Wearable Vacuum Device Segmented Housing for One-Handed Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound treatment devices are not user-friendly, particularly in handling and disposing of contaminated components, which complicates single-handed operation and efficient disposal.
Innovation Solution
The device is designed for one-handed operation with a detachable second housing part that can be easily unlocked and disposed of, featuring a gripping trough for thumb operation, a disc-shaped design for ergonomic fit, and a filter medium to prevent contamination, along with a level indicator and alarm system for fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is designed with a detachable second housing part for disposal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable first housing part and a disposable second housing part. The second housing part containing the container can be detached and disposed of after use, eliminating the need to clean and disinfect the entire device. This segmentation improves ease of operation by simplifying the disposal process while maintaining acceptable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The container and its associated second housing part are extracted as a separate disposable component from the main device. This allows the critical disposal function to be separated from the permanent device structure, enabling easy removal and disposal of contaminated parts without affecting the reusable components.
2Ease of operation
If the second housing part is designed for one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second housing part incorporates a gripping trough with curved surfaces that conform to the natural shape of the hand. This ergonomic curvature allows users to easily grasp and manipulate the housing part with one hand. The curved design also facilitates the snapping and latching mechanisms, as the rounded surfaces provide better contact areas for form-fit locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping trough is designed with specific local geometric features including curved surfaces and optimized thickness in the gripping area. These localized quality enhancements provide excellent one-handed grip without requiring high precision throughout the entire housing part, thus balancing ease of operation with manufacturability.
3Reliability
If the housing parts are secured by snapping or latching means, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snapping and latching mechanisms are integrated directly into the housing parts themselves rather than being separate components. The locking means are formed as part of the housing structure, combining the fastening function with the housing geometry. This merging approach improves reliability of the connection while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fit locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the housing parts are assembled, without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The geometric features of the housing parts themselves provide the locking action, allowing the structure to serve its own fastening needs and reducing overall device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the container is made disposable, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container and second housing part are designed as disposable components that can be easily manufactured at low cost. By making these parts inexpensive and single-use, the system eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization processes, improving ease of operation. The low cost allows for acceptable material usage without significant economic impact.
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 one-handed handling and disposal of contaminated components, improving user-friendliness and reducing the risk of contamination, while maintaining stability and ergonomic comfort during use.
Implementation Method 1
a filter medium to prevent contamination
Implementation Method 2
a suction line leading to the body for this purpose, the device generating negative pressure being arranged in or on a first housing part
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) that can be worn on the body of a user and that provides vacuum for medical uses, in particular for vacuum treatment of wounds on the human or animal body, with a vacuum-generating means, and with a disposable container (10) that can be discarded after use and that is used to receive bodily fluids, in particular wound secretions suctioned from a wound. To make the device more user-friendly in terms of handling, the device is designed such that the housing parts (4, 8) can be fixed releasably against each other by a locking or engaging means (34) that has a snap-fitting, latching or otherwise form-fitting action.