Wearable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional negative pressure wound healing devices are large, expensive, and not very portable, causing pain and discomfort due to high vacuum pressure, with a tedious and time-consuming dressing application process.
Innovation Solution
A smaller, lighter, and more portable negative pressure wound healing device with optional features such as a flexible container, semi-rigid canister, dual-action pump, peristaltic pump, and intelligent vacuum control algorithm, designed for improved user comfort and ease of use, including a wearable design and multiple vacuum lines for customizable suction levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional negative pressure wound healing devices are used, then effective wound healing is achieved, but the devices are large, expensive, and not very portable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a wearable vacuum source unit that can be detached from a collection canister. This segmentation allows the vacuum generation unit to be small and wearable while the collection canister can be larger and stationary, resolving the contradiction between portability and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single integrated unit to a distributed multi-component system where different functions are separated in space. The wearable unit provides portability while the collection system provides storage capacity, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the design.
2Productivity
If higher vacuum pressure is applied to wounds, then fluid removal efficiency is improved, but pain and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different vacuum pressure levels to different locations: higher negative pressure at the wound interface for effective fluid removal, and lower or zero pressure at the wearable unit interface for patient comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between efficiency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vacuum pressure parameter based on treatment phase and patient tolerance. By changing the pressure parameter from high (for fluid removal) to low or zero (for comfort during wearable phase), the contradiction is resolved through parameter optimization.
3Reliability
If custom dressings are applied manually, then wound coverage is achieved, but the process is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-application of the vacuum therapy device by the patient themselves. The simplified wearable design allows patients to independently apply and adjust their own treatment, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual dressing changes by healthcare providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The dressing and vacuum components are pre-assembled into a ready-to-wear unit that can be quickly applied. This preliminary preparation of the treatment system reduces the time required for application during actual use.
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 provides effective wound healing by reducing pain and discomfort, simplifying dressing changes, and enhancing portability, while maintaining efficient fluid removal and infection control, with customizable suction levels and real-time wound monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A negative pressure (i.e., vacuum) wound healing device is provided
Implementation Method 2
exudate is suctioned and removed from the wound
Implementation Method 3
peristaltic pump
Data Source
AI summary
A negative pressure (i.e., vacuum or suction) wound healing device and system incorporating the device. The device of the present disclosure is smaller, lighter, portable, and overall more manageable by both the user and the medical personnel than the conventional systems. The device could be readily worn by the user.