Airway Clearing Device with Spring-Loaded Piston
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airway clearing devices require multiple operational steps and manual effort to generate suction, making them difficult for choking subjects to self-operate or for others to use effectively, especially on infants.
Innovation Solution
A device that generates suction automatically when an airway interface is pressed against the mouth and/or nose, using a spring-loaded piston mechanism that can be activated with a single hand, eliminating the need for manual pumping or one-way valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual suction mechanisms are used to clear airway obstruction, then suction can be generated to dislodge objects, but the device requires multiple operational steps and manual effort making it difficult for choking subjects to self-operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation through automatic activation: when the user places the airway interface over their mouth and nose and inhales, the pressure differential automatically activates the suction mechanism without requiring manual pumping or complex operations. The system serves itself by converting the user's natural breathing action into the activation signal for suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pumping with an automatic pressure-sensitive activation system. Instead of requiring the user to manually operate a pump mechanism, the system uses pressure sensors or pressure-sensitive valves that automatically trigger suction when the characteristic pressure pattern of placing the interface over the mouth and inhaling is detected.
2Power
If manual pumping mechanisms are used, then suction can be generated, but the device requires repeated pumping making operation more complex and requiring one-way valves
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides continuous suction action during the entire inhalation phase rather than requiring repeated discrete pumping strokes. The suction mechanism remains activated as long as the pressure differential is maintained, creating a continuous useful action that clears the airway more effectively without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the one-way valve component from the system by using a pressure-sensitive activation mechanism that inherently prevents backflow. The automatic activation system opens the suction path only when the correct pressure pattern is detected (interface placed over mouth and inhalation occurs), naturally preventing reverse flow without requiring additional valve components.
3Power
If the device is designed for two-handed operation, then manual suction can be effectively applied, but the user cannot support the subject's head with one hand while operating the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the suction action automatically in response to the user's inhalation, eliminating the need for two-handed manual operation. The user simply needs to place the interface over their mouth and nose and inhale, allowing one hand to operate the device while the other hand can support the subject's head or provide other assistance.
4Reliability
If complex operational steps are required, then suction can be applied with precision, but the device cannot be quickly operated by choking subjects or first aid providers
Solution Approach 1:
The device eliminates complex operational steps by using automatic pressure-sensitive activation. The system reliably detects when the interface is correctly positioned and the user is inhaling, then automatically activates suction without requiring the user to perform multiple manual operations or follow complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with pressure-sensitive activation mechanisms that are ready to trigger suction immediately upon detecting the characteristic pressure pattern. This preliminary preparation ensures that suction can be activated instantly when needed, without requiring the user to manually initiate complex sequences of operations.
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 quick and easy operation by the choking subject or first aid provider, allowing for effective clearing of airway obstructions with minimal complexity and effort, suitable for both adults and children.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is compressed when the piston is locked in a closed position and adapted such that unlocking of the piston results in decompression of the spring for the activation of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A device for clearing an obstructed airway of a subject including an airway interface adapted for positioning over a mouth and/or nose of the subject, and a pump in fluid communication with the airway interface and being activatable to generate suction at the airway interface, wherein the device is adapted for activation of the pump to generate the suction when the airway interface is pushed against the mouth and/or nose of the subject.