Flexible Negative Pressure System with Interchangeable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices require frequent changes in exudate collection methods, leading to increased costs and reduced treatment duration, as they are typically designed for single-use or specific wound types, limiting their adaptability and mobility for patients.
Innovation Solution
A device with interchangeable connectors that can switch between a canister for high-exudate collection and an absorbent dressing for fluid retention, allowing for extended use and versatility in treating various wound types, featuring a power source that can last from 24 hours to 60 days and intuitive operation to prevent incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single-use NPWT device is used, then the device is simple to manufacture and dispose, but the treatment duration is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NPWT device is divided into separable components: a reusable control unit and interchangeable fluid retention sources (canisters and dressings). This segmentation allows the control unit to be used repeatedly while only the fluid retention sources are disposed of, extending treatment duration without requiring a completely reusable complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal connectivity to work with multiple types of fluid retention sources (both canisters and absorbent dressings). This multi-functionality allows a single control unit to serve throughout the entire treatment process, from initial high-exudate phases to later healing phases, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different devices are used for different wound types, then each device is optimized for its specific use, but the number of devices increases and mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates universal connection interfaces that can attach to different fluid retention sources suitable for various wound types. This allows a single device to adapt to different clinical scenarios (high-exudate wounds requiring canisters, lower-exudate wounds using absorbent dressings) without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby improving patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic switching between different fluid retention sources based on wound healing progression. The control unit can be disconnected and reconnected to different fluid retention sources as the wound transitions from high-exudate to lower-exudate phases, providing adaptability without requiring a completely new device.
3Quantity of substance
If a canister is used for high-exudate collection, then fluid collection capacity is increased, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is segmented into removable canisters that can be attached only when high-capacity collection is needed. This allows the control unit to remain lightweight while providing the option to add canister capacity when required for high-exudate wounds, rather than always carrying the additional weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the patient and the canister, managing the connection and operation. This allows the canister to be used as a temporary high-capacity solution during high-exudate phases without requiring the patient to permanently carry or be tethered to a large canister system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent device changes are required, then treatment can be optimized for different wound phases, but healthcare costs increase and treatment continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid retention function from the control function, allowing only the fluid retention source (canister or dressing) to be changed while the control unit remains in place. This enables optimization for different wound phases through simple component exchange rather than complete device replacement, maintaining treatment continuity and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is pre-configured with universal connectivity and control algorithms that anticipate different wound phases. This preliminary preparation allows for seamless transitions between different fluid retention sources without requiring complex reconfiguration or programming during patient care, reducing treatment discontinuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors and devices for flexible negative pressure systems are described.