Angled Channel Hydrotherapy Device for Wound Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrotherapy devices for wound care are inefficient in cleaning and sterilizing wounds, especially those in difficult-to-access locations, due to harsh fluid sprays and ineffective debris removal, often requiring non-sterile setups and custom devices.
Innovation Solution
A hydrotherapy device utilizing angled input channels and a vacuum source to create a vortex effect around the wound, ensuring even fluid distribution and complete debris removal without the need for high-pressure pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct fluid sprays are used to clean the wound site, then debris can be dislodged from the wound, but harsh spraying creates splash back at the confluence of the wound and fluid stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded geometries in the fluid delivery system to redirect fluid flow away from the wound site. The curved channels and surfaces guide the fluid in a controlled manner, preventing direct impact and splash back while maintaining effective debris removal through directional flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid delivery mechanism that acts as a mediator between the fluid source and the wound site. The specialized nozzle design and fluid distribution system serve as an intermediary that disperses fluid gently across the wound area, eliminating harsh direct spraying while still achieving effective cleaning through controlled fluid distribution.
2Productivity
If high pressure fluid streams are used to remove debris, then debris can be effectively dislodged, but fluid draining becomes difficult leading to backup of effluent and contaminated waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid management system into distinct functional segments: a fluid delivery subsystem for debris removal and a separate fluid collection/drainage subsystem for effluent removal. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently - the delivery system provides high-pressure debris removal while the collection system manages fluid drainage through dedicated channels and reservoirs, preventing backup without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the drainage problem by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface flow problem to a three-dimensional collection system. The effluent collection chamber and drainage channels create a vertical dimension for fluid management, allowing contaminated fluid to be collected and removed through depth rather than relying solely on surface drainage, thereby preventing backup while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
3Productivity
If vacuum pumps are used for sealing and removing wound waste, then fluid and debris can be evacuated, but systems become ineffective depending on the type of fluid input system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal fluid delivery system that can effectively work with vacuum-powered waste removal across multiple wound types and locations. The fluid distribution mechanism is designed to be compatible with various wound geometries and positions, and the integrated vacuum system can handle different fluid viscosities and debris loads, making the overall system adaptable and versatile for diverse clinical applications without requiring system-specific modifications.
4Reliability
If custom-made devices are created for specific wound locations, then effective washing can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, adaptable device design that can effectively treat wounds in various locations without requiring custom fabrication. The device incorporates adjustable components, flexible positioning mechanisms, and adaptable fluid delivery pathways that can be configured for different wound geometries and body locations. This dynamic design maintains cleaning effectiveness across multiple applications while using standardized manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for custom-made devices for each specific wound location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively cleans wounds by creating a swirl pattern with fluid, allowing for efficient removal of debris and contaminated water, reducing the risk of infection and improving wound care hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the channels are angled at the inner surface so that the fluid enters the chamber in a spiral pattern
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source to control the fluid delivery and includes angled input channels to create a vortex around the wound within the device
Implementation Method 3
fluid enters the chamber in a spiral pattern
Implementation Method 4
The debris and contaminated water are quickly and effectively removed from the chamber by the vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrotherapy device for treating a wound on a surface of a patient's body is provided. A body of the hydrotherapy device includes a wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a chamber defined by the inner surface. The wall further includes an internal void, a first port extending fully through the wall and in communication with the void, a second port extending from the outer surface partially through the wall and in communication with the void, and a plurality of channels, each extending from the void to the inner surface. A central axis of each channel forms an angle at the inner surface.