Self-Priming Bladder Flush Pump with Double Lateral Eyes for Stone Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bladder irrigation systems are inefficient in removing bladder stones and impurities, leading to increased risk of urinary tract infections and bladder spasms, particularly in patients with impaired bladder function.

Innovation Solution

A self-priming electric flush pump (PBFP) with a DC pump and double lateral eyes, activated by a momentary switch, effectively removes bladder stones and impurities through suction, equipped with safety features to prevent bladder wall vacuum and equipped with an LED indicator for load detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If capillary action and siphon principle are used for bladder emptying, then the device is simple and passive, but the efficiency is insufficient and cannot effectively remove bladder stones and impurities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebladder emptying efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical systems (capillary action, siphon principle) with an active electric DC pump system. The pump generates controlled suction force to effectively remove bladder stones and impurities, dramatically improving emptying efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure through direct mechanical pumping action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system is designed to be self-priming and automatically starts suction when activated, without requiring complex external assistance. The momentary switch allows simple activation and deactivation, making the device easy to operate while maintaining high productivity in bladder emptying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a single lateral eye catheter is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot prevent vacuum suction on bladder wall and has limited stone removal capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestone removal capabilityVSAvoidcatheter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into multiple lateral eyes (at least two) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the suction to be distributed across multiple points, preventing vacuum suction on the bladder wall while improving the capability to remove stones and impurities from various locations within the bladder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lateral eye is positioned at specific locations on the catheter to optimize local suction characteristics. The double lateral eyes configuration creates different suction zones that work together to remove stones effectively while avoiding excessive vacuum on the bladder wall, providing localized functional optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the pump runs continuously, then the bladder is emptied quickly, but it increases energy consumption and may cause bladder wall vacuum damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemptying speedVSAvoidpump energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump operates periodically rather than continuously, activated by a momentary switch that the user presses and releases. This periodic operation allows rapid emptying during activation while preventing excessive energy consumption and avoiding continuous suction that could cause bladder wall vacuum damage. The user can control the duration and frequency of pump operation based on bladder fullness and stone load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If the pump is equipped with safety features and indicators, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and load detectionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system incorporates simple feedback mechanisms including an LED indicator that provides visual feedback about pump status and load conditions. This allows users to monitor operation and adjust accordingly, improving reliability without requiring complex control systems. The feedback is provided through straightforward visual signals rather than complex electronic interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances bladder management by preventing stone formation and infections, reducing the need for hospital surgeries and medical staff workload, while ensuring effective and safe bladder emptying.

Implementation Method 1

the pump turns on and starts sucking when pressed and held

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The pump will not suck the bladder wall vacuum because of the double lateral eyes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4640249A1Self-priming bladder flush pump (PBFP)
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SWARTS JOHAN J H
  • EP4640249A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640249A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4640249A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Self-priming electric blow irrigation device with on the right a input unit, for connecting a flushing tube and catheter. On the left an output unit, for connecting the drain flushing hose for a catheter bag, or the hose can be placed in another reservoir, for example the sink. Through a moment switch (SPST) the pump is switched on and starts sucking when it is pressed and held. As soon as it is released, the pump stops sucking. Because an inlet connecting tube is connected to a urinary catheter with double lateral eyes, slightly rotated to each other, measuring 7 × 4.5 mm, many debris, stones and impurities in the bladder can be effectively removed/drained. The patient or helper can clearly hear that the pump makes more noise if the bladder wall closes one of the lateral eyes. The patient, helper, or nurse then releases the switch and can pull the catheter slightly back and press the switch again. The device is intended to ensure smooth urine drainage and prevent infection in patients. This can be done with a partially filled bladder of at least 100ml of urine and/or by first injecting/squeezing a bag of bladder irrigation fluid into the bladder through the catheter. You can also use a 2-way or 3-way catheter to permanently connect a bag of bladder irrigation fluid, and then simultaneously have the pump suck and flush fluid run into the bladder. The device gives a huge boost to bladder management, which gives the possibility to preventively remove bladder stones, prevent clumping of stones, and thus no longer provide a source for infections.