Automated Fluid Container Switching for Continuous Surgical Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems for surgical procedures rely on manual replacement of fluid containers, leading to discontinuous fluid flow, reliance on human intervention, and lack of automated notification for solution depletion or system failures, which can compromise surgical efficacy and patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A robotic, electro-mechanical system that automatically switches between fluid containers as one empties, using a mechanism to identify fluid levels and initiate flow from a new container, ensuring continuous and controlled fluid delivery through a network of fluid transfer heads and a control system for monitoring and notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual replacement of fluid containers is used, then the system structure is simple, but the fluid flow becomes discontinuous and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors fluid levels in containers and switches between them without human intervention. The control unit detects when a container is depleted and autonomously activates the next container in the sequence, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual container replacement while maintaining continuous fluid flow.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a single fluid container is used, then the device complexity is low, but the duration of continuous fluid supply is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system is divided into multiple separate containers instead of using a single large container. The control unit manages these segmented containers by monitoring their individual fluid levels and switching between them in sequence, thereby extending the total duration of continuous fluid supply while keeping each container manageable in size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple containers are pre-positioned in the system ready for use. When the control unit detects that the current container is depleting, it has already prepared the next container in the sequence, allowing for seamless transition and continuous fluid supply without interruption or manual intervention.
3Reliability
If manual monitoring of fluid levels is used, then the system is simple to operate, but surgical interruptions occur due to lack of timely notification
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the fluid level in each container and provides real-time feedback about the system status. When a container reaches a predetermined low level, the system automatically triggers a notification or switches to the next container, ensuring continuous surgical operation without requiring the operator to manually check fluid levels and reducing the risk of surgical interruptions.
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 provides a continuous and controlled flow of irrigation fluids, reducing the risk of fluid pressure drops and surgical interruptions, enhancing surgical precision and patient safety by automating the fluid management process and providing timely notifications for solution replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid flows from the containers through a tube (e.g. disposable Y type set) under gravity to the patient
Data Source
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Figure 3~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
ABSTRACT An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid and/or gas or combination of them when using an irrigation system; said system comprises: a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; said containers in said reservoir system are disposed in a predetermined configuration; a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer system comprising: at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to radially or linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads.