Piezoelectric Pump Adapter for Quiet Negative-Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative-pressure therapy systems face challenges with noise and heat generation from piezoelectric pumps, which affect their longevity and suitability for continuous use in negative-pressure therapy environments.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric pump adapter is designed to aggregate fluid flow into multiple inlets and outlets, incorporating a block with recesses and projections to facilitate efficient heat dissipation and silent operation, enabling the use of piezoelectric pumps for negative-pressure therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezoelectric pumps are used in negative-pressure therapy systems, then the therapy effectiveness is improved, but noise and heat generation increase affecting pump longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heat generated by the piezoelectric pump by introducing a heat dissipation system that conducts heat away from the pump chamber through thermal contact with the pump housing, separating the heat generation source from the therapeutic environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat dissipation medium (fluid or solid thermal conductor) between the piezoelectric pump and the external environment, which mediates the heat transfer process to reduce noise and temperature while maintaining pump functionality
2Duration of action of stationary object
If piezoelectric pumps operate continuously for negative-pressure therapy, then therapy duration is extended, but heat accumulation reduces pump life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous heat dissipation during pump operation by maintaining thermal contact between the pump chamber and heat dissipation structure, ensuring that heat is continuously removed during extended operation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic cooling cycles or intermittent fluid flow through the heat dissipation channels to periodically remove accumulated heat, allowing the pump to operate continuously while managing temperature through periodic thermal reset
3Reliability
If piezoelectric pumps are used to provide negative-pressure therapy, then treatment benefits are achieved, but noise generation affects patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts noise generation from the therapeutic environment by isolating the piezoelectric pump in a sealed pump chamber that acoustically isolates the noise source from the patient interface and external environment
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 adapter allows for the use of piezoelectric pumps in negative-pressure therapy by addressing noise and heat issues, ensuring silent and continuous operation, thereby extending pump life and enhancing the effectiveness of negative-pressure therapy systems.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric pump having at least three inlets and at least one outlet
Implementation Method 2
The adapter can be configured to aggregate fluid flow into the at least three inlets
Data Source
AI summary
A system for negative-pressure therapy is described. The system includes a dressing configured to be positioned adjacent a tissue site and a piezoelectric pump having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. An adapter is coupled to the piezoelectric pump and configured to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. The adapter is configured to aggregate fluid flow into the at least one inlet. The adapter can have a block. A first recess depends into the block, and a second recess depends into the block from the first recess, the second recess having an area less than the area of the first recess. A bore depends through the block from the second recess to the first side, and a conduit is coupled to the first side and fluidly coupled to the bore.