Colon Cleaning System Pressure Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colon cleaning methods during diagnostic inspection face challenges in maintaining the colon in an uncollapsed state, balancing inflation and evacuation, and preventing overinflation or collapse, which can lead to safety issues and procedural complications.
Innovation Solution
A colon cleaning system with an evacuation conduit and an insufflation conduit, controlled by a pressure sensor and controller, regulates suction and gas flow to maintain a safe inflation state, using a dedicated insufflation conduit and irrigation conduit to balance gas and liquid volumes, and automatically adjust pressure to prevent collapse or overinflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aggressive purgatives and diet changes are used to clear colon contents, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but risk of colon collapse or perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors colon pressure via a pressure sensor and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust insufflation and evacuation rates. The controller maintains pressure within a safe range (e.g., 5-20 mmHg), automatically reducing insufflation when pressure approaches upper limits and increasing it when pressure drops below lower limits, thereby preventing both overinflation and collapse
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-rate insufflation and evacuation to dynamic, real-time adjustment of flow rates based on actual colon pressure conditions. The insufflation and evacuation conduits operate at variable rates that adapt continuously to the colon's state, allowing optimal cleaning while maintaining safety margins
2Stability of the object's composition
If continuous insufflation is used to maintain colon inflation, then colon remains uncollapsed for observation, but risk of overinflation and perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback on colon inflation status to the controller, which automatically modulates the insufflation conduit output. When pressure reaches predetermined upper thresholds, the controller reduces or暂停 insufflation; when pressure drops below lower thresholds, insufflation is resumed or increased, maintaining pressure within a safe operating window
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the insufflation flow rate parameter based on real-time pressure measurements, transitioning between different flow rates (e.g., high, medium, low, or zero) to maintain colon pressure within safe limits while preventing collapse
3Productivity
If high suction is applied to evacuate fecal matter, then cleaning speed is improved, but colon may collapse or be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor monitors colon pressure during evacuation, and the controller automatically adjusts suction intensity based on pressure readings. When pressure drops below safe thresholds indicating potential collapse, the controller reduces or暂停 suction; when pressure remains stable, higher suction rates can be applied to maintain cleaning productivity
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual monitoring and adjustment of colon pressure is used, then flexibility in response is improved, but operator workload and risk of human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of insufflation and evacuation rates based on pressure feedback. The controller automatically interprets pressure readings and modifies conduit operations without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing operator workload while maintaining adaptive response to changing colon conditions
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 effectively maintains a stable, non-collapsed colon state during cleaning and inspection, reducing the risk of complications such as perforation or rupture, by dynamically adjusting pressure and fluid flow to match the colon's needs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to provide pressure measurements from the distal region to the controller
Implementation Method 2
an insufflation conduit for supply of insufflation gas to inflate the colon
Implementation Method 3
an evacuation conduit having a distal region insertable to the colon to communicate suction for evacuating the material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods of colon cleansing and/or inspection are described which safely maintain the colon in an uncollapsed state. Balanced replacement of the volume of fluid, gas and/or solids evacuated during cleansing of a colon is described. Replacement volume comprises, for example, cleansing fluid, jetting gas, and/or inflation gas. In some embodiments, the balancing of evacuated and replacement volume is achieved under automatic control, based on monitored volume of material exchange, and/or measurement of resulting pressures.