Pressure-Actuated Valve Apparatus for Tissue Site Liquid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical treatment systems face challenges in effectively managing liquid flow associated with tissue sites, particularly in regulating the application of reduced pressure to enhance tissue growth and healing, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms to control fluid flow based on changing pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises a valve arrangement with a first and second valve, a reservoir, and a reduced-pressure conduit, where the valves are movable between open and closed positions in response to reduced pressure, allowing for controlled liquid flow to a tissue site, with the reservoir containing liquid and the conduit transmitting reduced pressure to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reduced pressure is applied to the tissue site to enhance tissue growth and healing, then tissue regeneration is improved, but control over liquid flow to the tissue site becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the reduced pressure itself to control the valves that regulate liquid flow. The reduced pressure activates the valves automatically, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms during therapy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by using the reduced pressure condition at the tissue site to automatically adjust liquid flow through the valve mechanism. The pressure state directly influences valve operation, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing pressure conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid flow is continuously delivered to the tissue site, then treatment coverage is improved, but dosage control and treatment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers liquid in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The reduced pressure activates valves to allow liquid flow, then releases pressure to close the valves, creating periodic delivery cycles that provide both adequate dosage and precise control over the timing and amount of liquid delivered.
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
This solution enables precise management of liquid flow to a tissue site, facilitating tissue growth and healing by adjusting fluid delivery based on pressure changes, ensuring measured dosages and optimizing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a reduced-pressure conduit in fluid communication with the first valve and the second valve, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit the reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve
Implementation Method 2
the first valve is operable to be activated based on a reduced pressure transmitted from the tissue site to the first valve; a second valve in fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source, the second valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second valve is operable to be activated based on a reduced pressure transmitted from the tissue site to the second valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.