Dynamic Frequency Control for Piezoelectric Pump Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound treatment technologies using negative pressure therapy lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically adjust the frequency of the driving signal in response to changes in pressure, which can affect the efficacy of wound healing.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that include a controller to iteratively adjust the frequency of the driving signal supplied to a negative pressure source based on detected changes in the driving signal magnitude, ensuring optimal power transfer and wound treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the driving signal frequency is fixed, then the device operation is simple, but the power transfer efficiency cannot be optimized in response to component variances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors the magnitude of the driving signal and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the driving signal frequency. When the detected magnitude decreases below a threshold, the controller increases the frequency; when it increases above a threshold, the controller decreases the frequency. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes power transfer efficiency while accommodating component variances without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed frequency operation to a dynamic frequency adjustment mode. The driving signal frequency is continuously adapted based on real-time monitoring of the driving signal magnitude, allowing the system to respond to changing operational conditions and component characteristics, thereby maintaining optimal power transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the driving signal frequency is dynamically adjusted, then the power transfer efficiency is optimized, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the driving signal magnitude and adjusts the driving signal frequency accordingly. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for complex manual control while optimizing power transfer efficiency in response to component variances and operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters (driving signal magnitude) and making necessary corrections (frequency adjustment) without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If iterative frequency adjustment is implemented, then optimal power level is achieved, but the response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses continuous feedback from the driving signal magnitude detection to make real-time frequency adjustments. This allows the system to quickly respond to changes in operational conditions and component variances, achieving optimal power transfer efficiency without excessive delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary frequency adjustments within a first time period after activation to quickly reach near-optimal operation. Subsequent adjustments are made at a slower rate during a second time period, allowing the system to rapidly respond to initial conditions while maintaining stability during extended operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables the apparatus to automatically accommodate component variances and operate at an optimal power level, enhancing the efficiency of wound healing by dynamically adjusting the driving signal frequency.

Implementation Method 1

The source of negative pressure can include a piezoelectric pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12268577B2Optimizing power transfer to negative pressure sources in negative pressure therapy systems

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SMITH & NEPHEW PLC

AI summary

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a driving circuit that supplies a driving signal to a negative pressure source to cause the negative pressure source to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing. The apparatus furthers include a controller that adjusts a frequency of the driving signal supplied by the driving circuit according to a comparison of a previous magnitude and a subsequent magnitude of the driving signal while the negative pressure source provides negative pressure. The transfer of power to the negative pressure source can thereby be tuned to maximize an amount of power transferred to the negative pressure source.