Modular Wound Therapy System with Snap-Fastened Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound treatment systems for combined negative pressure and instillation therapy are complex and difficult to handle, with separate units that lack efficient integration and easy access to cable bushing areas, leading to operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system with separate housings for negative pressure and instillation units that can be combined into a manageable device tower, featuring a cover for easy access to cable bushing areas, snap-fastening mechanisms, and integrated power supply interfaces, allowing for flexible arrangement and operation of multiple instillation units with flow control and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate housings are used for vacuum unit and instillation unit, then ease of handling and flexible arrangement are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a vacuum unit with a first housing and an instillation unit with a second housing. Each unit can be handled, moved, and operated independently, improving ease of handling while maintaining functional integration through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate housings are designed with universal connection features including standardized fastening devices and power supply interfaces that allow any instillation unit to connect to any vacuum unit, creating a modular system where components can be mixed and matched based on treatment requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cable bushing area is enclosed in housing, then protection from external influences is improved, but accessibility for line connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover of the second housing is designed to be openable and closable, transforming the cable bushing area from a permanently enclosed space to a dynamically accessible one. When closed, it protects internal components; when opened, it allows easy access for connecting and disconnecting line sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable bushing area is extracted from the main housing body and placed in a separate accessible compartment with its own removable cover. This allows the bushing area to be serviced independently without disassembling the entire housing structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instillation units are combined with vacuum unit, then treatment versatility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows segmentation of treatment functions by enabling the vacuum unit to operate independently or to be combined with one or more instillation units depending on the specific wound treatment requirements, providing versatility without mandating complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple instillation units can be connected to a single vacuum unit through standardized interfaces, allowing different instillation liquids to be delivered simultaneously or alternately to different wound sites, while the vacuum unit provides centralized negative pressure control for all connected units.
4Reliability
If fastening device requires precise alignment, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening devices incorporate alignment features that guide horizontal and vertical positioning, adding dimensional guidance to the assembly process. The recess and protrusion design provides automatic alignment in multiple dimensions, ensuring reliable connection while simplifying the assembly motion to a straightforward insertion and snapping action.
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
Simplifies wound treatment by enabling easy handling and integration of units, ensuring reliable operation, flexible liquid delivery, and seamless power supply, while allowing for coordinated control and logging of treatment parameters.
Implementation Method 1
with a feed pump, preferably a peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
a pump for providing negative pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system (10) for combined vacuum and instillation treatment of wounds on the human or animal body, wherein the system (10) comprises a vacuum unit (14) with a housing (18) of a first housing type, with a pump for providing a vacuum, and with a liquid collection container (20) for receiving bodily fluids, in particular wound secretions aspirated from a wound, wherein the liquid collection container (20) can be secured releasably on the housing (18) of the first housing type, and an instillation unit (30, 30a, 30b) with a housing (34, 34a, 34b) of a second housing type, with a conduit passage area (42) for at least one incoming conduit portion (36, 36a, 36b) and an outgoing conduit portion (38, 38a, 38b), with a feed pump (84a, 84b), preferably a peristaltic pump, wherein the housings (18, 34, 34a, 34b) of the first and second housing types are each housings (18, 34, 34a, 34b) that are separate from each other or separable from each other, characterized in that the housing (34, 34a, 34b) of the second housing type has an openable and closable cover (46, 46a, 46b) through which the conduit passage area (42) is accessible, and in that the housing (18) of the first housing type has a first securing mechanism (50), and in that the housing (34, 34a, 34b) of the second housing type has a second securing mechanism (52, 52a, 52b), wherein the first securing mechanism (50) can be connected to the second securing mechanism (52, 52a, 52b) with a form fit, preferably a snap fit, a latching fit, or another fit engaging behind with a form fit, or a clamping fit.