Manual Negative Pressure Pump with Spring-Regulated Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current reduced-pressure therapy systems are costly and complex, limiting their application, especially for low-severity wounds, due to the need for trained personnel, electrical components, and mobility issues, and are sensitive to leaks which quickly dissipate therapeutic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A manually-actuated pump that regulates reduced pressure from external sources, such as electric pumps or wall-suction, with a regulator mechanism to maintain therapy pressure despite leaks, allowing for portable and self-administered treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manually-actuated pump is used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to maintain regulated pressure against leaks is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pump incorporates a pressure regulator with a spring-loaded valve that automatically responds to pressure changes. When pressure drops below the threshold, the valve opens to allow fluid flow; when pressure reaches the set point, the valve closes. This feedback mechanism maintains regulated pressure without requiring complex electronic controls or trained personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually-actuated pump is designed to be self-regulating through its mechanical pressure regulator. The system automatically maintains therapeutic pressure through its spring-biased valve mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or monitoring by trained personnel, while still providing reliable pressure maintenance.
2Reliability
If electric pumps and hospital infrastructure are used, then regulated pressure is maintained, but mobility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electric pumps and electronic pressure regulation systems with a manually-actuated mechanical pump featuring a spring-loaded pressure regulator. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical components, power sources, and hospital infrastructure, enabling portable and self-administered treatment while maintaining reliable pressure regulation through pure mechanical means.
3Ease of operation
If simple manual pumping is used, then mobility is improved, but the ability to regulate and maintain therapy pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump incorporates a spring-loaded pressure regulator that allows the user to adjust and set the therapeutic pressure parameter. The spring mechanism provides a predetermined force that corresponds to a specific pressure threshold, enabling precise pressure control. When the chamber pressure reaches this set point, the regulator valve automatically closes, maintaining consistent therapeutic pressure without requiring complex electronics or multiple components.
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
Enables cost-effective, portable, and self-administered reduced-pressure therapy, maintaining therapeutic pressure despite leaks and allowing for mobility, making it suitable for various care settings and patients without hospital infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a regulator spring engaged with the valve body to bias the valve body against a differential between a pressure in the charging chamber and an ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
a regulator spring engaged with the valve body to bias the valve body against a differential between a pressure in the charging chamber and an ambient pressure
Implementation Method 3
a piston disposed within the piston chamber and being movable between an extended position and a compressed position
Implementation Method 4
a valve member adapted to allow fluid to exit the charging chamber as the piston moves toward the compressed position and to prevent fluid from entering the charging chamber as the piston moves toward the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A manually-actuated pump for applying reduced-pressure therapy includes a charging chamber and a regulated chamber. The charging chamber has a closed end. A regulator passage extends between the charging chamber and the regulated chamber, and a valve body is adapted to control fluid communication through the regulator passage. A regulator spring is engaged with the valve body to bias the valve body against a differential between a pressure in the regulated chamber and an ambient pressure. The manually-actuated pump also includes an outlet port coupled to the regulated chamber; and a valve assembly coupled to the charging chamber to permit fluid flow through the closed end of the charging chamber.