Bi-Directional Valve Control for Combined Irrigation and Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures require separate devices for irrigation and suction, leading to time-consuming device exchanges and increased risk of trauma during procedures like sinus surgery, as clinicians must switch between irrigation and suction devices frequently.

Innovation Solution

A valve device with a housing and plungers that allow selective control of fluid flow through multiple inlet paths, using a control member to move plungers between positions to enable simultaneous irrigation and suction, reducing the need for device exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for irrigation and suction, then each function can be performed with a dedicated device, but device exchanges must be performed frequently which increases procedural time and risk of trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate irrigation and suction devices into a single integrated valve device that can perform both functions. The device includes multiple inlet paths (first inlet path for irrigation, second inlet path for suction) and an outlet path, with valve members that can selectively control fluid flow through different paths. This merging eliminates the need for frequent device exchanges during procedures while maintaining reliable irrigation and suction functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve device is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both irrigation and suction functions through a single device. The housing defines multiple inlet paths and an outlet path, with valve members that can selectively control which path is active. This universal design allows the single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing procedural time and trauma risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate devices are used for irrigation and suction, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the need for frequent device exchanges increases the risk of trauma to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If a single device performs both irrigation and suction functions, then device exchanges are reduced, but the device complexity increases with multiple inlet paths and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural timeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve device is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing defining multiple inlet paths and an outlet path, first and second valve members for controlling different paths, and a control member for actuating the valve members. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while being part of an integrated system, managing complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates movable valve members and a control member that can shift between positions to dynamically control fluid flow paths. The first valve member can move between first and second positions to control the first inlet path, while the second valve member controls the second inlet path. This dynamic control mechanism allows flexible switching between irrigation and suction functions within a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple valve members are used to control different inlet paths, then selective fluid flow control is achieved, but the device complexity and control mechanism difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control member acts as an intermediary that simplifies the control of multiple valve members. The control member can be shifted between first and second positions, and this single action simultaneously controls both the first and second valve members. The control member includes features like a cam surface that interact with the valve members to coordinate their movement, reducing the complexity of controlling multiple paths independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11035481B2Bi-directional valve device for selective control of fluid flow through multiple converging paths

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Hand-operated suction and irrigation medical devices are provided. An example medical device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing defines first and second inlet paths and an outlet path. A first tubular member is partially disposed within the first inlet path and a second tubular member is partially disposed within the second inlet path. Each of the first and second tubular members extends from the proximal end of the housing. A third tubular member is partially disposed within the outlet path and extends from the distal end of the housing. A control member is slidably disposed on the housing and is movable between a first, proximal position and a second, distal position. A passageway provides fluid communication between the first inlet path and an opening to an environment external to the housing such that covering the opening provides control over the flow of fluid through the first inlet path and the first tubular member.