Vacuum-Actuated Irrigation Valve for Low-Complexity Tissue Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative-pressure therapy and irrigation systems are costly and complex, limiting their application and requiring dedicated equipment, which can be a barrier in healthcare settings, especially in mobile or resource-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates negative-pressure therapy with irrigation using a tissue interface, sealing member, negative-pressure source, and irrigation valve, allowing for controlled fluid flow and irrigation of tissue sites without the need for additional pumps, utilizing existing vacuum therapy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated negative-pressure therapy systems and irrigation systems are used separately, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines negative-pressure therapy functionality and irrigation functionality into a single integrated system. The negative-pressure source creates vacuum pressure for wound therapy, while the irrigation valve controls fluid flow for wound cleansing. Both functions share common components such as the sealed space, fluid pathways, and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single apparatus. The negative-pressure source serves both to create therapeutic vacuum and to drive irrigation fluid flow. The irrigation valve integrates flow control for irrigation while working within the negative-pressure environment. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity and eliminates the need for multiple separate devices.
2Reliability
If dedicated negative-pressure therapy equipment is used, then treatment reliability is improved, but cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By merging irrigation and negative-pressure therapy into one system, the patent reduces the total number of devices needed. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by reducing redundant components and simplifies deployment by requiring fewer separate equipment purchases. The system maintains treatment reliability through coordinated control of both functions within a single validated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional system allows a single piece of equipment to perform both negative-pressure therapy and irrigation, reducing the overall cost of the treatment system. Healthcare facilities do not need to purchase and maintain separate dedicated systems for each function, improving accessibility and reducing financial barriers while maintaining reliable treatment delivery.
3Productivity
If separate irrigation pumps and negative-pressure sources are used, then functional performance is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the irrigation valve operation with the negative-pressure source control. The irrigation valve is designed to be actuated by the negative-pressure source itself, creating a coordinated system where a single control mechanism manages both irrigation flow and negative-pressure application. This integration simplifies operation by reducing the number of independent controls the user must manage while maintaining the functional performance of both therapies.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation valve is designed to respond automatically to negative-pressure conditions. The valve actuation is driven by the negative-pressure source creating pressure differentials that automatically control irrigation flow rates. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining optimal functional performance across varying therapeutic conditions.
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
Enables efficient and controlled irrigation of tissue sites, reducing the need for dedicated equipment and simplifying the process, making it more accessible and cost-effective for both patients and healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
a negative-pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space and the irrigation valve and operated to supply negative-pressure to the sealed space and the irrigation valve
Implementation Method 2
The irrigation valve may have a foam block configured to restrict fluid pathways in response to negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described herein that can irrigate a tissue site using negative-pressure. The system may include a tissue interface configured to be placed adjacent to the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue interface to form a sealed space. The system may also include a negative-pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space and a fluid source. The system may further include an irrigation valve. The irrigation valve can have a fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. The irrigation valve can also have a fluid outlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The irrigation valve may also include a clamp configured to be actuated by the negative-pressure source to regulate fluid flow from the fluid source through the fluid outlet.