sensors are preferably electrically conductive yarns that are suitable for measuring a resistive ohmic resistance in the sensor area in relation to the length / expansion of the electrically conductive yarn. It is particularly preferred here if the textile sensor is a yarn of the first aspect.

Another particularly preferred embodiment of the variant is a sensor area B, which extends along the entire circumference of the cuff. Regardless of this, it is also preferred if the sensor area B is suitable for carrying out circumferential expansion measurements. Regardless of this, it is also preferred if the sensor area includes a textile sensor; Textile sensors are preferably electrically conductive yarns that are suitable for measurement a resistive ohmic resistance in the sensor area in relation to the length / elongation of the electrically conductive yarn. It is particularly preferred here if the textile sensor is a yarn of the first aspect.

Another particularly preferred embodiment of the variant is a sensor area C, which is a strip with a width of at least 30% of the circumference of the cuff and which preferably extends over the entire length of the area between sensor area A and sensor area B. Regardless of this, it is also preferred if the sensor area C is suitable for performing linear expansion measurements. Regardless of this, it is also preferred if the sensor area includes a textile sensor; Textile sensors are preferably electrically conductive yarns that are suitable for measuring a resistive ohmic resistance in the sensor area in relation to the length / expansion of the electrically conductive yarn. It is particularly preferred here if the textile sensor is a yarn of the first aspect.

It is also preferred if the cuff corresponds to the variant listed here and is characterized in that the textile sensor areas A, B and C comprise a carrier textile and an electrically conductive yarn in the area of the carrier textile, the carrier textile itself not being made from an electrically conductive yarn consist. It is particularly preferred here if the electrically conductive yarn is a yarn of the first aspect.

A fourth aspect comprises a measuring device with a textile, elastic cuff according to the third aspect or one of its variants, for measuring the course of the erection and the quality of the erection of a patient. In particular, the measuring device is designed so that the measuring device can, among other things, quantify the erectile strength of the penis, the rigidity of the penis, the arterial blood flow of the penis, the length of the penis and the width of the penis.

Another fifth aspect discloses a measuring method for measuring the erectile strength of a patient's penis and / or their fluctuations in arterial and venous flow, with a measuring device, characterized in that the measuring device comprises the following: a cuff with two or more textile sensor areas, wherein resistive ( Ohmic) changes in resistance in the sensor areas, the changes in the penis circumference and penis length are recorded at different measuring locations at the same time.

A corresponding measuring device for measuring the erectile strength of the penis with a textile, elastic cuff is preferably equipped with a data acquisition device configured in such a way that it can measure the stiffness of a patient's penis and / or the fluctuations in the arterial and venous flow.

A sixth aspect comprises the use of the measuring device, preferably in the form of a measuring cuff, for data transmission of the measurement results to a data collection and processing unit (data logger) located in the item of clothing, preferably pajamas, sleeping shorts, underpants. From there, the data is visualized (read out) via either USB or radio, e.g. Bluetooth to a stationary data acquisition device (e.g. data logger or computer, such as a laptop, notebook or tablet) and / or a mobile telecommunications terminal (e.g. smart phone). An output is preferably made to a user via an app. In order to protect the patient from harmful radiation, it is advantageous to develop the cuff by means of an E-block which is incorporated into the textile layer and which is able to shield the harmful electromagnetic radiation.

In a further preferred variant of the invention, the elastic, electrically conductive yarn comprises a sheath for electromagnetic shielding. This can be a non-conductive material that surrounds the yarn as a protective sheath, the modulus of elasticity of the sheath being adapted to the modulus of elasticity of the yarn.

Finally, it is also preferred that the textile, elastic sleeve is equipped with an integrated protective layer for electromagnetic shielding. This can prevent the electrical currents from acting on the wearer's body during continuous measurement in the cuff by means of energy transfer through radiation, or the protective layer reduces their effect. However, it is also preferred that an electromagnetic shield is provided with respect to the electronics in connection with the data transmission from the cuff to a measuring device. For this purpose, a protective layer can be applied between the transmitter and the wearer's body. The shielding layer can be introduced in various ways, but woven conductor wires in the textile, which block the electromagnetic waves, are preferred. However, aluminum foil layers between the textile layers are also possible. These are electrically separated from the line yarns for strain measurement.

