Handheld Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Pump Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional negative pressure wound therapy systems are bulky, require complex equipment, and pose risks of cross-contamination due to the integration of control and pumping components, and need substantial power sources for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a separable control unit module and pump module, where the control unit is isolated from the pumping system and powered by a small battery, allowing for efficient negative pressure application without a canister for exudate retention within the dressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional negative pressure wound therapy systems integrate control and pumping components, then the system can provide effective negative pressure therapy, but the system becomes bulky and restricts patient mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modules: a disposable pump module that provides negative pressure and collects exudate, and a reusable control unit that provides power and control functions. This segmentation allows the bulky components to be separated, making the patient-worn portion compact while maintaining therapy effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is extracted from the pump module, allowing the pump module to be a simple, compact disposable unit that can be worn by the patient without restricting mobility, while the control unit remains stationary or is remotely positioned.
2Reliability
If conventional systems integrate control and pumping components, then the system can provide continuous negative pressure, but cross-contamination risk increases due to exposure to wound exudates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use or single patient treatment. This eliminates cross-contamination risk between patients while maintaining continuous negative pressure therapy during the treatment period. The reusable control unit never contacts wound exudates.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is extracted from the pump module and isolated from contact with wound exudates. The pump module that contacts exudates is made disposable, while the control unit is reusable and sterilizable, eliminating cross-contamination between patients.
3Reliability
If conventional systems use substantial power sources for continuous pump operation, then continuous negative pressure can be maintained, but the power source becomes bulky and requires constant outlet access
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates the pump intermittently to maintain negative pressure, allowing the use of smaller battery power sources in the disposable pump module while still achieving effective continuous therapy through periodic pumping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces substantial mechanical power sources with electronic control and periodic pump activation. The control unit manages power consumption through intelligent control algorithms, enabling the use of compact battery power sources instead of bulky continuous power supplies or constant outlet access.
4Reliability
If a canister for exudate retention is incorporated into the pump apparatus, then exudate can be collected, but the apparatus becomes bulky and restricts patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The exudate collection function is integrated into the disposable pump module rather than being a separate canister attached to the pump. This segmentation allows the collection chamber to be optimally sized within the compact disposable unit, eliminating the need for bulky external canisters that restrict patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism and exudate collection chamber are merged into a single integrated disposable pump module. This combination eliminates the need for separate canisters and tubing connections, creating a compact unit that maintains exudate collection capability while minimizing volume and restricting patient movement as little as possible.
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 enhances patient mobility, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and minimizes power consumption, resulting in a more compact and efficient wound therapy system.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for creating a negative pressure... utilizing the pump to provide a negative pressure... to draw fluid away from the wound
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus including a pump and control unit to be used to provide negative pressure for a wound therapy device. The pump module includes a pump and a pressure sensor, and the control unit module is capable of determining the pump in the pump module. The apparatus has a handheld size.