Wireless Dressing Interface with Automatic Wound Therapy Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and instillation therapy systems are customized to varying wound types, leading to high equipment and training costs due to the need for diverse controllers, operator interfaces, and communication interfaces, which lack standardization.

Innovation Solution

A system for wirelessly controlling a dressing interface that integrates sensors within the dressing to measure pressure, temperature, and pH, allowing for standardized operation and communication with a central controller, enabling accurate monitoring and control of negative-pressure therapy and instillation therapy across different wound types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diverse customized NPWT systems are used for different wound types, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but equipment cost and training cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectiveness for different wound typesVSAvoidequipment cost and training cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller that can interface with multiple types of wound dressings through automatic detection. The controller uses RFID tags and communication interfaces to identify dressing type and automatically configure appropriate therapy parameters, allowing one controller to serve multiple wound treatment functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each wound type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts therapy parameters such as negative pressure levels, instillation volumes, and treatment durations based on the detected wound dressing type. The controller modifies operational parameters dynamically to match the specific requirements of different wound conditions while using the same hardware platform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If standardized controllers and interfaces are implemented across all NPWT systems, then equipment cost and training cost are reduced, but the ability to customize treatment for specific wound types may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment cost and training costVSAvoidcustomization capability for specific wound types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wound dressing includes an embedded RFID tag that automatically provides identification and configuration information to the controller. The system performs self-configuration by reading the RFID tag data and automatically setting appropriate therapy parameters, eliminating the need for manual customization while maintaining treatment specificity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors therapy parameters and dressing status through communication interfaces, receiving feedback from the wound dressing about its type, condition, and treatment progress. This feedback loop enables the standardized controller to automatically adjust settings to match the specific wound treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple specialized communication interfaces are used for different dressings, then precise control for each wound type is achieved, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecise control for each wound typeVSAvoidsystem integration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller employs a universal communication interface that can detect and communicate with various types of wound dressings through a single standardized connection. The interface automatically identifies the dressing type and establishes appropriate communication protocols, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces while maintaining precise control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4147733B1Wireless system to enable auto-determination of application specific therapy device screens and setting options
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO
  • EP4147733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147733B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4147733B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for wirelessly controlling a dressing interface that performs negative pressure wound therapy and fluid instillation therapy at a wound site. The system comprises a core module comprising: i) a plurality of sensors configured to determine a plurality of physical parameter data associated with the wound site; ii) a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to read the physical parameter data from the plurality of sensors; iii) a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor and configured to communicate with an external therapy controller; and iv) at least a first internal peripheral device coupled to the processor. The system further comprises at least a first external peripheral interface coupled to the core module and configured to communicate with the processor, wherein the core module and the at least a first external peripheral interface are disposed within a housing of the dressing interface.