Reusable Pump Assemblies for Disposable DVT Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable intermittent pneumatic compression systems for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are non-reusable and contribute to environmental waste due to their electromechanical components, which are typically discarded after use.
Innovation Solution
A portable system comprising inflatable garment sleeves with rechargeable pump assemblies that can be detached and reused, featuring a programmable microcontroller, solenoid valve, and pressure sensor to inflate and deflate the sleeves at preset pressures, with a dual corded power supply adapter for recharging, allowing for disposable sleeves and returnable pump assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable intermittent pneumatic compression systems are designed as disposable units, then they can be easily used and discarded after treatment, but they generate electronic waste from batteries and electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct segments: disposable garment sleeves that are easily discarded after use, and reusable pump assemblies containing the electronic components that can be returned and recharged. This segmentation allows the garment sleeves to maintain ease of operation while the reusable pump assemblies eliminate electronic waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard-recover model where the garment sleeves are designed for single-use and disposal, while the pump assemblies with batteries and electronics are recovered through a return program. The reusable pump assemblies are recharged and redistributed, preventing electronic waste while maintaining operational simplicity for patients.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the pump assembly contains rechargeable batteries and electronic components, then it can be reused and reduce waste, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the electronic components into a distinct reusable pump assembly module, the complexity is contained within a standardized unit that can be manufactured, tested, and maintained as a complete subsystem. This modular approach manages complexity while enabling reuse and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is designed as a universal reusable unit that can be paired with multiple garment sleeves through standardized connections. The multi-functionality of the pump assembly (inflation, deflation, pressure regulation, battery management) is consolidated into a single standardized device, managing complexity through standardization rather than proliferation of different components.
3Strength
If the air input tube is rigid, then it can maintain structural integrity, but it cannot accommodate rotation or movement of the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The air input tube transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic flexible tube that can bend and rotate. The flexible tube maintains sufficient structural integrity to convey air pressure while adapting to the movement and rotation of the garment sleeve during inflation and deflation cycles, accommodating changes in sleeve position and orientation.
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 effectively stimulates venous and arterial circulation, preventing DVT, reducing acute/chronic edema, and facilitating the healing of ulcers while being environmentally friendly by allowing the reusable components to be returned and recharged, thus reducing electronic waste.
Implementation Method 1
Each pump assembly includes a valve stem configured to detachably engage with the air input tube on the exterior surface of a respective garment sleeve. Preferably, the interior surface of each garment sleeve is fabricated from a non-woven polyester material, the exterior surface of each garment sleeve is fabricated from a Nylex fabric, and a plurality of hook type fasteners are provided on an interior surface portion of each garment sleeve for detachably engaging the exterior surface of the garment sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
The housing further encloses a pump, which is acoustically isolated with an acoustic foam material within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A kit is disclosed for facilitating the supply and return of a system for stimulating venous and arterial circulation in a patient to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which includes a left and right set of inflatable garment sleeves that are disposable, a pair a rechargeable battery powered pump assemblies for inflating the sleeves and that are reusable, a power supply adapter for recharging the pump assemblies and that is reusable, and a shipping carton for returning the pump assemblies and adapter to a supplier after the patient is ambulatory and the risks of deep vein thrombosis have ended.