Examples

Example 1: Measurement of the change in resistance as a function of the distance between the terminals.

The exemplary representation of a yarn according to the invention in 2 shows a core (elastic component) which is wrapped with two conductive components, ie two electrically conductive wrapping threads, in a first inner wrap and a second outer wrap.

16 shows the schematic representation of the test set-up used to measure the change in resistance as a function of elongation. First, the yarn according to the invention is fixed in longitudinal tension between a movable clamp and an immovable fastening clamp. The distance between the clamps is initially 30 cm. By moving the movable clamp, which is connected to a multimeter, relative to the immovable fastening clamp, the yarn is stretched to the corresponding measuring sections. The movable clamp is gradually adjusted to a distance of 35 cm, 40 cm and 45 cm from the fastening clamp. This corresponds to an elongation of the yarn by 5 cm in each case.

A Lycra 165dtex thread is selected as the core thread (core). Both the inner and the outer wrapping thread are threads made of Shildex 33dtex / 1 (Shieldex® 33/10 dtex Z-Turns) with a specific resistance of <4k Ω / m and a maximum extensibility of 25% ± 5%. The inner wrapping thread is wrapped around the core with 700 turns while the outer wrapping thread is wrapped around the core and the inner wrapping thread with 500 turns, the total delay being 5.1.

Table 1: Measurement of the change in resistance as a function of the terminal spacing. Clamp Data series 1 Data series 2 Data series 3 Data series 4 Data series 5 distance [cm] [Ω] [Ω] [Ω] [Ω] [Ω] 30th 102 101 103 102 101 35 112 113 110 106.9 108 40 116 118 117 119 114.2 45 117 119 118 121.5 118.6

These values are in 17th graphically and show the respective yarn-specific resistance as a function of the test section, ie based on the respectively set clamp spacing. An increase in the distance between the clamps is proportional to the elongation of the yarn, ie an increase in the distance between the clamps by 5 cm corresponds to an elongation of the yarn by 5 cm. The first increase in the distance between the clamps therefore corresponds to an elongation of 16.7%.

From the graph it can be seen that with increasing terminal spacing, i. H. the yarn-specific resistance increases with increasing elongation.

By changing the number of crossing points and changing the mass density of conductive material during expansion, not only the resistance but also the percentage change in resistance can be influenced.

In principle, the increased number of crossing points as a result of the stretching increases the percentage difference in the Ω values when the yarn is stretched, since this increases the shift / change in the crossing points during stretching accordingly.

Example 2: Measurement of the change in resistance as a function of the distance between the terminals.

A Lycra 165dtex thread is selected as the core thread (core). The inner wrapping thread is Shildex 117dtex / 2 (117 dtex corresponds to 117 g per 10 km of yarn, double twist) with 17 filaments per thread (Shieldex® 117/17 dtex 2ply HC + B), with a specific resistance of <300Ω / m and with a maximum stretchability of 21% ± 5% made of polyamide with a 99% silver coating whereas the outer wrapping thread Shildex 33dtex / 1 (Shieldex® 33/10 dtex Z-Turns) with a specific resistance of <4k Ω / m and one maximum extensibility of 25% ± 5%. The inner wrapping thread is wrapped around the core with 500 turns while the outer wrapping thread is wrapped around the core and the inner wrapping thread with 300 turns, the total delay being 3.5. In order to avoid disturbances and fluctuations, the sensor thread for measuring the resistance is isolated.

The resistance measurement was carried out as described above, whereby initially a clamp distance of 20 cm was selected for the longitudinal tension-free clamping of the yarn and resulted in the following values:

Table 2: Measurement of the change in resistance as a function of the terminal spacing. Combination of Shildex 117 (500 turns) and Shildex 33 (300 turns) with a delay of 3.5 Terminal spacing [cm] Ohm number [Ω] Change in ohm number [%] 20 cm 86.5 - 30 cm 104.2 20.5% 40 cm 107 23.7%

A change in the distance between the clamps from 20 cm (longitudinally tension-free yarn) to 30 cm corresponds to an elongation of the yarn of 50%. Consequently, a clamp spacing of 40 cm corresponds to an elongation of the yarn to double its length, i.e. H. by 100%.

