Multi-Canister Module with Pressure Sensing for Continuous Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative-pressure therapy systems are limited to a single canister, requiring interruption for canister changes and lacking efficient pressure sensing, which hampers continuous treatment and data collection.
Innovation Solution
A multi-canister module that allows simultaneous use of multiple canisters with a single negative-pressure source, enabling seamless canister exchange and integrated pressure sensing, with a therapy unit adapter to retrofit existing systems for multi-canister operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single canister is used with a negative-pressure therapy system, then the system structure is simple, but the treatment requires interruption for canister changes and continuous monitoring is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent canisters (first canister, second canister) that can be independently attached or detached. Each canister has its own fluid communication pathway to the negative-pressure source, allowing one canister to continue collecting exudate while another is being replaced, thereby eliminating treatment interruptions without requiring a completely new system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The negative-pressure source and control system are designed to work with multiple canisters simultaneously through a common fluid pathway interface. The system can selectively activate different canisters based on their attachment status, allowing the same hardware to function with one or multiple canisters without requiring separate systems for each configuration
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensing is integrated into a single canister system, then the sensing pathway is simple, but multiple measurement points cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing system is segmented into multiple independent sensing pathways, with at least one pressure sensor associated with each canister. This allows independent pressure measurement at different locations (first canister and second canister) without requiring a complex centralized sensing system, enabling localized monitoring while maintaining relatively simple individual sensing routes
3Productivity
If canister replacement is required during therapy, then the system is easy to operate, but treatment continuity is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple canisters are prepared in advance and attached to the system simultaneously or in sequence before therapy begins. The system is configured so that when one canister needs replacement, another is already in place and actively collecting exudate, allowing the replacement operation to occur without interrupting the overall treatment process
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a transition mechanism or intermediate state where canisters can be attached or detached without breaking the negative-pressure seal or stopping therapy. This may involve design features such as quick-connect interfaces, seal maintenance mechanisms, or temporary bypass pathways that allow canister exchange while maintaining system integrity and treatment continuity
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may relate to negative-pressure therapy, which may collect exudate from a tissue site. In some embodiments, a multi-canister module may allow a single negative-pressure source to draw exudate into two or more canisters. In some embodiments, pressure sensing may take place alongside negative-pressure treatment. In some embodiments, the multi-canister module may be configured to allow for one of the canisters to be changed without interrupting negative-pressure therapy.