NFC Canister Fluid Level Sensor for NPWT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current negative pressure wound therapy systems lack efficient methods for accurately detecting when a canister is full, leading to potential interruptions and unnecessary user intervention.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a fluid level sensor with Near Field Communication (NFC) tamper detection circuitry and a canister coil system that detects a completed electrical circuit when fluid reaches a threshold, allowing for wireless communication of the canister status to the device, enabling precise detection of the full condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional fluid level detection methods are used in negative pressure wound therapy systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection accuracy and reliability of canister full condition is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister full detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical float-based fluid level sensors with an electrical conductivity-based detection system. The sensor comprises a conductive element that detects fluid presence through electrical conduction, eliminating mechanical moving parts and improving reliability while maintaining simplicity in the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an NFC (Near Field Communication) coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the fluid level sensor and the control system. This wireless communication interface allows the sensor data to be transmitted without physical connections, reducing wear and improving reliability while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If frequent monitoring of canister status is performed, then therapy continuity is improved, but user intervention and system interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy continuityVSAvoiduser intervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated feedback system where the fluid level sensor continuously monitors canister status and communicates with the control system. When the canister is full, the system automatically receives feedback and can trigger appropriate responses without requiring user monitoring or intervention, thereby maintaining therapy continuity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-alignment through the automated sensor feedback mechanism. The canister full detection system operates autonomously, eliminating the need for manual checking by users and allowing the system to manage its own status without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual monitoring of canister full condition is used, then the system remains simple to operate, but unnecessary user intervention and potential therapy interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidtherapy continuity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated electrical sensing system. The conductive element and NFC communication mechanism provide automatic detection and communication of canister status, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability by eliminating human error and ensuring continuous therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides accurate and reliable detection of the canister full condition, reducing nuisance alarms and allowing for seamless continuation of therapy without frequent interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid level sensor is configured to detect a completed electrical circuit when the fluid aspirated from the wound comes into contact with the pair of arms of the fluid level sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The fluid level sensor can be configured to communicate with the electronic circuitry using Near Field Communication (NFC)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240165318A1Canister status determination for negative pressure wound therapy devices

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 T J SMITH & NEPHEW

AI summary

A negative pressure wound therapy device can include one or more fluid detection systems. A canister fluid level detection system can incorporate various fluid detection devices to communicate data relating to the fluid level of the canister. In some cases, a negative pressure wound therapy device can include a device housing, a negative pressure source, and a canister configured to be in fluid communication with the negative pressure source. The canister can include a canister housing configured to store fluid aspirated from a wound, a cap connected to the canister housing, and a fluid level sensor supported by the cap. The fluid level sensor can be configured to detect a completed electrical circuit when the fluid aspirated from the wound comes into contact with the sensor. An electronic circuitry can be configured to detect a state of the sensor and provide an indication of a status of the canister.