Portable Negative Pressure Therapy Apparatus with Segmented Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy apparatuses are complex, bulky, and expensive, making them unsuitable for easy mobility and use outside a hospital environment, and they lack effective measurement of pressures at different locations within the system, which can lead to inaccuracies in pressure application at the wound site.
Innovation Solution
A portable TNP apparatus with vacuum generating means, pressure sensing conduits, and diagnostic control systems that allow for accurate measurement and control of negative pressure at the wound site, using a lightweight, rechargeable device with a waste canister and aspiration conduit system, enabling easy operation and monitoring of pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-lumen tube is used to convey pressures from the vacuum pump to the wound site, then pressure measurement capability is provided, but the apparatus becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure monitoring function is segmented from the vacuum delivery system. Instead of using a multi-lumen tube where pressure sensors are embedded within the vacuum conduit, the patent uses separate single-lumen pressure monitoring conduits that are distinct from the vacuum aspiration conduit. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and simplifies the overall apparatus design.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate pressure monitoring conduit acts as an intermediary between the vacuum pump and the wound site pressure measurement. This dedicated conduit with its own sensor allows pressure measurement without interfering with the vacuum delivery function, eliminating the need for complex multi-lumen structures.
2Measurement precision
If a multi-lumen tube with made-to-fit connector and dressing is used, then pressure measurement is enabled, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a vacuum aspiration conduit for delivering vacuum to the wound site, and a separate pressure monitoring conduit for measuring pressure. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex made-to-fit connectors and multi-lumen tubing, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining measurement capability.
3Weight of moving object
If the vacuum pump is positioned away from the wound site, then device portability is improved, but pressure measurement accuracy at the wound site becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated pressure monitoring conduit serves as an intermediary that transmits pressure information from the wound site back to the portable vacuum pump. This allows the pump to be positioned away from the wound site for portability while still achieving accurate pressure measurement through the separate sensing conduit with its own sensor.
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 apparatus provides accurate and controlled topical negative pressure therapy, allowing for extended use outside a hospital setting, with alarms for blockages or leaks, ensuring effective wound healing and patient comfort, while being cost-effective and durable.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum generating means for generating a negative pressure at said wound site
Implementation Method 2
first pressure sensing means between said junction and said vacuum generating means; second pressure sensing means operably associated with said pressure sensing conduit means
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and a method for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site are described, the apparatus comprising: vacuum generating means for generating a negative pressure at said wound site said vacuum generating means being operably connected to a dressing at said wound site by aspiration conduit means; pressure sensing conduit means in fluid communication with said aspiration conduit means at a junction adjacent said dressing; first pressure sensing means between said junction and said vacuum generating means; second pressure sensing means operably associated with said pressure sensing conduit means; diagnostic means in communication with said first and second pressure sensing means; and control means in communication with said diagnostic means for controlling pressure in said aspiration and said pressure sensing conduit means.