Hyperbaric Wound Device Cam Seal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current re-usable wound treatment devices face issues with seals deforming over time, leading to leaks and loss of treatment gas due to cyclical pressures, and tape-based seals often fail to maintain a hermetic seal around the limb.
Innovation Solution
A wound treatment device featuring a rigid housing with an inflatable cuff and cam mechanism for secure attachment, along with a flexible cuff design that adjusts to limb shape and size, and a clamp system to accommodate gasket deformation, ensuring a hermetic seal without the need for tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid panels are affixed to a rigid frame with seals, then the device can withstand operational pressures, but the seals deform over time and leak due to cyclical pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transforms from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable system. The cam mechanism allows the clamp to be tightened to different degrees and maintains constant pressure on the seal during cyclical pressure changes, accommodating seal deformation while maintaining hermetic seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the pressure parameter applied to the seal by using the cam mechanism to increase clamp pressure on the seal during operation. This compensates for seal deformation by adjusting the contact pressure parameter, maintaining effective sealing despite repeated use and material fatigue.
2Ease of operation
If tape is used to form seals about the limb, then the device can be assembled quickly, but the tape seals leak and come undone
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable cuff uses pneumatic pressure to create and maintain the seal against the limb. By inflating the cuff with gas, it expands to conform to the limb shape and creates a hermetic seal that is maintained throughout treatment, replacing the unreliable tape-based sealing method.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device uses a rigid structure, then it can maintain shape under pressure, but the seals loosen due to cyclical pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transforms from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable system. The cam mechanism allows the clamp to be tightened to different degrees and maintains constant pressure on the seal during cyclical pressure changes, accommodating seal deformation while maintaining hermetic seal integrity.
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 device effectively maintains a hermetic seal and withstands operational pressures, preventing gas escape and ensuring consistent treatment delivery, even as seals deform over time.
Implementation Method 1
The cam mechanism can include a cam having a flat surface, a swivel rod disposed within the cam for coupling with the housing, and a handle for rotating the cam
Implementation Method 2
The boot has a pneumatic cuff attached to the inner surface at a top portion of the boot, which cuff may be inflated so that the cuff encircles the leg forming an airtight seal about the leg
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment of the present invention, a wound treatment device (10) can include a rigid housing (13) having a housing wall (13a) with a first end and (12) a second end (14) forming a chamber therebetween. The device (10) can further include an inflatable cuff (22) releasably coupled to the housing wall (13a) at the first end (12). The housing wall (13a) can include a sidewall having an opening (16), a cover (46) for closing the opening (16), and a clamp (48) for releasably fastening the cover (46) to the sidewall surrounding the opening (16).