Fluid Supply Cartridge Positioning for NPWT Portability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid supply systems for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) face challenges in positioning, flexibility, and stability, particularly with portable devices, due to logistical issues and limitations in fluid container compatibility, leading to potential leaks and therapy disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A fluid supply system comprising a cartridge with a piercing device and flexible conduit, coupled to a support device that accommodates various container sizes and shapes, and a therapeutic fluid delivery system, allowing for secure attachment and fluid communication, including a peristaltic or diaphragm pump actuated by the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fluid supply system is positioned on a separate IV support, then the fluid delivery can be maintained, but the portability is reduced and logistical issues arise when there is not sufficient room around the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery stabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fluid supply system with the NPWT pump unit into a single integrated assembly. The fluid container, piercing device, conduit, and pump unit are merged into one portable unit that can be positioned at the patient's bedside without requiring separate IV supports, thereby maintaining fluid delivery reliability while improving portability and ease of operation in limited spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If cartridge systems specify a specific configuration for fluid container, then the connection is simplified, but the flexibility for different fluid types is reduced and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidfluid container flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The piercing device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various fluid container types and sizes. The device uses a standardized piercing mechanism that works with different container configurations, allowing the system to maintain connection simplicity while providing flexibility for different fluid types and container arrangements, thereby reducing costs and increasing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different sized fluid containers are used on portable products, then the adaptability is improved, but unwanted shifting occurs leading to kinks or disconnections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device incorporates localized structural features such as contours and engagement elements specifically positioned to interact with different container sizes. These local quality features provide targeted support and stabilization for various container configurations, preventing unwanted shifting, kinks, or disconnections while maintaining adaptability across different container types on portable products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fluid container is not securely supported, then the adaptability to different containers is improved, but leaks and blockage alarms occur leading to therapy disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer compatibilityVSAvoidtherapy continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed with pre-configured engagement features and positioning structures that preliminarily secure the fluid container before fluid delivery begins. These preliminary action features prevent container shifting, leakage, and blockage during operation, ensuring therapy continuity while maintaining adaptability to different container types through the universal piercing device interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system ensures stable and flexible fluid delivery, preventing leaks and disruptions, allowing for efficient use of different fluid containers and maintaining therapy continuity, even in portable settings.

Implementation Method 1

a piercing device having a conduit, the piercing device being for piercing a liquid container and creating a fluid communication between the interior of the container and the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Piercing:

Implementation Method 2

the pump component may be a flexible conduit which forms a peristaltic pump upon connection to a fluid delivery system having a peristaltic pump actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Implementation Method 3

the pump component may be a diaphragm pump configured to be actuated by an actuator of a fluid delivery system to which the cartridge is coupled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiaphragm Pumping:

Data Source

PatentUS11116887B2Systems and methods for positioning fluid supply system

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Fluid supply systems and methods for therapeutic fluid delivery systems, including those used for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems and methods.