Bellows Pump Control for Variable Negative-Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative-pressure therapy systems are in need of improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce electronic costs, and minimize fluid ingress, while allowing for different flow rates and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical pump system with a bellows mechanism and one-way valves, coupled with a controller that adjusts compression force to maintain target negative pressure, includes reusable and disposable components, and operates on a constant force curve independent of vacuum load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bellows pump is used to achieve high or low flow rates, then the pump can provide variable flow rates for different therapy needs, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a controller and actuator system
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system uses a bellows mechanism with variable volume that can be dynamically compressed to different degrees by an actuator, allowing the pump to achieve different flow rates (high or low) based on therapy needs. The controller adjusts the compression level to provide adaptable flow rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses one-way valves that automatically control fluid flow direction without requiring additional active control components. The bellows pump self-regulates its operation through the mechanical action of compression and expansion, reducing the need for complex electronic control systems.
2Reliability
If the pump is fluidly isolated from the tubing set with separable connections, then the tubing set can be disposable and reduced electronic costs are achieved, but the reliability may be affected by connection integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separable components: a reusable pump unit and a disposable tubing set. The fluid pathway is isolated between these components, allowing the tubing set to be discarded after use while the pump remains reusable, reducing electronic costs and maintaining reliability through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubing set is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive electronic components in the disposable portion and reducing overall system costs while maintaining adequate reliability for the intended application.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the controller turns off the motor when the chamber is compressed to minimum volume, then energy consumption is reduced, but the negative pressure may not be maintained if the actuator detaches
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the operating parameters (current or angular velocity) of the motor to determine when the chamber is compressed to minimum volume and automatically turns off the motor to save energy. The system maintains negative pressure through continuous operation only when needed, using feedback to optimize energy consumption while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
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 system efficiently applies and maintains negative pressure, reducing electronic costs, minimizing fluid ingress, and allowing for variable flow rates, thus enhancing the effectiveness of negative-pressure therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber has a variable volume compressible to a minimum volume
Implementation Method 2
a first one-way valve configured to allow fluid ingress to the chamber and a second one-way valve configured to allow fluid egress from the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for negative-pressure treatment may include an enclosure having a variable volume compressible to a minimum volume, a port and an actuation surface. The apparatus may include a first one-way valve configured to allow fluid ingress to the enclosure, a second one-way valve configured to allow fluid egress from the enclosure, and an actuator configured to apply a compressive force to the actuation surface. The apparatus may further comprise a motor coupled to the actuator to apply and remove the compression force and having an operating parameter indicative of the variable volume. The apparatus may further comprise a controller coupled to the motor and configured to turn on the motor to engage the actuator to alternately apply and remove the compressive force until the enclosure is compressed to the minimum volume and turn off the motor in response to the operating parameter indicating that the chamber is compressed to the minimum volume.