Manually-Actuated Reduced Pressure Pump With Spring Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reduced pressure treatment systems are not viable or affordable for low-severity wounds due to the need for trained personnel, high manpower, and complex equipment, limiting their use outside traditional medical settings and impeding patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
A manually-actuated reduced pressure pump system with a charging chamber and regulated chamber, utilizing a piston and regulator to deliver a controlled pressure to a tissue site, allowing for portable and self-administered treatment without the need for electrical components or separate canisters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manually-actuated pump mechanism is used, then device complexity and need for trained personnel are reduced, but pressure regulation precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded regulator valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the manual piston pump and the wound site. The spring provides a mechanical reference for pressure regulation, automatically maintaining consistent negative pressure without requiring user knowledge of pressure settings. The regulator translates manual pumping actions into controlled pressure delivery through its spring-mass system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded regulator valve is self-regulating, automatically adjusting pressure based on the spring's mechanical properties rather than requiring external control. The system self-regulates pressure by balancing the spring force against the pressure differential, eliminating the need for trained personnel to monitor or adjust pressure settings manually.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable manually-actuated system is used, then patient mobility and accessibility are improved, but treatment duration and manual effort required worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates through periodic manual actuation cycles rather than continuous operation. Each piston stroke creates a periodic pressure pulse that the spring-loaded regulator converts into sustained negative pressure. This periodic manual input maintains treatment effectiveness while allowing patient mobility between pumping sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism stores mechanical energy during the pumping action, performing preliminary work that extends the effective treatment duration between manual inputs. The compressed spring continues to maintain pressure regulation after the manual pumping action ceases, reducing the frequency of required manual interventions.
3Device complexity
If integrated single-chamber design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure regulation capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The single external chamber is functionally segmented into two zones: a charging chamber where the piston creates negative pressure, and a regulated chamber where the spring-loaded valve maintains consistent pressure at the wound site. The regulator valve creates a functional barrier that separates pressure generation from pressure delivery, enabling reliable regulation within an integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded regulator valve serves as an intermediary between the charging chamber and regulated chamber, translating variable pressure from manual pumping into consistent regulated pressure. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable pressure control despite the simplified single-chamber structure by decoupling pressure generation from pressure maintenance.
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 efficient and portable delivery of reduced pressure for wound treatment, promoting tissue growth and healing, while reducing the need for trained personnel and simplifying system operation, making it suitable for ambulatory patients and non-traditional settings.
Implementation Method 1
A piston spring is operably associated with the piston to bias the piston in a direction that allows an increase in a volume of the charging chamber
Implementation Method 2
A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a charging chamber storing a first pressure less than an ambient pressure and a regulated chamber storing a second pressure less than the ambient pressure. The first pressure is less than the second pressure. A conduit provides fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the charging chamber. A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure.