Negative Pressure Dressing With Detachable Valved Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices are costly, require a permanent connection to the dressing, and are uncomfortable due to rigid structures, limiting their usability and accessibility, especially for wounds in hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A dressing with a modular structure and a detachable valved connector, combined with a manual negative pressure generation device and a visual indicator, allowing for alternating negative pressure intensity without batteries or electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum pump device is permanently connected to the dressing to generate negative pressure, then the negative pressure therapy function is ensured, but the device complexity and cost increase, and the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a disposable dressing unit and a reusable vacuum pump device. The dressing can be detached and replaced without the pump, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining functionality. This segmentation allows the complex pump mechanism to be separated from the simple dressing application.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector interface serves as an intermediary between the dressing and vacuum pump device. This standardized connector enables easy attachment and detachment while ensuring reliable connection during use, resolving the contradiction between permanent connection requirements and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a vacuum pump device is permanently connected to the dressing, then negative pressure is maintained, but the usability and comfort decrease due to rigid structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The dressing can be easily attached and detached from the vacuum pump device, providing flexibility and adaptability. This dynamic interface improves usability while maintaining negative pressure when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump device can be extracted or detached from the dressing when not in use or when dressing changes are needed. This separation eliminates the burden of carrying a permanently connected rigid device, improving comfort and ease of operation while preserving the negative pressure function when needed.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electronic devices are used to indicate negative pressure, then the indication function is provided, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing includes a simple, inexpensive visual indicator (such as a color-changing element or mechanical gauge) that provides negative pressure indication without requiring expensive electronic components. This disposable indicator is integrated into the low-cost dressing, eliminating the need for expensive electronic indication systems while maintaining the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces electronic indication mechanisms with a mechanical or optical indicator integrated into the dressing. This substitution eliminates the need for batteries, circuits, and electronic displays, significantly reducing cost while providing sufficient negative pressure indication for clinical use.
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
Provides cost-effective, flexible, and comfortable NPWT by enabling easy connection and disconnection, reducing discomfort and expanding accessibility to patients, especially for wounds in difficult-to-reach areas.
Implementation Method 1
at least one valved connector connected to the sealing film, wherein the valved connector is detachably connectable to at least one device for generating negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
a device that provides the generation and indication of negative pressure
Implementation Method 3
optionally comprises a means for colorimetric indication of negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is in the fields of mechanical engineering and medicine, focused on the area of dressings and devices for negative pressure therapies. More specifically, the invention discloses an improved dressing, a device that provides the generation and indication of negative pressure that can be detachably connected to a dressing, a kit, a manufacturing process and a negative pressure therapy. The dressing of the invention comprises a valved connector detachably connectable to a device for manual generation of negative pressure and optionally comprises a means for colorimetric indication of negative pressure. The device of the invention provides manual generation of negative pressure and also visually indicates the negative pressure, for the user to verify that the negative pressure is within a range suitable for treatment, which preferably includes alternating the intensity of the negative pressure. The invention provides several practical advantages, including: the generation and indication of negative pressure in a simplified manner; the reduction of costs when compared with the costs of electronic devices for indicating negative pressure; the expansion of access to patients to the benefits of negative pressure therapy; use in non-hospital conditions.