Modular Wound Therapy Pressure Sensing for Blockage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing negative-pressure therapy systems lack advanced monitoring and control capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and potential blockages, which can hinder effective wound healing.

Innovation Solution

A modular negative-pressure wound therapy system incorporating a dressing, therapy device with a pump and wireless communication, and a pressure sensing device that wirelessly communicates pressure signals, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of negative pressure applied to the wound site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional negative-pressure therapy system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the monitoring and control capabilities are insufficient leading to inefficiencies and potential blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring and control capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the negative pressure applied to the wound and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of pump operation to maintain therapeutic pressure levels and detect blockages, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual monitoring systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically adjusts pump operation based on pressure sensor feedback, enabling the system to self-regulate and maintain optimal therapeutic conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for external monitoring and intervention, improving reliability while keeping the overall system structure manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular therapy device is used, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular configurationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The therapy system is divided into modular components including a pump unit, pressure sensing device, controller, and wound interface elements. These modular units can be independently configured and connected based on specific treatment requirements, enhancing adaptability while allowing each module to remain relatively simple in structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with standardized interfaces and connections that allow them to be used in various configurations for different wound types and treatment scenarios. The pump unit, controller, and sensing device can serve multiple functions across different applications, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If real-time pressure monitoring is implemented, then the precision of pressure management is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure monitoring precisionVSAvoidsensor and communication system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical pressure measurement and adjustment mechanisms with electronic pressure sensors and digital control systems. This substitution enables precise real-time pressure monitoring and automatic adjustment, improving measurement precision while actually reducing overall mechanical complexity through electronic automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances wound healing by providing precise pressure management, detecting blockages, and ensuring consistent negative pressure application, thereby improving tissue growth and reducing healing times.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured to deliver negative pressure to the dressing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The therapy pressure sensor can be configured to sense a pressure at the tissue site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 3

a second wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate a pressure signal to the first wireless communication device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS20250360261A1Modular negative pressure wound therapy systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for negative pressure wound therapy. The system includes a dressing, a therapy device, and a pressure sensing device. The dressing is configured to be positioned at the tissue site. The therapy device is configured to fluidly couple to the dressing. The therapy device includes a pump configured to deliver negative pressure to the dressing, a first wireless communication device, and a controller configured to control the pump. The pressure sensing device is configured to be fluidly coupled to the dressing at a sensing location external to the therapy device and to wirelessly communicate a pressure signal from the sensing location to the first wireless communication device.