Releasable Pump Actuator Cam Design for Stable Wound Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative-pressure therapy systems for wound treatment lack efficient and portable solutions that can provide consistent and adjustable negative pressure to enhance tissue growth and healing, with existing systems often being bulky and requiring frequent sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A portable negative-pressure source system comprising a pump chamber with a motor, worm gear mechanism, and cam actuator, which uses a spring element to bias the drive surface against a working surface, allowing for adjustable and consistent negative pressure application through a tissue interface, including a manifold and cover for fluid distribution and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a negative-pressure therapy system is made portable, then ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but maintaining consistent and adjustable negative pressure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actuator incorporates a spring element that dynamically adjusts the biasing force on the drive surface, allowing the system to maintain reliable negative pressure while remaining portable. The spring provides continuous mechanical pressure to ensure consistent operation without requiring bulky external pressure sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor and the pump chamber, translating rotational motion into controlled linear motion that regulates negative pressure. This mechanical intermediary ensures consistent pressure delivery while keeping the overall system compact and portable.
2Ease of operation
If a negative-pressure therapy system is made portable, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actuator merges the motor, cam mechanism, and spring element into a single integrated assembly that directly couples to the pump chamber. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and spring element are nested within the pump actuator housing, with the spring positioned to bias the drive surface against the cam. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall footprint of the portable system.
3Reliability
If a spring element is used to bias the drive surface, then reliable negative pressure is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded and self-adjusting, automatically maintaining the necessary biasing force on the drive surface without requiring external control systems. This self-regulating mechanism ensures reliable negative pressure while minimizing the complexity of control circuitry.
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 system provides efficient, portable, and adjustable negative pressure for enhanced tissue growth and healing, reducing the need for frequent sanitation and minimizing fluid leaks, while allowing for discrete use under clothing.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a spring element configured to bias the drive surface against the working surface
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes a motor, a worm coupled to the motor, a worm gear engaged with the worm
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for treating a tissue site with negative pressure having a pump and a pump actuator. The pump may include a chamber wall that may define a pump chamber. The pump actuator may include a mechanism to actuate the pump. The pump actuator may be releasably coupled to the pump. In some examples, the chamber wall may include a drive surface and the pump actuator may include a cylindrical cam having a working surface configured to engage with the drive surface of the pump. In some examples, the pump actuator may have an actuator arm configured to couple to the pump to actuate the pump. Actuation of the pump may create a negative pressure in the pump chamber that may be delivered to a tissue site.