Negative-Pressure Irrigation Valve With Passive Flow Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative-pressure therapy and irrigation systems for wound treatment are costly and complex, limiting their application, and often require dedicated equipment, which can be a barrier in settings like emergency medical vehicles or small trauma centers where space and resources are limited.
Innovation Solution
A therapy system that integrates an irrigation valve with a tube, where the valve cycles between high-flow and low-flow positions in response to negative pressure, allowing for controlled fluid flow without the need for additional pumps, and can be used with existing negative-pressure therapy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated negative-pressure therapy equipment is used, then wound treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the irrigation valve function with the negative-pressure therapy system into a single integrated device. The valve is built directly into the tubing network of the negative-pressure system, allowing both irrigation and negative-pressure functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The negative-pressure therapy system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide continuous negative pressure for wound drainage and simultaneously provide controlled irrigation through the integrated valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated irrigation equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
2Reliability
If continuous irrigation is provided, then wound cleansing effectiveness is improved, but fluid flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation valve operates by cycling between open and closed positions in response to pressure changes from the negative-pressure source. This periodic action allows the system to deliver irrigation in controlled intervals rather than requiring complex continuous flow regulation mechanisms, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining effective wound cleansing.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation valve is passively actuated by the pressure differential created by the negative-pressure source itself. The same negative pressure that drives wound drainage also automatically opens the valve to allow irrigation flow, eliminating the need for separate active control mechanisms. The system uses its own operating principle to control irrigation, reducing additional complexity.
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 integration simplifies wound irrigation, reduces the need for dedicated equipment, and allows for controlled fluid delivery, enhancing wound treatment efficiency and accessibility in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a piston coupled to the jaw and operable to move the jaw in response to negative pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A system is described herein that can irrigate a tissue site using negative-pressure. The system may include a tissue interface configured to be placed adjacent to the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue interface to form a sealed space. The system may also include a negative-pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space and a fluid source. The system may further include an irrigation valve. The irrigation valve can have a fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. The irrigation valve can also have a fluid outlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The irrigation valve may also include a clamp configured to be actuated by the negative-pressure source to regulate fluid flow from the fluid source through the fluid outlet.