Connector Device for NPWT with Air Filtration and Segmented Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Negative pressure wound therapy systems face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure at the wound site due to static pressure differences caused by liquid columns, leading to issues like exudate pooling and skin maceration, and require quick disconnection and prevention of imprints on sensitive skin.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a branched design and air filtering system that allows controlled ambient air inflow to the fluid removing conduit, reducing static pressure effects and enabling safe, convenient assembly and disassembly away from the wound site, while minimizing the risk of skin imprints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a liquid column is present in the suction conduit due to gravity, then the static pressure difference between the canister and wound site increases, but the ability to provide correct negative pressure at the wound site deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air feed port that allows ambient air to enter the suction conduit, changing the physical state of the conduit from containing only liquid exudate to containing both liquid and gas phases. This parameter change (adding air) reduces the liquid column height and associated static pressure differences, thereby improving negative pressure control at the wound site while maintaining the gravitational drainage function
2Ease of operation
If the connector device is positioned close to the wound site for convenient connection, then the assembly convenience improves, but the risk of skin imprints and maceration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a wound interface assembly that remains attached to the wound cover, a separate connector device that can be positioned away from the wound, and connection conduits linking them. This segmentation allows the connector to be handled and assembled conveniently away from the wound site, eliminating the risk of skin imprints from connector components while maintaining easy assembly through the modular design
3Reliability
If the suction conduit is sealed tightly to prevent leakage, then the negative pressure maintenance improves, but the ability to vent excess pressure and prevent pooling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydrophobic membrane or porous valve mechanism in the suction conduit that allows selective passage of gases while blocking liquids. This porous structure enables excess air pressure to vent through the conduit wall, preventing exudate pooling and maintaining proper negative pressure, while the hydrophobic properties prevent liquid leakage through the same membrane
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 solution ensures consistent negative pressure at the wound site, reduces the risk of skin maceration and leakage, and allows for easy handling and supervision, particularly beneficial for larger or multiple wounds.
Implementation Method 1
an air filter (5) provided in said connector housing (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connector device (1) for a negative pressure wound therapy system. The connector device (1) comprises a connector housing (2), a fluid outlet (3) connected to the connector housing (2), an air feeding port (4) and an air filter (5) and coupling means (6). The fluid outlet (3) is adapted to be connected to a negative pressure source (23). The connector device (1) is adapted to be engaged with a wound side connector (25) of a wound side assembly (19) by means of the coupling means (6). The wound side assembly (19) comprises a fluid removing conduit (21) and an air supplying conduit (22), wherein a portion of each one of the fluid removing conduit (21) and the air supplying conduit (22) is connected to the wound side connector (25). The connector device (1) is such that when the connector device (1) is engaged with the wound side connector (25), the fluid removing conduit (21) is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet (3) and the air supplying conduit (22) is fluidly connected to the air feeding port (4) such that air ambient of the connector device (1) can be fed to the air supplying conduit (22) via the air feeding port (4) and the air filter (5).