Multi-Chamber Medical Vacuum Suction for Limb Pain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively manage neuromusculoskeletal pain across both small and large areas of the body, with traditional methods being either site-specific or inconvenient for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A medical vacuum suction device with adjustable pressure settings and flexible seals, designed to fit various body parts, providing a holistic pain relief solution through a range of −350 mmHg to 950 mmHg and incorporating a monitoring system to ensure safe pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional vacuum cups are used, then site-specific pain areas can be addressed, but only small areas of pain can be treated at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent suction chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be selectively activated. Each chamber can be independently sealed and pressurized, allowing treatment of different body areas simultaneously or sequentially while maintaining clinical convenience through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple chamber sizes and configurations (small chambers for localized areas, larger chambers for broader regions) into a single integrated system. The adjustable pressure mechanism and independent chamber control enable the device to treat various neuromusculoskeletal conditions across different body parts, making it universally applicable for both small and large area pain management.
2Area of stationary object
If larger chambers are designed for the lower body, then larger areas can be addressed, but the device becomes inconvenient for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large chamber that would be cumbersome, the device segments the treatment volume into multiple smaller chambers of varying sizes. Each chamber can be independently controlled and sealed, providing large overall treatment capacity while maintaining manageable individual chamber dimensions that are clinically practical.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable pressure mechanisms and movable sealing elements that allow dynamic adaptation of chamber volumes and configurations. The pressure can be adjusted between -350 mmHg and 950 mmHg, and chambers can be selectively sealed or opened, enabling the device to adapt to different treatment requirements without requiring multiple fixed-size chambers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chambers are used to address both small and large areas, then comprehensive pain relief is achieved, but sealing and pressure control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses flexible diaphragms and seals (including a diaphragm with aperture and flexible seal elements) to create hermetic barriers between chambers and to the external environment. These flexible sealing elements can conform to chamber geometries and maintain reliable seals under varying pressure conditions, ensuring that each chamber can be independently pressurized without leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a pressure monitoring system with a display that shows the current pressure level. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to monitor pressure in real-time and adjust the pump operation accordingly, ensuring safe and effective pressure levels are maintained across all active chambers. The system can detect when desired pressure is reached and prevent over-pressurization.
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 device offers comprehensive pain relief for both small and large areas, outperforming traditional methods in effectiveness and convenience, particularly addressing conditions like peripheral nerve entrapment, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable locking lever band tightens around the flexible seal and collapses the three concentric U-grooves around the chamber surrounding the body appendage for a hermetic seal thereto
Implementation Method 2
Medical vacuum suction device... operate over a range of -350 mmHg to 950 mmHg
Data Source
AI summary
The Pain Reduction Tool is the only product of its kind that simplifies the pain management process by treating an entire extremity, via a vacuum chamber, under the supervision of a medical professional. Whether the agenda is to treat an arm or a leg suffering from pain and/or dysfunction, this device provides precision and efficiency, making it a versatile and essential tool that was solely designed by an Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist. Embodiments of the disclosure are comprised of but not limited to durable PVC materials based on manufacturing and functionality needs. The disclosure offers controllable vacuum pressure selections and can be pre-programmed by a provider to support at-home, and independent use by a patient.