Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Connection Device Flat Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for negative pressure wound therapy face a challenge in maintaining reliable communication under difficult conditions while minimizing the risk of clogging, which affects the functionality and wearing comfort.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a single, coherent opening in the contact plane that communicates with the vacuum bandage, featuring finger-shaped projections to prevent bandage or wound dressing materials from penetrating, and made from a flexible PVC material that balances stability and deformability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connection device is built three-dimensionally above the application plane with reinforcing walls, then the risk of lumen compression is reduced, but the wearing comfort is considerably reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelumen compression resistanceVSAvoidwearing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional connection device with vertical height to a two-dimensional flat design that lies substantially in the application plane. The flat design includes a first region for receiving the conduit and a second region forming an application plane, eliminating the need for vertical reinforcement while maintaining lumen protection through the flat structural layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into functionally distinct flat regions: a first region for conduit reception, a second region forming the application plane, and a third region for adhesion promoter application. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while maintaining an overall flat profile that ensures wearing comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If numerous support elements in the form of projections and ribs are provided within the interior, then lumen compression is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelumen compression resistanceVSAvoidinternal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex internal support elements (projections and ribs) from the connection device design. Instead of incorporating numerous internal structural features, the design relies on the flat regional structure and material properties to prevent lumen compression, significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device uses a flat design where the first region has localized structural characteristics for conduit reception while the second region provides a flat application plane. This local differentiation of structural qualities allows the device to maintain simplicity while providing necessary functional properties without requiring numerous internal support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple small openings are provided in the wound-facing wall, then communication with the wound cavity is enabled, but the risk of clogging increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewound communicationVSAvoidclogging risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple small openings into a single larger opening in the wound-facing wall of the first region. This merging of multiple communication pathways into one larger aperture maintains adequate communication with the wound cavity while significantly reducing the risk of clogging by dressings or wound materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design ensures reliable negative pressure and media communication with reduced risk of clogging, maintaining functionality and comfort by providing a larger passage area and preventing material penetration through the use of flexible, finger-shaped extensions.

Implementation Method 1

negative pressure wound therapy... a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, i.e., negative pressure relative to the atmosphere, is applied and maintained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the connection body is made of an elastomeric flexible material and can be applied to a negative pressure dressing that covers the wound and seals against the atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3386559B1Connection device for use in the negative pressure therapy of wounds
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 PAUL HARTMANN AG
  • EP3386559B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~5
  • EP3386559B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3b
  • EP3386559B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device (2) for use in the negative pressure therapy of wounds, comprising a flexible conducting means (6) and a connecting body (4) made of an elastomeric flexible material which can be applied to a negative pressure dressing which covers the wound and seals the wound off from the atmosphere, wherein the connecting body (4) has a centrally arranged raised first area (8) which receives the conducting means (6), and a flatter flange-shaped second area (10) opposite the first area, which second area forms a contact plane (12) on the negative pressure dressing, wherein a conducting portion (46) which is closed on all sides and is formed by the central first area adjoins a free end of the delivery lumen (42) of the conducting means (6) which opens in the central first area, wherein said conducting portion first opens at a distal end into an interior (16) of the central first area (8) and from there is in fluid communication with the suction lumen (40) of the conducting means (6), characterized in that the central first area (8) has one single contiguous opening (20) which opens towards the negative pressure dressing in the contact plane (12), such that the at least one suction lumen (40) communicates with the wound space through said contiguous opening (20), and that extensions (22) integral with the first area (8) and extending in the contact plane (12) with free ends protrude into said contiguous opening (20) and form a means for preventing penetration of dressing or wound inlay materials sucked out of the wound space.