Integrated Pump and Storage Cartridge for Reduced-Pressure Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy systems are complex and costly, limiting their application due to the need for multiple components and increased setup time, which can lead to incorrect administration of therapy.

Innovation Solution

A combined solution pump and solution storage system that integrates all components pertinent to volumetric delivery into a single disposable assembly, with a therapy device that automatically interfaces with the disposable assembly, featuring a rotary-delivery pump head and solution cartridge for efficient fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy, then the therapy functions are complete, but the system complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy functionsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fluid reservoir, pump mechanism, and reduced-pressure therapy components into a single integrated disposable assembly. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components while maintaining both instillation and reduced-pressure therapy functions, directly resolving the contradiction between complete therapy functionality and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated disposable assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a fluid reservoir for instillation therapy and a component for reduced-pressure therapy. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining therapeutic versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy, then the therapy functions are complete, but the setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy functionsVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the fluid reservoir, pump, and reduced-pressure components into a single pre-assembled disposable unit, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly of multiple separate components. The integrated design allows for rapid deployment while maintaining complete therapy functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable assembly is pre-assembled and pre-configured before use, with all components (fluid reservoir, pump mechanism, tubing) already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming setup and assembly during patient treatment, directly reducing setup time while maintaining full therapeutic capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used, then the therapy can be administered, but the risk of incorrect administration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy administrationVSAvoidadministration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of all therapy components into a single disposable assembly with pre-established fluid pathways and pump connections eliminates the risk of incorrect component assembly or improper connections. The unified design ensures proper administration while maintaining therapeutic versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable assembly is designed as a self-contained unit where the fluid pathways, pump connections, and reduced-pressure interfaces are pre-configured and self-aligning. This self-service design minimizes the need for complex manual assembly and reduces the risk of user error in administering therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 integration simplifies setup, reduces setup time, and minimizes the risk of incorrect administration by providing a streamlined system for both reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy, enhancing usability and reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a pump head disposed within the cartridge receptacle and configured to engage the cartridge for movement of fluid... the pump head is disposed within the cartridge receptacle raceway and configured to engage the tube for movement of fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentEP3566730B1Combined solution pump and storage system for use with a reduced-pressure treatment system

Publication Date: 2022.01.19 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

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AI summary

A therapy device (104) for instillation of fluid to a tissue site is described. The therapy device includes a base having a cartridge receptacle (122) and a support (120) coupled to the base to secure the base to a pole. The therapy device also includes a cartridge (112) configured to engage the base when positioned in the cartridge receptacle. The therapy device also includes a pump head (128) disposed within the cartridge receptacle and configured to engage the cartridge for movement of fluid. The cartridge includes a body forming at least a portion of a fluid reservoir and a tube segment coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The tube segment is configured to engage the pump head.