Water-Resistant VAD Bag with Segmented Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for protecting ventricular assist devices (VADs) from water and moisture are inadequate, limiting their use in showers or inclement weather, as existing bags are flimsy, fail to provide proper sealing, and restrict patient mobility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A water-resistant VAD bag designed with flexible nylon units, including a controller sleeve, battery sleeve, and inner layer, featuring a secure zipper system and straps to prevent moisture entry, allowing for easy access and protection of VAD components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flimsy plastic bags are used to cover VADs during showers or inclement weather, then some protection is provided, but adequate water and moisture protection is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple layers: an outer waterproof shell and an inner protective lining, each serving specific functions. The segmentation allows the outer layer to bear the brunt of water exposure while the inner layer provides additional protection and comfort against the VAD components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag utilizes composite material construction with waterproof outer material and protective inner material, combining the advantages of both materials to achieve superior water resistance and component protection compared to single-material plastic bags.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple plastic bags are used to cover multiple components of the VAD system, then coverage is increased, but adequate sealing of compartments and proper positioning of lifestyle items is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is designed as a universal protective system that accommodates multiple VAD components (controller, battery, pump) within a single structured unit. The multi-functional design includes dedicated compartments, sealing mechanisms, and positioning features that simplify the protection process compared to using multiple separate bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag employs a nested compartment structure where smaller protective sleeves for individual components are placed within the main protective body. This nesting approach ensures all components are protected simultaneously while maintaining organized positioning and easy access.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If standard backpacks or shoulder bags are used to protect VAD devices outside, then VAD devices can be held, but patient comfort and mobility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective bag is designed with dynamic characteristics including flexible materials, adjustable straps, and ergonomic contours that adapt to the patient's body movements and comfort requirements, unlike rigid standard backpacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag utilizes flexible protective materials that conform to the patient's body and allow natural movement, providing protection without the bulk and rigidity of traditional backpacks, thereby maintaining patient mobility and comfort.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If standard bags are used to hold VAD devices, then VAD devices can be accommodated, but quick access to controls and battery replacement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is designed with pre-positioned access points and strategically located openings that allow patients to quickly access controls and replace batteries without removing the entire protective covering, saving time during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts essential access functions from the main protective body by incorporating separate access ports and removable compartments for batteries and controls, allowing these components to be accessed independently without compromising the protection of other VAD components.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a water-resistant VAD bag including an upper unit having the shape of a cylinder, a lower unit having the shape of a cylinder, a controller sleeve, a battery sleeve, two inserted sleeves positioned in between the controller sleeve and the battery sleeve, an inner sleeve, and an inner layer. The upper unit includes a first elongated strap with a clip and second elongated strap without a clip, a cover on top of the upper unit with a handle sewn into the cover, and a zipper around a bottom of the cover. The lower unit includes a connecting strap and a third elongated strap with a receptacle for the clip on the first elongated strap from the upper unit, where the zipper is on the top of the lower unit, and where the connecting strap and second elongated strap are sewn into the lower unit and the upper unit.