Single Sensor Reduced Pressure Wound Therapy System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reduced pressure treatment systems for tissue management are cumbersome and costly due to the need for two pressure sensors, which increases complexity, weight, and discomfort for patients, especially when treating low-severity wounds or ambulatory patients, as they fail to accurately detect leaks or blockages between the tissue site and the pump.
Innovation Solution
A reduced pressure treatment system utilizing a single pressure sensor to detect pressure at the tissue site, coupled with a controller and relief valve, which adjusts pressure and alerts the user to non-responsive conditions, thereby managing pressure effectively with fewer components and reduced size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two pressure sensors are used to measure pressure at both the pump outlet and the tissue site, then the ability to detect leaks or blockages is improved, but the system size, weight, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure measurement function from the pump outlet location and places it directly at the tissue site. By using a single pressure sensor at the tissue site rather than two sensors at different locations, the system achieves leak and blockage detection capability while reducing the number of components. The controller detects pressure changes at the tissue site to identify leaks or blockages in the tubing, eliminating the need for a second sensor at the pump outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor at the tissue site serves multiple functions: it measures the reduced pressure applied to the tissue, detects leaks in the system, and identifies blockages in the tubing. This multi-functional use of a single sensor replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If two pressure sensors are used to measure pressure at both the pump outlet and the tissue site, then the ability to detect leaks or blockages is improved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the unnecessary second pressure sensor from the system. By placing only one pressure sensor at the tissue site and using the controller to monitor pressure changes, the system achieves leak and blockage detection while minimizing weight. The controller processes pressure data to detect anomalies, replacing the need for additional heavy sensor hardware.
3Reliability
If two pressure sensors are used to measure pressure at both the pump outlet and the tissue site, then the ability to detect leaks or blockages is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a second pressure sensor, thereby reducing component costs. The single pressure sensor at the tissue site combined with the controller's analysis capability provides leak and blockage detection at a lower cost than a two-sensor system. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary detection functionality.
4Reliability
If two pressure sensors are used to measure pressure at both the pump outlet and the tissue site, then the ability to detect leaks or blockages is improved, but the system power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the second pressure sensor and its associated power requirements. The single pressure sensor at the tissue site consumes less power than two sensors would, and the controller efficiently processes the pressure data to detect leaks and blockages. This reduction in active sensing components directly lowers the system's power consumption.
5Device complexity
If a single pressure sensor is used to detect pressure at the tissue site, then the system size and weight are reduced, but the ability to detect leaks or blockages may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the pressure signal from the single pressure sensor at the tissue site and provides feedback to detect leaks and blockages. By analyzing pressure changes, rate of pressure change, and pressure stability, the controller can identify system anomalies despite using only one sensor. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable leak and blockage detection while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes the pressure signal from the single sensor to detect leaks and blockages. Instead of relying on multiple sensors, the controller uses intelligent analysis of the single pressure measurement to infer system status, making up for the reduced sensor count through sophisticated signal processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus and method for managing reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source that generates reduced pressure. The reduced pressure is delivered to the tissue site via a delivery tube. The apparatus includes a single pressure sensor. The single pressure sensor detects an actual reduced pressure at the tissue site. The apparatus also includes a controller. The controller determines a responsiveness of the actual reduced pressure measured by the single pressure sensor to an increase in reduced pressure generated by the reduced pressure source. The apparatus includes an indicator. The indicator emits a signal when the controller determines that the actual reduced pressure measured by the single pressure sensor is nonresponsive to the increase in reduced pressure generated by the reduced pressure source.