Compact Medical Control Unit With Internal Rigid Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic medical devices for limb compression, such as those used for venous leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis, have bulky and heavy control units that are inconvenient for mobile use due to their separate and external nature, leading to mobility issues and low patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
A compact control unit assembly with internal rigid conduits and a detachable docking system that allows for secure and removable integration within the medical device, reducing external components and power consumption, and featuring a ranked valve structure for efficient pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control unit is made separate and remotely operated, then the control unit can be operated independently, but the user experiences inconvenience and reduced mobility due to carrying the unit separately
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated into the compression device, merging previously separate components (control unit, pump, conduits) into a single unified assembly. This eliminates the need for users to carry separate control units while maintaining independent operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit components are nested within the compression device structure. The rigid conduits are positioned internally within the device housing, and the control unit assembly fits within a pouch or compartment of the compression device, allowing compact integration without increasing external dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the control unit is positioned on the outer surface of the compression device, then the control unit is accessible, but the weight is localized at the attachment point causing weight imbalance and affecting mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit assembly is nested within the compression device structure rather than positioned on the outer surface. The rigid conduits are routed through internal passages, and the control unit fits within a pouch or compartment, distributing weight throughout the device structure rather than concentrating it at a single attachment point.
3Device complexity
If the control unit is made bulky to accommodate all components, then all necessary components can be included, but the device becomes too large to fit beneath clothing and increases trip hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid conduits are positioned as internal passages within the control unit housing, eliminating the need for external tubing. The pump, valves, and electronic components are arranged in a compact nested configuration within the control unit assembly, which itself fits within the compression device pouch, minimizing external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of external conduits is extracted and replaced by internal rigid passages. The control unit is designed as a self-contained module with integrated fluid pathways, removing the need for separate external tubing that would increase bulk and create trip hazards.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external conduits are used between the pump and inflatable cells, then the control unit can be separated from the device, but the conduits present trip or tangle hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The external conduit function is extracted and replaced by internal rigid passages. The control unit is designed with self-contained fluid pathways that route from the pump through internal channels to the inflatable cells, eliminating external tubing that would create trip or tangle hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid internal passages serve as an intermediary structure that replaces external conduits. These internal passages provide the necessary fluid transfer pathway while being contained within the control unit housing, preventing them from being external trip hazards.
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 solution enables a lightweight, portable, and secure control unit assembly that improves patient mobility and compliance by eliminating external conduits and bulky components, while allowing for easy replacement and reuse, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of compression therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (104) and a rigid internal conduit (108) located in the control unit (100)
Implementation Method 2
ranked valve structure for efficient pressure control
Implementation Method 3
inflation of one or more cells with fluid to a desired pressure
Implementation Method 4
compression devices which are used to apply pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for a medical device wherein the control unit includes a pump, a conduit and control means for controlling the flow of fluid from the pump through the conduit; and wherein the conduit is a rigid internal passage located in the control unit.