Antimicrobial Suction Device with Flexible Retention Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical suctioning devices lack effective retention mechanisms for connector tubing and fail to provide consistent suction control and antimicrobial protection, leading to inefficiencies and potential bacterial growth.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece plastic suction device with axially resilient annular retention rings and a constant bore diameter, featuring independently flexible rings for secure tubing engagement and antimicrobial surfaces to prevent bacterial growth, allowing for controlled suction and improved hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connector tubing is connected to the suction device, then suction function is enabled, but tubing retention is insufficient and may detach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubing retentionVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible annular retention rings with resilient material properties that deform elastically under compression to grip the connector tubing. These rings act as flexible mechanical elements that adapt to the tubing outer diameter while maintaining secure retention through elastic recovery force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retention rings are designed with specific material parameters (elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio) and geometric parameters (cross-sectional area, ring spacing) that enable them to exhibit controlled flexibility. The rings change their mechanical state from relaxed to compressed during tubing connection, providing adaptive retention without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If suction force is increased, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but suction control becomes difficult and may cause tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsuction control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device incorporates dynamically adjustable features including variable bore diameter sections and controllable flow regulation mechanisms. These allow the suction force to be adjusted in real-time during operation, enabling operators to optimize cleaning effectiveness while preventing excessive force that could damage tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The internal bore is segmented into sections with different diameters, creating zones of varying suction intensity. This segmentation allows different regions of the suction path to handle different flow rates and pressures, providing graduated control over the overall suction effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If tubing connection is secured tightly, then retention is improved, but antimicrobial contamination risk increases due to spaces between rings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetubing retentionVSAvoidbacterial growth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the potential harm of spaces between retention rings by applying antimicrobial coatings or treatments to the ring surfaces and surrounding structures. This converts the potential disadvantage of increased surface area for bacterial colonization into a controlled environment where antimicrobial agents actively prevent contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention rings are constructed using composite material systems that combine the base structural material with antimicrobial additives or coatings. This creates a multi-functional component that provides both mechanical retention and biological protection simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 device ensures secure and adjustable tubing connection, consistent suction, and antimicrobial protection, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of medical suctioning procedures.

Implementation Method 1

radially outwardly extending annular retention rings on said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and the rings being axially resiliently flexible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the body having outwardly presented antimicrobial surface extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Data Source

PatentUS8834450B1Antimicrobial fluid suctioning device

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 NEOTECH PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings on said body second portion, the rings having sharp annular peripheries and the rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between the body first and second portions, the side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion, there being antimicrobial substance associated with body outwardly presented plastic surface extent at the first and second portions.