Negative Pressure Therapy Leak Detection via Pump Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure therapy systems face challenges in reliably detecting and differentiating between leaks and blockages, which can disrupt the correct functioning of the system and ensure proper wound treatment.
Innovation Solution
The system checks the rate of pressure change when the suction pump is activated and stopped, using predetermined threshold values to determine if a leak or blockage is present by assessing if the pressure change remains below a certain threshold or exceeds specific values during activation and deactivation, and also considers electrical power consumption to differentiate between the two conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used to detect pressure in the negative pressure therapy system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of leak and blockage detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure detection function into two independent pressure sensors: a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the suction line leading to the body, and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the container. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of different system sections, enabling reliable differentiation between leaks and blockages without requiring complex additional components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the suction pump is continuously activated to maintain negative pressure, then the negative pressure therapy is continuous, but the ability to detect leaks and blockages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between pump operation modes: during a first time period, the suction pump operates in a first mode (e.g., high suction) for a first duration, then switches to a second mode (e.g., low suction or idle) for a second duration. This periodic action creates distinct pressure change patterns that enable reliable detection of leaks and blockages while maintaining overall continuous negative pressure therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure changes during pump operation and uses this feedback to detect leaks and blockages. The control device evaluates pressure sensor signals in real-time and adjusts pump operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains therapy continuity while enabling fault detection.
3Reliability
If multiple pressure sensors are added to improve detection accuracy, then the reliability of error detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically places two pressure sensors at critical locations: one in the suction line near the wound and another in the container. This segmented approach provides sufficient detection capability with minimal sensors, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining high reliability for distinguishing between leaks and blockages.
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
This method allows for reliable detection and differentiation of leaks and blockages, ensuring continuous and effective negative pressure therapy by providing clear signals to the user or patient, thus maintaining the integrity of the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pump (6) generating negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure sensor (16) for detecting a pressure in the suction line (12) leading to the body or in an additional line (13) designed as a pressure measuring line (14) or in the container (8) or in the wound (26)
Implementation Method 3
so that a negative pressure can be produced in the wound area and liquids can be drawn out of the wound area
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for operating a negative pressure therapy system (2) for providing negative pressure for medical negative pressure treatment of wounds, comprising: - a vacuum-generating suction pump (6), - a suction line (12) leading to the body, wherein the suction line (12) is pressurized by the suction pump (6), - optionally a container (8) for receiving body fluids, - a pressure sensor (16) for sensing the pressure, - an electronic control unit (10) which controls the suction pump (6) taking into account predetermined parameters and sensed pressure values; wherein the method comprises the following steps: sensing the pressure and activating the suction pump (6) to achieve a target negative pressure, and deactivating the suction pump (6) when the target negative pressure is reached;characterized in that, with the suction pump (6) activated, it is checked whether, within a first time interval Δt1, the pressure change rate remains below a first threshold value S1, and it is checked whether a negative pressure exists above a second threshold value S2, and if both are true, the suction pump (6) is stopped, and with the suction pump (6) stopped, the pressure change rate is determined, and a leak is concluded if the pressure change rate is above a third threshold value S3, and/or a blockage is concluded if the pressure change rate is below a fourth threshold value S4.