Flexible Wound Fluidic Connector for Kink-Free Irrigation and Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems face issues with rigid conduits causing discomfort, wound damage, and obstruction due to patient movement, which can delay healing and disrupt fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
Development of flexible fluidic connectors with dual channels for aspiration and irrigation, utilizing flexible layers and spacer materials to minimize discomfort and obstruction, ensuring effective fluid transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid conduits are used for aspiration and irrigation, then structural stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and wound disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid conduits with flexible fluidic connectors made of soft, compliant materials that can conform to skin contours and patient movement without causing wound disturbance or discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of conduit rigidity to flexibility, transforming the mechanical properties of the fluidic connector to better suit the dynamic environment of wound care while maintaining functional performance
2Strength
If rigid conduits are used for aspiration and irrigation, then conduit strength is improved, but obstruction resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fluidic connectors are designed with sufficient strength to maintain structural integrity while their flexibility prevents kinking and obstruction that commonly affects rigid conduits during patient movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the fluidic connectors, allowing them to adapt their shape and maintain open channels in response to movement and pressure changes, thereby preventing obstruction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible fluidic connectors are used, then patient comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining flexible layers with embedded spacer materials to achieve the desired balance of comfort and manufacturability through integrated multi-layer construction
4Reliability
If flexible fluidic connectors are used, then obstruction resistance is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures combining flexible layers with embedded spacer materials to achieve the desired balance of comfort and manufacturability through integrated multi-layer construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the fluidic connectors, allowing them to adapt their shape and maintain open channels in response to movement and pressure changes, thereby preventing obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure apparatus and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed towards improved fluidic connectors configured to transmit irrigation fluid and to apply aspiration to a wound, for example using softer, kink-free conformable layers. Some embodiments may comprise a first channel for delivering irrigation fluid to the wound and a second channel for transmitting negative pressure and removing fluid comprising irrigation fluid and wound exudate from the wound, wherein the channels comprise a flexible spacer material. Some embodiments are directed toward an irrigation manifold attachable to or incorporated as part of a distal end of an irrigation and aspiration fluidic connector.