The example shows that with increasing elongation, the yarn-specific resistance increases with the relative change in length of the yarn and thus allows conclusions to be drawn about penile behavior. As of a certain expansion, however, the further increase in resistance is, as expected, reduced, so that the measurement accuracy decreases.

Example 3: Measurement of the change in resistance as a function of the distance between the terminals

Example 3 was carried out analogously to Example 2 and both the inner wrapping thread and the outer wrapping thread are both made of Shildex 33dtex / 1. The inner wrapping thread is wrapped around the core with 700 turns while the outer wrapping thread is wrapped around the core and the inner wrapping thread with 500 turns, the total delay being 3.5.

Table 3: Measurement of the change in resistance as a function of the terminal spacing. Combination of Shildex 33 (700 turns) and Shildex 33 (500 turns) with a delay of 3.5 Terminal spacing [cm] Ohm number [Ω] Change in ohm number [%] 25 cm 485 - 35 cm 626 29.1% 45 cm 638 31.5%

The example shows that the relative resistance increases more strongly for every 10 cm increase in the distance between the clamps compared to example 1.

By changing the number of crossing points and changing the mass density of conductive material compared to Example 2, not only the resistance but also the percentage change in resistance can be influenced. Here, an increased number of crossing points and an increased mass density of the conductive material lead to a greater change in the measured resistance and allow a more precise measurement of the resistance as a function of the elongation of the yarn.

In principle, the increased number of crossing points, based on the higher number of wraps, leads to the percentage difference in the Ω values when the yarn is stretched, as this increases the shifting of the crossing points during stretching accordingly.

Here, too, there is a maximum extension from which the increase in resistance flattens out. From an elongation of approx. 50%, the measurement accuracy is therefore usually lower. However, the measuring range can be increased accordingly by a suitable choice of the elasticity coefficients of the materials used.

In example 2 and 3 it is shown that a higher wrapping density of the inner wrapping thread independent of the choice of the individual wrapping threads (inner and outer wrapping threads the same or different) meaningful measurements of the resistances depending on the elongations performed can be achieved.

Figure list

• 1 : Cross section of a coated wrapping thread
• 2 : Exemplary representation of a yarn according to the invention
• 3rd : Scheme for determining the length X of a yarn section G to be measured
• 4a : a cuff open on two sides
• 4b : a cuff closed on one side
• 5 : Exemplary patterns
• 6th : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 7th : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 8th : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 9 : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 10 : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 11 : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 12th : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 13th : Exemplary arrangement of the sensor areas of a cuff
• 14th : Sensor area of a cuff for measuring longitudinal strain
• 15th : Sensor area of a cuff for measuring transverse strain
• 16 : Schematic representation of the test set-up for measuring the change in resistance as a function of elongation
• 17th : Graphical representation of the resistance as a function of the test section

List of reference symbols

U

Wrapping thread

UK

Wrapping thread core area

UB

Wrapping thread coating area

K

Core thread (soul)

U1

first wrapping thread

U2

second wrapping thread

WS1

Direction of winding of the first winding thread

WS2

Direction of winding of the second winding thread

G

Yarn section

LG

Total length of the yarn

S.

Length of a section of yarn to be measured G in the longitudinal stress-free state

LG, Re

Total length of the yarn under tension of the section G to the first yield point Re

SG

Length of a section of yarn to be measured G under tension of the yarn section to the first yield point R _e

LG, Re, 80%

Total length of the yarn under tension of the section G with 80% of the force, which is needed to section G to stretch to the first yield point R _e

X

Length of a section of yarn to be measured G under tension of the yarn section with a force of 80% of the force that would be necessary to reach the first yield point R _{e of} the yarn section G.

