Wound Dressing Connector With Pressure Regulator Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure and flow at the wound site, particularly due to discrepancies in pressure measurement between the pump unit and the wound site, and increased mobility of patients, which can lead to reduced therapeutic effectiveness and increased risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A wound dressing tubing connector with a pressure regulator valve that provides a fluid and air-tight seal, allowing for direct pressure regulation at the wound site, reducing the need for complex electronic systems and multiple sensors, and incorporating a mechanical pressure regulation valve to maintain optimal pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure is controlled within the pump control unit, then pressure regulation is achieved, but pressure discrepancy occurs between pump unit and wound site due to hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalisation chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump unit and wound site. This chamber receives fluid through a first conduit from the pump and communicates with the wound site through a second conduit, allowing pressure to equalise across the system and eliminating hydrostatic pressure discrepancies that would otherwise affect measurement accuracy and control reliability.
2Measurement precision
If electronic pressure sensors and control systems are used, then pressure monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalisation chamber operates passively using hydrostatic principles, allowing the system to self-regulate pressure without requiring electronic sensors, control electronics, or complex monitoring systems. The chamber automatically equalises pressure between the pump unit and wound site through fluid communication, eliminating the need for active electronic pressure management components.
3Ease of operation
If pump unit is positioned away from wound site for patient mobility, then ease of operation improves, but pressure control reliability deteriorates due to height difference
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalisation chamber acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between pump position and wound site pressure. By introducing this intermediate chamber that communicates with both the pump unit and wound site through fluid conduits, the system maintains pressure reliability regardless of height differences, allowing the pump unit to be positioned anywhere within reasonable distance without compromising pressure control.
4Reliability
If fluid path is sealed to maintain negative pressure, then pressure control improves, but fluid pooling occurs at wound site
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalisation chamber serves as an intermediary fluid reservoir that receives wound exudate through the fluid path from the wound site. By providing this intermediate collection point, the chamber prevents fluid from pooling directly at the wound site while maintaining the sealed negative pressure environment necessary for effective therapy. The chamber allows continuous fluid removal without compromising pressure control reliability.
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
This solution ensures accurate pressure control at the wound site, reduces the risk of fluid pooling, and allows for effective fluid drainage, enhancing wound healing while simplifying the system and reducing the risk of infection, making it suitable for use in home and community settings.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (17) arranged to exert a force on the valve seal (21) to seal said fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
wherein when the pressure within said fluid path reaches a pressure differential to atmospheric pressure that is equivalent to the force of the spring (17), the spring force will be overcome and atmospheric air will enter the connector
Implementation Method 3
O-ring (13) provides and air tight seal between connector halves (5) and (7)
Implementation Method 4
additionally providing an opposing force when it is compressed by connector region (9) that exerts a constant frictional force between the two connector halves which reduces the risk of accidental disconnection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a wound dressing tubing connector, comprising a first unit and a second unit which are releasably connectable and which when connected form a fluid path through the connector, wherein the first unit comprises an inlet and an outlet and wherein the second unit comprises an inlet and an outlet, in which the outlet of the first unit and the inlet of the second unit when connected together define the fluid path, and wherein the first unit and the second unit are connectable to form an air and fluid tight seal and wherein the first unit and/or the second unit comprises a pressure regulator valve in fluid communication with the fluid path. Also provided are systems, kits and methods of treatment.