Collection Liner Self-Assembly via Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collection liners used in medical or surgical operations often malfunction due to collapsed portions when not properly opened, leading to reduced fluid intake capacity and potential breakage from vacuum stress, and are difficult to fit into collection canisters, slowing down the process.
Innovation Solution
A collection liner with a closed flexible bag portion that self-assembles into a canister using a pressure difference to inflate and unfold, featuring a joining strip that breaks to prevent sticking and ensure complete expansion, and includes inlets for vacuum, collection tubes, and solidifying agents through a closing device like a lid or handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the collection liner is made to fit tightly in the collection canister to maximize fluid capacity, then the fluid intake capacity is improved, but the assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collection liner is pre-folded into a compact configuration that allows it to be easily inserted into the canister. The folding structure is designed in advance so that when the liner is pulled out, it automatically unfolds and expands to its full capacity without requiring manual adjustment, thus maintaining both tight fit and fast assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The collection liner is designed to self-unfold and self-position within the canister using the vacuum pressure differential and its own elastic properties. The liner automatically expands to its operational shape without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for adjustment and speeding up the assembly process while ensuring maximum fluid capacity
2Ease of operation
If the collection liner is evacuated with vacuum to facilitate opening, then the opening process is improved, but the risk of liner breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A breaking element is pre-installed at the sealed end of the collection liner. This element is designed to break at a predetermined weak point when subjected to vacuum pressure, automatically initiating the opening process before the liner is fully evacuated, thus reducing the peak vacuum stress on the liner walls and preventing breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The breaking element acts as a stress relief mechanism that prevents excessive vacuum pressure from being applied to the entire liner structure. By providing a predetermined failure point, the design cushions the liner against the full force of vacuum evacuation, maintaining liner integrity while still enabling easy opening
3Quantity of substance
If the collection liner is completely evacuated to maximize collection volume, then the fluid collection capacity is improved, but collapsed portions form that reduce effective capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The breaking element is designed to break at a specific location that triggers the liner to unfold into its operational shape before evacuation begins. This preliminary unfolding action prevents the formation of collapsed portions during subsequent vacuum evacuation, maintaining both collection capacity and shape stability
Solution Approach 2:
The collection liner transitions from a static folded state to a dynamic unfolded state through the breaking element mechanism. This dynamic transformation allows the liner to adapt its shape according to operational requirements, maintaining optimal collection volume and preventing collapsed portions during vacuum evacuation
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
Facilitates easy and reliable assembly into the canister, minimizing the force required for opening and preventing fluid collection system malfunctions by ensuring the bag portion expands correctly without sticking, thus maintaining fluid intake capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The opening of the collection liner is assisted by a pressure difference between the collection canister and the collection liner. As the collection canister is evacuated and air is led to the collection liner, the collection liner starts to inflate
Implementation Method 2
As the collection canister is evacuated and air is led to the collection liner, the collection liner starts to inflate
Data Source
AI summary
A collection liner for a medical or a surgical operation includes a closed flexible bag portion. The closed flexible bag portion has a width direction (W) and a length direction (L). The closed flexible bag portion includes an upper part of the bag portion in the length direction and a lower part of the bag portion in the length direction. The lower part of the bag portion is folded inside the upper part of the bag portion in such a manner that the entire lower volume of the lower part is upside down inside the upper part.