Pressure-Activated Valve Cell for Tissue Oxygenation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing and treating pressure wounds, such as pressure ulcers, are inadequate as they fail to effectively address tissue hypoxia caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, leading to further injury and inflammation.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a plurality of cells and valves that apply positive pressure by allowing fluid communication between cells and a chamber when a predetermined force is applied, providing oxygenated air or other fluids to reduce tissue hypoxia and promote healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure offloading is implemented using specialized mattresses or surfaces, then pressure points are minimized, but tissue hypoxia is not effectively addressed and pressure wounds still form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies negative pressure (vacuum) to the affected area through a wound contact layer and collection chamber. This negative pressure draws blood flow and oxygen to the hypoxic tissue, converting the harmful hypoxic condition into a beneficial hyperoxic state that promotes healing and prevents pressure wound formation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within a sealed chamber that contacts the patient's skin and wound area. This pneumatic approach delivers oxygenated air directly to the tissue under negative pressure, effectively addressing tissue hypoxia that conventional pressure offloading cannot resolve
2Ease of operation
If frequent turning and moving of the patient is performed, then pressure distribution is improved, but the underlying hypoxia problem persists and treatment effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within a sealed chamber that contacts the patient's skin and wound area. This pneumatic approach delivers oxygenated air directly to the tissue under negative pressure, effectively addressing tissue hypoxia that conventional pressure offloading cannot resolve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies negative pressure (vacuum) to the affected area through a wound contact layer and collection chamber. This negative pressure draws blood flow and oxygen to the hypoxic tissue, converting the harmful hypoxic condition into a beneficialhyperoxic state that promotes healing and prevents pressure wound formation
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 device creates discrete pockets of positive pressure to enhance oxygen delivery and reduce the occurrence and healing time of pressure wounds by mimicking the natural flow of oxygen, thereby addressing the root cause of tissue hypoxia.
Implementation Method 1
Each valve is configured to be biased to a closed position during use of the device. The device is configured such that when a predetermined force is applied to each cell during use the associated valve moves to the open position.
Implementation Method 2
A support device with a plurality of cells and valves that apply positive pressure by allowing fluid communication between cells and a chamber when a predetermined force is applied, providing oxygenated air or other fluids to reduce tissue hypoxia and promote healing.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device including a plurality of cells, each cell being at least partially defined by a cell wall, a chamber, and a plurality of valves. Each valve is movable between an open position where the valve provides fluid communication between an associated cell and the chamber, and a closed position wherein the valve generally blocks fluid communication between the associated cell and the chamber. Each valve is configured to be biased to a closed position during use of the device. The device is configured such that when a predetermined force is applied to each cell during use the associated valve moves to the open position.