Fluid Collection Canister with Segmented Hydrophobic Filter Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Negative pressure wound therapy systems face issues with accurate vacuum level measurement due to fluid contamination, which can lead to improper therapy when the collection canister is tilted or occluded, causing pneumatic leaks and uncontrolled vacuum levels.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection canister with a canister top featuring a filter membrane and separate ports for suction and pressure sensing, allowing for accurate vacuum level monitoring and preventing overfilling by using hydrophobic filters to shut off airflow when full, ensuring consistent therapy regardless of orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single filter is used at the top of the collection canister, then overfilling prevention is achieved, but fluid may occlude the filter when the canister is tilted, causing inaccurate vacuum measurement and therapy interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The single filter is divided into two separate filters: a first filter for the vacuum source connection and a second filter for the pressure sensing connection. This segmentation allows each filter to serve its specific function independently, preventing fluid occlusion of the pressure sensor while maintaining overfilling protection for the vacuum source.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophobic coating is applied to the filters to create a selective barrier that allows air passage while blocking fluid penetration. This intermediary property enables the filters to maintain airflow for vacuum measurement and therapy while preventing fluid occlusion even when the canister is tilted or in various orientations.
2Ease of operation
If the collection canister is positioned in various orientations during patient ambulation, then patient mobility is improved, but fluid may occlude the filter, causing inaccurate vacuum measurement and system malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering system is segmented into two separate filtering paths: one for the vacuum source and one for the pressure sensor. This allows the pressure sensor to maintain accurate vacuum measurements even when the canister is tilted, while the vacuum source filter continues to provide overfilling protection regardless of orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filters are modified with hydrophobic properties that change their permeability characteristics based on fluid presence. This parameter change allows the filters to maintain air flow for accurate measurement while blocking fluid penetration in various orientations, enabling patient mobility without compromising measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If fluid contamination occurs in the pressure sensing system, then vacuum level measurement accuracy is improved, but the system may react as if a pneumatic leak is present, causing uncontrolled vacuum levels
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic filter serves as an intermediary barrier between the fluid collection chamber and the pressure sensing system. This filter allows air molecules to pass through for accurate vacuum measurement while blocking fluid molecules from entering and contaminating the pressure sensor, preventing false leak detections and maintaining system control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter employs porous material with specific pore sizes that permit gas permeation while preventing liquid penetration. This porous structure enables continuous vacuum level monitoring by allowing air flow to the pressure sensor while blocking fluid contamination that would cause erroneous system reactions and loss of vacuum control.
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 accurate measurement of vacuum levels and continuous negative pressure therapy even when the collection canister is tilted or moved, preventing pneumatic leaks and ensuring effective wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic filter at the top of the collection canister that shuts off the air flow to the vacuum source when the collection canister is full
Implementation Method 2
There are a variety of pressure detecting devices such as pressure gages, switches, transducers and transmitters that can be used for measuring vacuum levels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A fluid collection canister including a chamber to collect fluids and a canister top disposed over the chamber. The canister top includes a bottom side facing into the chamber, including first and second ribs disposed thereon, a filter membrane attached to the first and second ribs, a first port to communicate with the chamber and a pressure source external to the chamber, and a second port to communicate with the chamber and a sensor external to the chamber. The first port is in fluid communication with a first area, which is bounded by the filter membrane, the first and second ribs and the bottom side of the canister top. The second port is in fluid communication with a second area, which is bounded by the filter membrane, the second rib and the bottom side of the canister top.