Passive Suction Device for Constant Negative Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reduced pressure wound therapy systems face challenges in maintaining a constant negative pressure due to air leaks and fluid ingress, requiring bulky and noisy electrically-powered pumps that limit patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a suction chamber, slidable seal, and lubricant, designed to maintain a set negative pressure with minimal pressure variations, using a ribbon spring and high viscosity lubricants to reduce friction and ensure consistent pressure delivery, even during fluid or air ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If electrically-powered pumps are used to maintain constant negative pressure, then pressure stability is improved, but device portability and patient mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical pump component from the system and replaces it with a passive mechanical seal system. The suction chamber maintains negative pressure through a slidable seal that prevents air ingress without requiring active pumping, thereby eliminating the weight and complexity of electrical components while preserving pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable seal system is designed to automatically maintain the seal position and prevent air leaks through its own mechanical properties. The seal slides passively within the chamber, using the pressure differential itself to maintain its sealing function without requiring external power or control systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electrically-powered pumps are used to compensate for air leaks, then pressure constancy is improved, but noise level and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical pump component that generates noise and replaces it with a passive mechanical sealing system. The slidable seal prevents air ingress through mechanical design rather than active pumping, eliminating the noise source while maintaining pressure constancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical-mechanical pump system with a purely mechanical passive seal system. The slidable seal uses mechanical principles to prevent air leaks without requiring electrical power, thereby eliminating noise while maintaining pressure stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high viscosity lubricants are used with the slidable seal, then friction is reduced and pressure stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the lubricant used in the slidable seal system. By selecting high viscosity lubricants, the system achieves reduced friction and improved pressure stability through material property optimization rather than structural complexity increases.
4Ease of operation
If a slidable seal system is used without electrical pumps, then patient mobility is improved, but ability to maintain constant negative pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable seal system is designed to automatically maintain the seal position and prevent air leaks through its own mechanical properties. The seal slides passively within the chamber, using the pressure differential itself to maintain its sealing function without requiring external power or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the mechanical parameters of the slidable seal system, including using high viscosity lubricants and precise dimensional tolerances, to ensure that the passive system can maintain constant negative pressure effectively without electrical assistance.
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 system effectively maintains a constant negative pressure with minimal oscillations, reducing the need for electrical power and enhancing patient mobility by providing a reliable and quiet treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
The suction device may further comprise a lubricant, wherein the lubricant is characterized by a viscosity of greater than 1,000,000 cP. In some embodiments, the lubricant comprises at least one silicone. In some embodiments, the lubricant comprises at least one member from the group consisting of fluorosilicone, dimethylsilicone, perfluoropolyether, mineral spirits, synthetic oils, and polyxylene.
Implementation Method 2
The suction device may further comprise a ribbon spring, wherein when a volume of at least air or exudate is introduced into the reduced pressure system, a plot of the reduced pressure of the system against the volume introduced into the system results in a substantially oscillating wave pattern
Implementation Method 3
Research has shown that applying reduced pressure to a tissue wound may provide several beneficial effects. For example, applying sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound may lead to retraction of the damaged tissue edges and thus may expedite healing by facilitating wound contraction.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. The devices are capable of generating a substantially constant reduced pressure with low tolerance for pressure fluctuations. Also disclosed herein are reduced pressure therapy systems that comprise an alarm system to detect the depleted state of the suction device and provide an alert to the patient and/or practitioner.