Foam Spacer for Wide-Angle Reduced Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abdominal treatment systems face challenges in effectively distributing reduced pressure over a wide angle to facilitate fluid removal and tissue healing in the abdominal cavity, often resulting in limited fluid drainage and potential blockages due to unidirectional fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
The abdominal treatment device features a foam spacer with interconnected concentric arc members, mirrored c-shape members, or annular circles between liquid-impermeable layers, ensuring that reduced-pressure vectors cover at least 300 degrees within the target fluid removal zone, enhancing fluid distribution and minimizing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional manifold structure is used for distributing reduced pressure, then the device structure is simple, but the reduced pressure cannot be distributed over a wide angle and fluid removal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The foam spacer is segmented into multiple functional zones including a fluid distribution zone with interconnected pores and a support zone with higher structural integrity. This segmentation allows the same component to simultaneously achieve wide-angle pressure distribution and mechanical support, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and structural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam spacer serves multiple functions: it distributes reduced pressure over wide angles through its porous structure, provides mechanical support to maintain device shape, and facilitates fluid removal through its interconnected pore network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, achieving broad coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If unidirectional fluid flow is used in the abdominal cavity, then the device structure is simple, but blockages occur and fluid drainage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The foam spacer employs a curved, radially-extending pore structure that directs fluid flow along curved pathways from the abdominal cavity walls toward the collection manifold. This spherical/curved geometry naturally distributes flow in multiple directions simultaneously, preventing stagnation and reducing blockage risk while enhancing overall fluid removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from unidirectional (1D) fluid flow to three-dimensional (3D) radial flow patterns. The foam spacer's pore structure extends radially in multiple dimensions, allowing fluid to be removed from various directions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion dramatically improves both productivity and reliability by eliminating single-point blockage vulnerabilities.
3Productivity
If reduced pressure is applied to the abdominal cavity, then fluid removal is facilitated, but tissue damage may occur due to excessive or improperly distributed pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The foam spacer creates locally optimized pressure distribution zones where the pore structure and density are tailored to specific functional requirements. The fluid distribution zone has higher porosity for efficient fluid removal, while the support zone has lower porosity for structural stability. This local quality variation ensures effective fluid drainage while distributing pressure evenly to prevent localized tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam spacer acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes mechanical stress before it reaches the abdominal cavity walls and tissues. Its porous structure compresses under load, providing a compliant interface that prevents excessive point pressures while maintaining the integrity of the reduced pressure system, thereby protecting tissues from damage.
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
This configuration allows for efficient fluid removal and tissue healing by maintaining reduced-pressure vectors over a large angle, reducing the likelihood of blockages and improving treatment efficacy in the abdominal cavity.
Implementation Method 1
the foam spacer is configured such that, under reduced pressure, a target fluid removal zone experiences reduced-pressure vectors over an angle theta (θ) that is at least 300 degrees
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment device is presented that has a plurality of liquid- impermeable layers with a foam spacer between two of the liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers have a coextensive area A1. The foam spacer has a plan-view area A2. A2 is less than 80 % of A1 (i.e., A2 1). The foam spacer is configured such that, under reduced pressure, a target fluid removal zone experiences reduced- pressure vectors over an angle theta (?) that is typically 360 degrees for a majority of locations in the target fluid removal zone. Applying 360 degrees of reduced pressure helps avoid blockage. The plurality of liquid- impermeable layers may be bonded for various effects. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.