Anal Irrigation Probe Self-Priming Through Absorbent Air Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anal irrigation systems require manual priming, which can be uncomfortable for users due to the risk of air being pumped into the bowels, and there is a need for a solution that automates this process to enhance user comfort.
Innovation Solution
An anal irrigation probe with a cavity containing an absorbing element that transitions from a dry to a wetted state, allowing air to bypass and vent out before liquid reaches the catheter, and automatically primes the system by expanding to block the bypass once liquid is present, using superabsorbers or hydrocolloid materials to absorb liquid rapidly and increase in volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual priming is used, then the system can be prepared for use, but it causes user discomfort due to air being pumped into the bowels
Solution Approach 1:
The probe performs self-priming automatically through its internal air venting mechanism. The air venting channel allows air to escape and the absorbing element automatically blocks it when liquid reaches the probe, eliminating the need for manual priming operations and preventing air from being pumped into the bowels.
Solution Approach 2:
The air venting channel is pre-configured in the probe structure, allowing air to be vented before liquid is pumped into the bowels. This preliminary air removal action prevents the harmful effect of air being pumped into the bowels during the irrigation process.
2Reliability
If an air venting mechanism is added, then air can be vented before liquid reaches the catheter, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air venting function is merged with the existing probe structure by integrating the air venting channel into the probe body and combining it with the absorbing element mechanism. This integration allows air venting without adding separate complex components, as the absorbing element serves dual purposes: blocking liquid flow when saturated and enabling air venting when dry.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the air venting channel and the liquid flow path. It dynamically controls the air venting function by being compressed by air pressure to open the venting channel and expanding when liquid reaches it to close the channel, providing automatic air venting without complex mechanical components.
3Reliability
If the absorbing element volume is large, then it can effectively block the bypass when wetted, but air cannot bypass it when dry
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbing element's volume is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. When dry, it occupies a smaller volume allowing air to bypass through the cavity. When liquid is absorbed, it expands to a larger volume that blocks the bypass. This dynamic volume change is achieved through the material's absorption properties, providing both air venting capability and bypass blocking function.
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
The system automatically primes itself, ensuring air is vented out before liquid enters the bowel, reducing discomfort and eliminating the need for manual priming, while maintaining efficient liquid flow through the probe.
Implementation Method 1
the cavity holding an absorbing element capable of increasing in volume when transitioning between a dry state and a wetted state
Data Source
AI summary
An anal probe is provided. The anal probe has a handle with a cavity with an absorbing element. The cavity provides a bypass such that air can be vented through the cavity. When liquid reaches the cavity, the absorbing element increases in volume and will close off the bypass.