Push-to-Release Actuator for Negative-Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative-pressure therapy systems lack efficient manual actuation mechanisms for priming and releasing the therapy apparatus, which can complicate the process of initiating and maintaining negative pressure for wound treatment.
Innovation Solution
A negative-pressure therapy apparatus featuring a manually-actuated piston with a push-to-release actuator, utilizing elastic elements and a key mechanism to prime and activate the system, allowing for easy operation and secure locking of the therapy unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual actuation mechanism is added to prime and release the therapy apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it primes the piston by rotating it, locks the piston in position using a latch mechanism, and releases the piston by actuating a push-button. This merging of priming, locking, and releasing functions into one actuator simplifies the overall system operation while maintaining necessary complexity for reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism automatically engages with the piston when the actuator rotates into the locked position, and automatically disengages when the push-button is actuated. The spring-loaded latch provides self-actuating locking and releasing functions without requiring separate control mechanisms, reducing operational steps while ensuring reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure the barrier in the primed position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the actuator and the piston. It provides reliable locking by engaging with a feature on the piston when the actuator is in the locked position, and reliable releasing when the push-button actuates it. This intermediary mechanism ensures secure positioning without requiring complex locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch uses elastic force as a counterbalancing mechanism to maintain engagement with the piston. The spring provides continuous force to keep the latch engaged in the locked position, ensuring reliable securing of the barrier, while the push-button overcomes this spring force to enable release when needed.
3Ease of operation
If elastic elements are used to provide restoring force on the barrier, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element (spring) provides automatic restoring force to return the piston to its initial position after actuation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual resetting or additional actuation steps, simplifying operation while adding a single elastic component to the system.
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 simplifies the operation of negative-pressure therapy by enabling straightforward manual actuation, ensuring reliable initiation and maintenance of negative pressure, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of wound treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic elements may be operatively coupled to the barrier so that movement of the barrier to reduce the volume of the chamber fluidly coupled to the negative-pressure outlet also extends the elastic elements from a neutral state, thereby causing a restoring force to be applied to the barrier
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments may include an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy with a push-to-release actuator. The actuator may be a key insertable through a keyway in the apparatus to engage a movable barrier, such as a piston. The actuator may also be used to lock the barrier in a primed position. Pressing on the actuator can release the barrier and activate the apparatus for negative-pressure therapy. In some examples, the actuator may comprise a shaft, a latch, and a spring biasing the latch toward the shaft. The latch may comprise an opening toward a proximal end of the shaft. The apparatus may comprise a receptacle for receiving the actuator, and a keeper may disposed within the receptacle for coupling to the latch. In some embodiments, the keeper may comprise a base protruding from the wall, and a ledge extending from the base toward the second aperture.