Manual Pump for Wound Therapy with Constant Force Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reduced-pressure wound therapy systems are costly, require maintenance, and are not suitable for low-severity wounds due to size and power constraints, often leading to inconsistent pressure application and leaks.
Innovation Solution
A manually-actuated, reduced-pressure system that includes a manifold member, sealing member, and a manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure source with a flexible, collapsible member and constant-force biasing member to provide a consistent and portable reduced pressure to the wound site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery-operated pumps are used to provide reduced pressure, then reduced pressure can be maintained at the wound site, but the system becomes costly and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex battery-operated pump system and replaces it with a simple manually-actuated mechanism. The manual pump uses a plunger and chamber design that eliminates batteries, electronics, and complex control systems while maintaining the core function of generating reduced pressure at the wound site.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual pump design uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The system avoids expensive reusable components with long maintenance cycles, opting instead for a simple mechanical design that is cost-effective and requires minimal maintenance.
2Reliability
If battery-operated pumps are used, then reduced pressure can be provided, but the system size and power requirements reduce patient mobility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery pack, motor, and electronic control components from the system, retaining only the essential manual pumping mechanism. This extraction dramatically reduces the weight and size of the device while preserving the core therapeutic function of generating reduced pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical motor-driven pump system with a purely mechanical manual pump. The plunger and chamber mechanism uses human hand operation instead of electrical power, eliminating the need for batteries and associated power management systems, thereby improving portability.
3Productivity
If reduced pressure systems are used on low-severity wounds, then healing may be accelerated, but the expense makes it difficult to justify use
Solution Approach 1:
The manual pump design uses inexpensive materials and simple manufacturing processes, making the system cost-effective for low-severity wounds. The disposable or easily replaceable nature of the components reduces the overall cost burden, making the therapy justifiable for minor wounds where traditional expensive systems would be overkill.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual pump allows for adjustable pressure levels through simple mechanical means, enabling customization of the reduced pressure magnitude. This flexibility allows the system to be adapted to different wound severities, making it economically viable to use on low-severity wounds by adjusting the pressure parameters to match the wound's needs.
4Reliability
If battery power is lost during therapy, then reduced pressure is not maintained, but restoring pressure takes a long time due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component entirely from the system, eliminating the risk of power loss and the time-consuming battery replacement process. The manual operation ensures continuous availability of the pressure-generating mechanism without dependency on consumable power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual pump design is self-contained and does not require external power sources or maintenance interventions. The user can immediately resume operation after any interruption without waiting for battery replacement or system reconfiguration, ensuring continuous pressure maintenance and minimizing treatment interruptions.
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
The system offers a cost-effective, portable, and reliable method for applying consistent reduced pressure to wounds, reducing the need for battery-powered pumps and minimizing leaks, making it suitable for low-severity wounds and promoting healing.
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
Implementation Method 2
The reduced-pressure delivery member transmits reduced pressure from the manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure source to the reduced-pressure interface
Implementation Method 3
The sealing member is operable to provide a fluid seal over the manifold member and a portion of the patient
Implementation Method 4
The manifold is operable to distribute a reduced pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating tissue at a tissue site includes a flexible, collapsible member that is operable to move between a compressed position and an extended position. The collapsible member may be disposed between a carrier member and a slider member that move between a compressed position and an extended position. The carrier member and slider member are urged away from each other by a constant-force biasing member, e.g., a constant force coil spring. As the apparatus moves from the compressed position to the extended position, a constant reduced-pressure is generated and delivered to a reduced-pressure port. Methods of manufacturing a manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus and methods of treating a tissue site are also provided.