Auxiliary Powered Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound treatment technologies, particularly for large or ischemic wounds, face challenges in providing adequate blood circulation and even distribution of closure force, often leading to inadequate healing and increased infection risk due to limited power sources and reliance on AC power.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus utilizing an auxiliary power source, such as DC operations, battery power, solar power, or fuel cells, to provide continuous therapy beyond AC power limitations, ensuring sustained operation and mobility for patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC power is used to power the negative pressure wound therapy apparatus, then the apparatus can operate with sufficient power, but the apparatus cannot operate in remote or hazardous areas without reliable AC power
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent sources: AC power input, battery power source, and solar panel. Each segment can operate independently or in combination, allowing the apparatus to function in diverse environments including remote areas without reliable AC power.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply circuit is designed to accept multiple types of power inputs (AC power, DC battery power, and solar panel output) and automatically adapt to the available source. This multi-functional power input capability enables the apparatus to operate universally across different locations and conditions.
2Productivity
If the negative pressure wound therapy apparatus operates continuously, then wound healing is accelerated, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The negative pressure application operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller applies negative pressure for therapeutic periods, then releases it, creating alternating cycles of application and release. This periodic operation achieves effective wound therapy while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar panel is used as power source, then the apparatus can operate in remote areas, but the power output may be insufficient for continuous therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is merged with the battery power source in a hybrid power system. The solar panel charges the battery during daylight hours, and the battery supplies power during nighttime or cloudy periods. This combination merges the renewable energy capability of solar with the stored energy capacity of the battery to provide sufficient power for continuous therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel performs preliminary action by charging the battery in advance during daylight hours. This stored energy in the battery is then available to power the apparatus during periods when solar output is insufficient, ensuring continuous operation without interruption to therapy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster wound healing by maintaining continuous therapy, reducing the risk of infection, and allowing patients to resume normal activities, even in remote or hazardous areas without reliable AC power.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump configured to create the negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
apparatus for treating a wound by applying reduced or negative pressure to the wound
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary power source in a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus... such as DC operations, battery power
Implementation Method 4
auxiliary power source in a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus... solar power
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.