SP

converging tip

ZY

cylindrical part

S1

Sensor range 1

S2

Sensor area 2

S3

Sensor area 3

S4

Sensor area 4

S5

Sensor area 5

S6

Sensor area 6

S7

Sensor range 7

S8

Sensor range 8

S9

Sensor area 9

S10

Sensor range 10

S11

Sensor area 11

S12

Sensor range 12

S13

Sensor area 13

S14

Sensor area 14

S15

Sensor range 15

S16

Sensor range 16

S17

Sensor area 17

S18

Sensor area 18

S19

Sensor area 19

S20

Sensor range 20

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 2007078493 [0007]
• WO 9842255 [0008]
• US 6162188 [0009]
• US 20160198993 [0010]

Non-patent literature cited

• ISO 2062 standard [0057]

Claims (24)

An elastic, electrically conductive yarn comprising one or more elastic, non-electrically conductive central core threads and two or more electrically conductive wrapping threads, which are wound one above the other around the core thread. Elastic yarn after Claim 1 wherein the wrapping threads are metallic coated polymer wires, and wherein the electrical resistance of the yarn increases with elongation along the length direction of the yarn. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , wherein the core thread is a polymer. Elastic yarn according to Claim 1 to 3rd , the wrapping threads being wound one on top of the other in such a way that the winding sense in the S or Z direction of each wrapping thread is opposite to the other wrapping threads wound directly above and below the wrapping thread, if any. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the winding density of a first wrapping thread is greater than the winding density of any other winding thread wound over the first winding thread. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , the number of wrapping threads being two or three. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , wherein at least one of the wrapping threads is a twisted thread of two, three or more metallically coated polymer wires. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th , wherein the total length free of longitudinal tension of each individual core thread of the yarn is smaller than the total length free of longitudinal tension of each individual wrapping thread. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , which, without breaking a wrapping thread or core thread, can be stretched to 3 to 10 times the length, preferably to 4 and 8 times the length, of the longitudinally tension-free yarn. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , wherein the total length of each individual wrapping thread of the yarn free of longitudinal tension is smaller than the total length of each individual core thread of the yarn in the respective state of maximum elongation of the core thread in the longitudinal direction. Yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , which is covered by a non-electrically conductive, elastic sheath (shell, coating or membrane). An elastic textile product comprising at least one yarn according to one of Claims 1 to 11 . Textile, elastic cuff, the cuff comprising one or more base materials and one or more textile sensor areas, the sensor area (s) being suitable for measuring a change in circumference and / or a change in length of the cuff at one or more points to enable. Textile, elastic cuff after Claim 13 , wherein the / the sensor areas at least one yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 includes / include. Textile, elastic cuff after Claim 13 or 14th , wherein the sensor area is a carrier textile with at least one yarn according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 comprises, wherein in particular the yarn is applied to the carrier textile or integrated in the carrier textile. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 15th , wherein the modulus of elasticity of the carrier material is smaller than the modulus of elasticity of the base material. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 16 , designed in such a way that they are used to measure the erectile strength of the penis and / or to measure the change in the circumference of the penis at least two locations and / or the penis length and / or the erection duration and / or the penile stiffness is suitable. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 17th , characterized in that the cuff is a circular-knitted or flat-knitted textile. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 18th , characterized in that the textile sensor areas are designed for measuring a resistive ohmic resistance in the sensor area. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 19th , further comprising at least one holding area, designed in such a way that it can fix the cuff even with the natural penis expansion and the material expansion when measuring on the penis shaft. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 20th , characterized in that the cuff comprises: i. a base region comprising a textile base material M that is configured such that it envelops the penis in a tubular manner in the circumferential direction; ii. a textile sensor area A, which runs in the circumferential direction and adjoins the base area in the longitudinal direction on the side facing the penis root, the sensor area being suitable for measuring circumferential expansion and measuring longitudinal expansion; iii. a textile sensor area B, which runs in the circumferential direction and adjoins the base area in the longitudinal direction on the side of the glans, the sensor area being suitable for measuring circumferential and linear expansion; iv. a textile sensor area C, which runs in the longitudinal direction in the area between the sensor areas A and B and is suitable for measuring linear expansion and measuring circumferential expansion. Textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 21 , the textile sensor areas being connected to a data acquisition device via a textile electrical line, suitable for data transmission between the sensor areas of the cuff and the data acquisition device. Measuring device for measuring the erectile strength of the penis with a textile, elastic cuff according to one of the Claims 13 to 22nd and with a data acquisition device configured to measure the stiffness of a patient's penis and / or the variations in arterial and venous flow. Use of the measuring device according to Claim 23 for data transmission of the measurement results to a stationary data acquisition device and / or a mobile telecommunication terminal.

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