Reduced Pressure Manifold with Sealed Chambers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reduced pressure systems for wound treatment face challenges in effectively managing fluid pathways and preventing the accumulation of wound exudate and other liquids, which can hinder the delivery of consistent pressure and impede healing processes.

Innovation Solution

A reduced pressure treatment system featuring a manifold with a gas-impermeable barrier and dual conduits that create a closed loop to manage fluid flow and facilitate the removal of healing by-products, utilizing a vent source to maintain reduced pressure and promote tissue healing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a porous pad or manifold device is used to deliver reduced pressure to tissue, then reduced pressure therapy can be applied to promote wound healing, but wound exudate and liquids can accumulate and reach the reduced pressure source, interfering with pressure delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistent reduced pressure deliveryVSAvoidfluid accumulation in conduits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple sealed chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) separated by partitions. Each chamber contains specific conduits and has independent fluid management. This segmentation prevents fluid from traveling through the entire manifold and reaching the reduced pressure source, while maintaining consistent pressure delivery in each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the fluid pathway between the third chamber and the reduced pressure source. This valve allows fluid to be expelled from the manifold during pressure delivery cycles while preventing backflow and accumulation of exudate in the conduits, thus protecting the reduced pressure source from fluid contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single conduit system is used for both pressure delivery and fluid removal, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid pathways become clogged with healing by-products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduit structureVSAvoidfluid pathway patency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple sealed chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) separated by partitions. Each chamber contains specific conduits and has independent fluid management. This segmentation prevents fluid from traveling through the entire manifold and reaching the reduced pressure source, while maintaining consistent pressure delivery in each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the manifold are assigned different functions: the first chamber handles reduced pressure delivery to the tissue site, the second chamber collects and stores wound exudate, and the third chamber manages fluid expulsion. This functional differentiation ensures that each conduit is optimized for its specific purpose, preventing clogging while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the manifold structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to manage separate fluid pathways for pressure delivery and exudate collection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanifold constructionVSAvoidfluid pathway management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional chambers are merged into a single integrated manifold structure with internal partitions. The first, second, and third chambers are combined in one component that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module. This merging maintains separate fluid pathways for pressure delivery and exudate collection while simplifying manufacturing compared to multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously delivers reduced pressure, collects exudate, and manages fluid pathways. The integrated structure with internal partitions and multiple conduits allows a single component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, thus simplifying manufacture while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures effective delivery and removal of fluids, maintaining consistent reduced pressure and enhancing tissue healing by preventing fluid accumulation and promoting granulation tissue growth.

Implementation Method 1

providing a reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a vent source; a reduced pressure manifold comprising: a first conduit forming a closed loop and being shaped to define an interior region and being in fluid communication with one of the reduced pressure source and the vent source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a reduced pressure manifold having a substantially gas impermeable barrier and at least one outer conduit defining a lateral edge of an interior region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas impermeability: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2334349B1A system for delivering reduced pressure to subcutaneous tissue
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 KCI LICENSING INC
  • EP2334349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2334349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2334349B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A reduced pressure treatment system (100) includes a first fluid pathway (112) in communication with a reduced pressure source and a second fluid pathway (142). The system includes a reduced pressure manifold (102) having a substantially gas impermeable barrier (320) and at least one outer conduit (250) defining a lateral edge of an interior region. The outer conduit and the substantially gas impermeable barrier enclose a portion of the interior region. The outer conduit is in fluid communication with one of the first and second fluid pathways. The outer conduit has at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior region. An inner conduit (230) is at least partially disposed within the interior region and is in fluid communication with another of the first and second fluid pathways. The inner conduit has at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior region.