Torso Deformity Suction Device with Distance Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for torso deformities like pectus excavatum, such as suction therapy, face challenges in effectively correcting the deformity without causing skin irritation or discomfort due to inadequate or excessive pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A device with a suction chamber and measurement component that applies negative pressure to displace the deformity, using a pressure gauge and retaining element for precise pressure control and comfort, allowing for visual verification of displacement and pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction pressure is increased to improve deformity correction effectiveness, then treatment efficacy is improved, but skin irritation and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement component continuously monitors the distance between the suction chamber and torso deformity, and the control component adjusts the suction pressure based on this feedback to maintain optimal correction force without exceeding safe thresholds that would cause skin irritation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the suction pressure parameter based on real-time measurement data, adjusting the negative pressure level to match the actual distance and tissue response, thereby maintaining effective correction while preventing harmful effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suction pressure is decreased to reduce skin irritation, then patient comfort is improved, but treatment efficacy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement component provides continuous feedback on the actual distance and tissue displacement, allowing the control component to optimize suction pressure levels that maximize correction efficacy while staying below thresholds that cause skin irritation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-pressure application to dynamic pressure adjustment, where suction force continuously adapts to the actual tissue response and distance measurements, enabling effective correction at varying pressure levels
3Measurement precision
If measurement component is added to the suction chamber, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement component serves multiple functions: it measures distance, monitors tissue displacement, provides feedback for pressure control, and indicates treatment progress, thereby justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement component is integrated within the suction chamber structure, with the elongated member nested inside the chamber and moving along with the deformity correction, minimizing additional external components
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 device effectively corrects torso deformities by applying controlled negative pressure, ensuring safe and comfortable treatment by preventing skin irritation and ensuring the deformity is addressed without excessive pressure.
Implementation Method 1
withdrawing air from the suction chamber to apply negative pressure within the suction chamber to displace the torso deformity
Implementation Method 2
the measurement component includes an elongated member moveably coupled to the suction chamber for visual measurement of the distance between the distal surface of the suction chamber and the torso deformity
Implementation Method 3
the pressure gauge includes an elastic material that is displaced as a function of the amount of negative pressure applied to the suction chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention include devices and methods for correcting a torso deformity of a patient. The devices include a suction chamber for placement around the torso deformity and to provide negative pressure to the torso deformity; and a measurement component coupled to the suction chamber. The measurement component is adapted to indicate a relative distance between the torso deformity and a distal surface of the suction chamber. The methods include positioning a torso deformity correcting device around a torso deformity on a torso of a patient. The methods further include withdrawing air from the suction chamber to apply negative pressure within the suction chamber to displace the torso deformity, and setting a negative pressure level by measuring the relative distance of the torso deformity and the distal surface of the suction chamber that is indicated by the measurement component.