Multi-chamber Variable Pressure Valve for Pneumatic Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intermittent pneumatic compression devices for treating conditions like deep vein thrombosis and lymphedema lack safety and efficiency, particularly in detecting contraindications during therapy and providing differential pressure gradients for effective fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with elastic membranes that vary in physical properties, such as elasticity and thickness, to successively fill fluid cells of compression therapy devices, allowing for differential pressure and volume output to each chamber, enhancing safety and treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-pressure valve system is used to fill fluid cells, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide differential pressure gradients needed for effective fluid management
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into multiple independent pressure zones, each controlled by its own elastic membrane (first membrane for first pressure zone, second membrane for second pressure zone). This segmentation allows each zone to operate at different pressure levels, enabling differential pressure gradients while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve system are given different properties through the use of elastic membranes with varying elasticity characteristics. The first and second elastic membranes can be designed with different elastic moduli to suit the specific pressure requirements of their respective zones, allowing local optimization of pressure control without affecting the entire system uniformly.
2Reliability
If uniform pressure is applied to all fluid chambers, then the valve system is simple to control, but it may push fluids back into the bloodstream causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static uniform pressure control to dynamic differential pressure control. The elastic membranes respond dynamically to pressure changes, allowing the system to adapt pressure levels in different zones based on real-time conditions. This dynamic control prevents harmful fluid backflow while maintaining safety, though it requires a more complex pressure control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic membranes serve as intermediary elements between the pressure source and the fluid chambers. These membranes mediate the pressure transmission, allowing differential pressure control that prevents direct high-pressure contact with sensitive areas, thereby enhancing safety while managing fluid flow through the compression chambers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic membranes with varying physical properties are used, then differential pressure control is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the elastic membranes, specifically varying the elasticity (elastic modulus) of different membranes to achieve differential pressure control. By carefully selecting and controlling the elastic parameters of the first and second membranes during manufacturing, the system can achieve the desired pressure differentiation while managing the precision requirements through standardized parameter specifications.
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 valve system enables safer and more efficient pneumomassage by varying pressures and volumes across chambers, reducing the risk of pushing fluids like blood and lymph back into the bloodstream and improving the effectiveness of pneumatic compression therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic membrane having a varying physical property along at least one dimension thereof, said elastic membrane configured to cover said ports to cause varying pressure among said fluid cells when fluid is injected into said fluid cells through said fluid outlet channels
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein, a valve for filling of at least one fluid cell of a pressure device, the valve comprising: a multiplicity of chambers; at least one elastic membrane having a varying physical property along at least one dimension thereof, the at least one elastic membrane configured to cover one or more of the multiplicity of chambers to cause varying pressure among the multiplicity of chambers; at least one membrane fluid inlet configured to provide fluid so as to apply pressure on one side of the at least one elastic membrane; at least one chamber fluid inlet configured to provide fluid to at least one of the multiplicity of chambers and apply pressure to the other side of the at least one elastic membrane; and at least one chamber fluid outlet configured to allow fluid to exit from at least one of the multiplicity of chambers to at least one fluid cell of a pressure device.