Backflow Barrier in Suction Collection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection devices for suctioned secretions from patients often fail to effectively prevent backflow, leading to potential discharge of secretions, especially when the device is not properly closed or subjected to mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A collection device with a backflow barrier featuring a blocking body and a restoring force generator, which automatically transitions between passing and blocking states to prevent secretion flow when the suctioning process is complete, ensuring secretions are retained within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nonreturn valve with sealing element is used to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential backflow prevention function from complex valve mechanisms and implements it through a simple geometric configuration of the collection chamber and connecting passage. The asymmetric design allows fluid to flow freely in one direction while naturally blocking reverse flow, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements or valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simple, easily manufacturable collection device with a disposable collection chamber that integrates the backflow prevention function into its basic structure. This approach replaces expensive, complex valves with a simple geometric design that can be easily manufactured and disposed of after single use.
2Reliability
If a cap or closure is required to prevent secretion discharge, then backflow prevention is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates backflow prevention into the basic structure of the collection device before use. The asymmetric geometry of the collection chamber and connecting passage is pre-configured to automatically prevent backflow, eliminating the need for additional closure actions by the user during or after the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure itself provides the backflow prevention function through its asymmetric design. The collection chamber and connecting passage are configured so that the device automatically prevents secretion discharge without requiring user intervention, caps, or additional closure mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple collection chamber design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but backflow prevention capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the collection chamber and connecting passage to create an asymmetric configuration. This simple parameter change in the basic design allows the chamber to be easily manufactured while simultaneously providing effective backflow prevention through the inherent geometry rather than requiring complex additional components.
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 backflow barrier effectively reduces the risk of secretion discharge, even without a cap or proper closure, by automatically moving into a blocking state when suctioning stops, enhancing operational safety and preventing accidental release.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring force generator which is configured to exert a restoring force on the backflow barrier, wherein the restoring force aims to bring the backflow barrier into the blocking state and to hold it in the blocking state
Data Source
AI summary
A collection device and a collection process provide the capability of receiving secretions, which have been suctioned out of a patient (P). A collecting unit including a bag (3) and a cover (2) encloses a collecting unit interior space (In1). The suctioned secretions flow through a patient-side fluid connection and through a patient-side port (4) in the cover into the collecting unit interior space. A backflow barrier includes a blocking body, which is fastened to a surface of the cover of the collecting unit interior space. In a blocking state, the blocking body closes the patient-side port. A restoring force generator exerts a restoring force on the blocking body, to hold the backflow barrier in the blocking state. A flow of secretions through the patient-side port into the collecting unit interior space brings about a transference of the backflow barrier into a flow stat e against the restoring force.