Compact Control Unit Assembly for Medical Compression Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic medical devices for treating conditions like venous leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis have bulky and heavy control units that are inconvenient for mobile use, as they are typically separate components with external conduits and high power consumption, leading to reduced patient compliance and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact control unit assembly with internal rigid conduits and a detachable docking unit, featuring a ranked valve tree structure and a rechargeable battery, allowing for secure and portable integration within the medical device, eliminating external conduits and reducing size and weight, while enabling easy removal and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control unit is made separate and remotely operated, then the control unit can be operated independently, but it becomes bulky, heavy, and inconvenient for mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is merged with the compression device to form an integrated assembly. The control unit is positioned within a pouch on the compression device, combining previously separate components into a single portable unit that reduces overall weight and improves mobility while maintaining independent control functionality.
2Device complexity
If the control unit is positioned on the compression device, then integration is achieved, but the weight is localized at the attachment point causing imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is divided into functional segments: the compression sleeve with inflatable cells and the control unit assembly. The control unit is positioned in a dedicated pouch on the compression device, separating the control functions from the compression mechanism while maintaining integration. This segmentation allows for balanced weight distribution and prevents localization of weight at a single attachment point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control unit is made bulky to accommodate all components, then all necessary functions can be included, but it cannot fit beneath clothing and is prone to damage during mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is nested within a pouch that is attached to the compression device. This nesting arrangement protects the control unit from external damage during mobile use while maintaining access to all necessary components. The pouch acts as a protective enclosure that prevents the control unit from being knocked or damaged while still allowing it to perform all its functions.
4Productivity
If external conduits are used between pump and inflatable cells, then fluid transfer is achieved, but they present trip or tangle hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The conduits are merged into the control unit itself, forming an integrated fluid transfer system. The pump and inflatable cells are connected through conduits that are part of the control unit assembly, eliminating external tubing that could cause trip or tangle hazards. This integration maintains fluid transfer efficiency while removing the harmful external conduits.
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 solution enhances patient mobility and compliance by providing a lightweight, compact, and secure control unit that can be easily integrated into the medical device, reducing the risk of damage and improving the efficiency of compression therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The device allows the adjustment of the pressure in the cells dependent on the pressure profile desired. The application of pressure by the cells in the sleeve or cuff is maintained by a pump and valves
Implementation Method 2
A compact control unit assembly with internal rigid conduits and a detachable docking unit, featuring a ranked valve tree structure and a rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device including a sleeve, one or more inflatable cells, a pump, a conduit and a control unit for controlling the flow of fluid from the pump through the conduit.