Multi-Tube Fluid Collection with Air-Gap Venous Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid collection methods, such as syringe and needle techniques, are inefficient and risky for patients with small or fragile veins, and closed systems like vacutainers can collapse veins, requiring time-consuming and risky transfer of samples between tubes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection device with integral fittings and air gaps that allow passive collection into multiple tubes simultaneously, using an air gap to permit fluid flow under venous pressure, and optionally incorporating filters and vacuum tubes for precise sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional drainage bag is used to collect fluid from a patient, then fluid collection is achieved, but the patient experiences embarrassment and discomfort due to the bag being visible and requiring public use of restroom facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage bag is nested within the patient's clothing, specifically within a pouch formed by the garment structure. The bag is concealed inside the clothing item, allowing the patient to wear normal attire while the medical device remains hidden and functional, eliminating embarrassment without requiring a completely separate collection system
Solution Approach 2:
The clothing item serves as an intermediary between the patient's body and the drainage bag. The garment structure includes a pouch that receives and conceals the bag, acting as a mediator that allows the medical device to be integrated into everyday wear while maintaining patient dignity and normal social interaction
2Ease of operation
If the drainage bag is made portable and wearably integrated into clothing, then patient mobility and comfort are improved, but the risk of accidental discharge and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a cap that can be placed on the drain port before insertion into the pouch, and the drain port is designed to be insertable into a receptacle within the pouch. These preliminary protective measures are built into the system design to prevent accidental discharge and contamination while maintaining patient mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is designed with features that cushion and protect against accidental discharge. The receptacle structure and cap system provide protective measures in advance, reducing the risk of harmful effects from potential accidents while allowing the patient to move freely
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drainage bag is concealed within a pouch in the clothing, then patient embarrassment is reduced, but the bag may become dislodged or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch structure acts as an intermediary that secures the drainage bag in place. The receptacle within the pouch is designed to receive and hold the drain port, providing stability and preventing dislodgement while maintaining concealment. The pouch structure itself serves as a protective barrier against contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes disposable components such as the cap and potentially the pouch itself, which can be easily replaced if contamination occurs. This allows for maintaining hygiene without compromising the stability of the concealed bag position during normal use
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fluid collection device, including: a body having an axial bore with a fluid inlet at one end of the bore, the fluid inlet configured to connect directly or indirectly to a needle adapted to penetrate a subject to sample fluid; and two or more integrally formed fittings projecting from the body, the fittings each having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; each fitting configured to directly releasably couple to a collection tube such that fluid collected by the needle flows through the inlet, through the body and into each of the fittings to simultaneously or successively fill the coupled collection tubes with fluid.