NPWT Pump Canister Hinge Latch Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems face challenges in providing a secure and reliable coupling between pumps and canisters, which affects the efficient transfer of negative pressure and ease of mounting and dismounting, impacting the effectiveness and convenience of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a negative pressure wound therapy pump with a hinge and latch mechanism that allows for secure coupling and decoupling with a canister, featuring a flexible conduit for suction transmission, ensuring a resilient interface and easy attachment/detachment, while the frusto-conical shape of the conduit seat enhances sealing and minimizes liquid intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented between pump and canister, then reliability of negative pressure transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into distinct modular components: a pump interface assembly with conduit seat and sealing elements, and a canister assembly with complementary coupling features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism integrates multiple functions into a unified assembly: mechanical attachment (latch and hinge), fluid sealing (conduit interface), and structural support (mounting features) are combined into a single integrated coupling system that ensures reliable negative pressure transfer without requiring separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism is implemented between pump and canister, then reliability of negative pressure transfer is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a hinge joint that allows angular adjustment during attachment, and a spring-loaded or cam-actuated latch that provides progressive engagement. These dynamic features enable the operator to attach or detach the canister with minimal force while ensuring secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pump and canister, providing a standardized interface that simplifies operation. The hinge and latch components serve as mechanical mediators that translate simple user actions (pushing, latching) into secure, reliable connections without requiring complex manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible conduit interface is used for suction transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit interface incorporates flexible sealing elements such as elastomeric grommets, bellows, or collapsible tubing that can deform to accommodate misalignment during attachment while maintaining an effective seal. These flexible components compensate for manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations without compromising sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit seat and interface features incorporate curved or conical geometries that guide the flexible conduit into proper alignment during attachment. The curved surfaces provide self-centering action that ensures consistent sealing contact while allowing ease of insertion, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment.
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 a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use interface for negative pressure transfer between the pump and canister, enhancing the effectiveness of wound therapy by ensuring consistent suction delivery and reducing fluid intrusion, thus promoting better wound healing.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible conduit sized and positioned to abut a negative pressure wound therapy pump housing and to transmit suction from the negative pressure wound therapy pump to the interior void of the canister
Implementation Method 2
a negative pressure wound therapy pump with a hinge and latch mechanism that allows for secure coupling and decoupling with a canister
Implementation Method 3
the frusto-conical shape of the conduit seat enhances sealing and minimizes liquid intrusion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is including a negative pressure wound therapy pump including a pump housing; and a negative pressure wound therapy canister attached to and readily removable from the pump housing; the canister including a flexible conduit; the canister operable to receive suction generated by the pump; the flexible conduit sized, shaped, and located to interface with the pump housing of the pump such that suction produced by the pump is transmitted to the canister via the flexible conduit.