Clip Connection for Portable Negative Pressure Therapy Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy apparatuses are complex, bulky, and not portable enough for use outside hospital environments, making them difficult to operate and maintain, and are prone to damage from external stresses or impacts due to the lack of protection for expensive components and accessibility issues with waste canisters.
Innovation Solution
A portable TNP therapy apparatus with a device and waste canister connected by clip means that fail under abnormal stresses, allowing separation to protect the device from damage, and a waste canister design that is easily accessible and replaceable, featuring filters, absorbent gel, and automatic warning systems for full capacity, ensuring continuous aspiration and minimizing bacterial expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the TNP therapy apparatus is made portable with mechanical and electronic components housed in an all-enveloping casing, then the apparatus can be carried by patients outside hospital environments, but the apparatus becomes vulnerable to damage from drops or impacts outside normal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two main segments: a device portion containing the mechanical and electronic components, and a waste canister portion. These segments are connected by a breakaway connection that allows them to separate under abnormal stress, protecting the valuable device portion from damage during drops or impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway connection is designed with a predetermined failure point that acts as a protective mechanism. Before the main device components can be damaged by impact forces, the connection is engineered to fail first, absorbing the shock and preventing transmission of damaging forces to the expensive mechanical and electronic components
2Device complexity
If the waste canister is integrated into the all-enveloping casing, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the waste canister becomes difficult to remove and change, especially for less dextrous people
Solution Approach 1:
The waste canister is segmented from the main device body and connected via a standardized interface. This segmentation allows the canister to be easily detached and replaced by simply pulling it away from the device, making the operation simple enough for less dextrous users while maintaining structural integration during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The waste canister is designed as a disposable component that is replaced rather than cleaned and reused. This approach simplifies the user interface - users simply remove the full canister and attach a new one - eliminating the need for complex cleaning mechanisms or tools while ensuring proper waste disposal
3Reliability
If the TNP therapy apparatus includes complex mechanical and electronic components, then the therapy effectiveness is improved, but the apparatus becomes difficult to operate and maintain without specialist knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates automated functions that reduce the need for user intervention and specialist knowledge. The system automatically monitors therapy parameters, alerts users to issues, and manages the overall therapy process, allowing patients to use the complex device independently at home or work
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus includes feedback mechanisms that monitor therapy delivery and provide real-time information to users through displays or alerts. This feedback system helps users understand device status and operation without requiring specialist knowledge, while ensuring the complex mechanical and electronic components function correctly
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 apparatus provides effective TNP therapy in various environments while protecting the device from impact and facilitating easy waste canister replacement, ensuring prolonged use and reduced risk of infection through efficient fluid management and bacterial containment.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pump adapted to apply negative pressure to a wound
Implementation Method 2
a base layer in abutment with the wound and comprising an absorbent gel material
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (200) for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a user of the apparatus (200) is described together with a method for protecting said apparatus (200) when subjected to abnormal stresses, the apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) releasably connected thereto wherein the device (202) and waste canister (204) are connected together by clip means (222), said clip means (222) being subject to failure upon application of abnormal stresses thereby permitting separation of the device (202) and waste canister (204).