Magnetized Diaphragm Pump Assembly for Compact Wound Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure gradient wound therapy pump assemblies are bulky and heavy due to the need for a strong permanent magnet to provide a constant magnetic field, which limits their portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with a diaphragm and an electromagnetic actuator where the actuator is fixed and spatially separated from the diaphragm, using a magnetic material for the diaphragm to reduce the size and weight of the permanent magnet, allowing for a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a strong permanent magnet is used to provide a constant magnetic field for moving the electromagnet and diaphragm, then the pumping action is achieved, but the pump assembly becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the permanent magnet from the system entirely, replacing it with an electromagnetic actuator that generates the necessary magnetic field through electrical current. This eliminates the need for a heavy permanent magnet while maintaining the pumping function through electromagnetic interaction with a magnetized diaphragm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical permanent magnet system with an electromagnetic field-based system. The electromagnetic actuator uses electrical energy to create a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetized diaphragm, substituting mechanical magnetic field generation with an electromagnetic approach that reduces weight and improves efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a strong permanent magnet is used to provide a constant magnetic field, then the diaphragm can be moved as required, but the size of the pump assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet is removed from the system and replaced with an electromagnetic actuator. This allows the magnetic field to be generated only when needed and controlled precisely through electrical signals, eliminating the need for a large permanent magnet structure while maintaining full diaphragm movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static permanent magnet system to a dynamic electromagnetic system. The electromagnetic actuator can dynamically adjust the magnetic field strength and timing to control diaphragm movement, allowing for precise operation without the bulk of a permanent magnet assembly.
3Productivity
If multiple components are physically coupled together in the pump assembly, then the pumping function is achieved, but friction losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the permanent magnet component entirely, eliminating the mechanical coupling and friction associated with its integration. The electromagnetic actuator interacts with the diaphragm through a magnetic field without physical contact, reducing friction losses and improving overall pumping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical interactions with electromagnetic interactions. The electromagnetic actuator uses magnetic fields to move the diaphragm without direct mechanical coupling, eliminating friction losses that would occur in a mechanically coupled system and thereby improving energy efficiency.
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 design reduces the size and weight of the pump assembly, improves efficiency, and minimizes noise by reducing the number of moving parts, making it suitable for integration with wound dressings and enhancing the effectiveness of pressure gradient wound therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is configured to induce a magnetic field in at least one operational state for moving the diaphragm with respect to the actuator between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm comprising a magnetic material; an electromagnetic actuator switchable between two or more operational states, at least one of which comprises a state in which the actuator induces a magnetic field for moving the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure gradient wound therapy apparatus (50) including a pump assembly (10). The pump assembly (10) includes a diaphragm (12) comprising a magnetic material (16), an electromagnetic actuator (18) switchable between two or more operational states and a valve arrangement (24) including an inlet valve (26) and an outlet valve (28) for the introduction and/or removal of fluid into a fluid chamber (30) of the pump assembly (10). The actuator (18) is configured to move the diaphragm (12) with respect to the actuator (18) between a first position corresponding to a first operational state of the actuator (18) and a second position corresponding to the second operational state of the actuator (18).