Expandable Segment Negative Pressure Device for Skin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical negative pressure devices for skin treatments are cumbersome, heavy, noisy, and difficult for users to apply and control, often requiring external power sources and not suitable for prolonged, discreet use, especially for complex wound care needs.
Innovation Solution
A negative pressure device that creates a sealed three-dimensional space against the skin using expandable segments, which can expand to decrease gas pressure, allowing for controlled application of negative pressure without external power, and includes features like pressure relief valves and retaining structures for ease of use and material flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If powered systems with vacuum generation sources are used to create topical negative pressure, then negative pressure application is achieved, but the device becomes large, heavy, noisy, and requires external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external vacuum generation source from the system. Instead of using a pump or powered vacuum device, the invention extracts only the essential function of creating negative pressure by using a simple sealed chamber that can be manually evacuated, eliminating the need for complex powered components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the user to create and maintain negative pressure through simple manual operations without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The sealed chamber design allows the user to self-generate the necessary negative pressure condition through straightforward manual evacuation.
2Stress or pressure
If powered systems are used for topical negative pressure, then negative pressure is maintained, but the system becomes difficult for users to apply and initiate
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the user to create and maintain negative pressure through simple manual operations without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The sealed chamber design allows the user to self-generate the necessary negative pressure condition through straightforward manual evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simple, disposable-like sealed chamber design that can be easily applied and discarded or replaced. This approach eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and difficult-to-operate powered systems while achieving the same therapeutic effect through a simple manual evacuation process.
3Device complexity
If hand-pump systems are used for topical negative pressure, then device simplicity is improved, but prolonged application is not enabled and re-evacuation is often necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple sealed chambers or a large sealed chamber that can maintain negative pressure for extended periods. The segmentation or expanded volume allows the system to sustain negative pressure without frequent re-evacuation, thereby enabling prolonged application while keeping the device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a larger sealed chamber volume than traditionally required, which allows the negative pressure to be maintained for longer durations. This excessive volume provides a buffer that reduces the frequency of re-evacuation needed, enabling prolonged therapeutic application.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple mechanical devices are used to apply topical negative pressure, then material costs and assembly costs are reduced, but ease of application and prolonged use are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses flexible sealed chambers made from simple materials that are easy to manufacture and assemble. These flexible shells can be conformally applied to the skin surface, making the device easy to apply while maintaining structural integrity for prolonged use. The simplicity of the flexible shell design keeps material and assembly costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple sealed chambers or a large sealed chamber that can maintain negative pressure for extended periods. The segmentation or expanded volume allows the system to sustain negative pressure without frequent re-evacuation, thereby enabling prolonged application while keeping the device simple.
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 convenient, prolonged, and controlled application of negative pressure, reducing material and assembly costs, and is more user-friendly for both skin treatments and wound care, accommodating complex healing needs.
Implementation Method 1
a body including at least one expandable segment that is configured to expand after the device has been sealed against the skin
Implementation Method 2
the expandable segment is configured to expand after the device has been sealed against the skin... enable a more prolonged application of topical negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure device for applying to skin is configured to define a sealed enclosed three-dimensional space when at least a portion of the device is sealed against the skin. The device includes a body including at least one expandable segment that is configured to expand after the device has been sealed against the skin.