Self-Contained Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices are cumbersome and inconsistent due to reliance on external vacuum sources and bulky tubing, limiting patient mobility and requiring frequent adjustments, which can lead to leaks and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained wound dressing device with a built-in suction pump, battery, sensor, and printed circuit board assembly that creates a controlled negative pressure environment, eliminating the need for external equipment and providing a consistent vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external vacuum sources and bulky tubing are used to create negative pressure, then the wound therapy function is achieved, but patient mobility is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum pump, battery, control circuitry, and wound dressing into a single self-contained unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external equipment and tubing connections, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining vacuum reliability while reducing overall device complexity and improving patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-contained unit serves multiple functions: it creates negative pressure, manages exudate collection, provides wireless communication capabilities, and includes battery power management all in one device. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while eliminating the need for multiple separate components.
2Stress or pressure
If external pumps and tubing are used, then negative pressure is applied to the wound, but the risk of leaks and kinks increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the vacuum pump directly into the sealing interface with the wound dressing, the patent eliminates intermediate tubing connections that are prone to leaking and kinking. The direct integration ensures that the negative pressure is applied reliably without compromising seal integrity at connection points.
3Use of energy by moving object
If tubing connections are used to connect pump to dressing, then vacuum can be supplied, but adjustments are required frequently creating discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum delivery system into a self-contained unit that attaches directly to the wound dressing, eliminating the need for adjustable tubing connections. This integration provides consistent vacuum delivery without requiring frequent adjustments, thereby improving patient comfort and ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If a self-contained unit with built-in pump is used, then patient mobility is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the unit size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible, thin-film materials for the wound dressing components, allowing the self-contained unit to be lightweight and conformable. This approach enables improved patient mobility while minimizing the weight penalty of integrating the pump and other components directly into the dressing.
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
Enhances patient mobility and comfort by providing a consistent and customizable negative pressure wound therapy without the need for external pumps or tubing, reducing the risk of leaks and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the pump creates a region of sub-atmospheric pressure in a region between the drape and a patient
Data Source
AI summary
The described invention is a negative pressure wound therapy device designed for easy application to small to large wounds. The negative pressure device piece applies a vacuum to a wound and absorbs excess exudate or moisture. The negative pressure device comprises a sensor, battery, and small PCBA to monitor the pressure in the dressing and to alert a user when the dressing needs to be changed.