Foot Manifold Segmentation for Precise Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for applying reduced pressure to tissue sites on the foot, such as negative pressure wound therapy, face challenges in effectively delivering and maintaining therapeutic pressure levels, especially for wounds on the foot, which require precise pressure management and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A foot manifold system comprising an insole with a removable tissue contacting surface forming a void, a reduced-pressure interface, and flow channels to deliver pressure from a reduced-pressure source, along with a delivery conduit to ensure a pneumatic seal and efficient pressure application to the wound site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional negative pressure wound therapy system is used, then reduced pressure can be applied to the wound site, but it is difficult to maintain precise pressure levels and achieve proper pressure distribution on the foot

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure level precisionVSAvoidpressure maintenance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The foot manifold is segmented into multiple regions with different pressure requirements. The insole is divided into a first region and a second region, with separate flow channels allowing independent pressure control for each region, enabling precise pressure management tailored to different wound sites on the foot

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the foot manifold are designed with different pressure characteristics. The system provides localized pressure application through separate flow channels for the first and second regions, allowing each area to receive optimized pressure levels appropriate for its specific wound condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tissue contacting surface is made removable to form a void, then pressure distribution and wound access are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distribution adaptabilityVSAvoidmanifold structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue contacting surface is designed as a removable component that can be dynamically adjusted or removed to form a void space over the wound site. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different wound types and sizes, improving pressure distribution while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enhances wound healing by maintaining therapeutic reduced pressure levels, accelerating tissue growth and promoting faster healing by effectively managing pressure and fluid distribution around the wound.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flow channel fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and the void

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

creating a substantially pneumatic seal between the void and the tissue site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic seal:

Data Source

PatentEP2977067B1Apparatus for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site on a foot
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2977067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2977067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2977067B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site on a foot are provided. An apparatus may include an insole (208) and a tissue contacting surface covering at least a portion of the insole. At least one portion of the tissue contacting surface (234) is removable to form a void (218). The apparatus may also include a reduced-pressure interface for receiving reduced pressure from a reduced-pressure source, and at least one flow channel fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and the void.