Passive Negative Pressure Wound Therapy via Bellows and Absorbent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reduced pressure wound therapy systems are bulky, noisy, and restrict patient mobility due to their reliance on electric pumps, and they struggle to maintain a constant negative pressure level due to air leaks and fluid ingress.
Innovation Solution
A reduced pressure therapy system featuring a suction device with a suction chamber, an expandable fluid absorbent material, and a screen to block its displacement, which is retained by a carrier structure and can maintain constant pressure independent of device orientation, using a mechanism with constant force springs and a lubricant to minimize frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric pumps and pressure sensing means are used to maintain constant negative pressure, then pressure stability is improved, but device complexity and mobility restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric pump, pressure sensor, and controller from the system, extracting only the essential function of maintaining negative pressure through a passive mechanical bellows mechanism. This eliminates the complex electrical components while preserving the core therapeutic function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows mechanism automatically maintains negative pressure through its mechanical design, compensating for pressure changes without requiring external control systems. The system serves itself by using the elastic properties of the bellows to respond to pressure variations autonomously.
2Reliability
If electric pumps are used to generate negative pressure, then pressure control is improved, but noise and mobility restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor-driven pump with a purely mechanical bellows system that generates negative pressure through manual or passive mechanical action. This substitution eliminates the noise associated with electric motors and moving electrical components.
3Quantity of substance
If expandable fluid absorbent material is used in the suction chamber, then fluid management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses expandable fluid absorbent material with porous structure within the bellows mechanism. This material passively absorbs and manages fluids through its inherent porous properties, eliminating the need for complex active fluid management systems.
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 provides a reliable and consistent negative pressure application, reducing mobility restrictions and noise, while maintaining a stable pressure level with minimal fluctuations, enhancing patient comfort and treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable fluid absorbent material located within the suction chamber
Implementation Method 2
expandable fluid absorbent material...prior to any fluid absorption, has a fixed location in the suction chamber
Implementation Method 3
using a mechanism with constant force springs and a lubricant to minimize frictional resistance
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
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. The devices use a syringe pump that comprises absorbent for wound exudates in the barrel.