Removable Pump Module for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems are cumbersome and require frequent replacement of the pump module, which is prone to failure and contamination, leading to inefficiencies in treatment and increased waste and costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a controller module and a removably contained pump module, utilizing a quick release connector and visual indicators, allowing for easy replacement and monitoring of the pump module without disrupting the entire system, and minimizing electronic components in the pump module for reduced waste and improved maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a handheld pump is used in the pump module, then the device size is reduced and patient mobility is improved, but the pump is more prone to failure and contamination requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a controller module and a removable pump module. The pump module can be easily detached and replaced when it fails or becomes contaminated, while the controller module remains. This segmentation allows the unreliable pump component to be isolated and quickly swapped out without replacing the entire device, resolving the contradiction between compact size and pump reliability.
2Loss of time
If the pump module is designed to be removable for easy replacement, then maintenance time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional connectors and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module is pre-configured with a quick-release connector that interfaces with the controller module. This preliminary design of the connection mechanism allows for rapid replacement without requiring complex tools or procedures. The connector is designed in advance to enable simple snap-in/snap-out operation, reducing replacement time while keeping the added complexity minimal and standardized.
3Loss of substance
If electronic components are minimized in the pump module, then waste is reduced and replacement cost is lowered, but the pump module requires more connections to the controller module
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components are extracted from the pump module and consolidated into the controller module. The pump module contains only the pump mechanism and minimal necessary components, while the controller module houses all electronics, processing, and control functions. This extraction reduces electronic waste from pump replacements and lowers costs, while the connection complexity is managed through standardized interfaces designed for reliable signal and power transmission.
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 design reduces the time and effort required for pump module replacement, minimizes waste, and allows for efficient monitoring of device status from a distance, enhancing patient mobility and reducing operational costs while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The pump provides suction, creating a negative pressure under the bandage at the wound site
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use with a negative pressure bandage for supply negative pressure. The device includes a pump module and a controller module. The pump module contains a power source and a pump. The pump module is removably contained in the controller module. The pump module and controller module can be connected with a connector that provides both a physical and pneumatic connection. The controller module may include one of more visual indicators for allowing the status of the device to be observed at a distance.