Colon Cleaning Device Slicing Fecal Matter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Colonoscopy procedures face challenges in achieving a complete removal of fecal matter from the colon, which can obstruct the view of the internal colon wall, potentially hiding cancerous growths, despite existing devices and methods for cleaning the colon.
Innovation Solution
A colon cleaning device with a disassembly element for slicing fecal matter, a linear actuator for slidable attachment to a colonoscope, and a jethead for fluid injection, along with a shredding spring mechanism to ensure effective removal of fecal matter, is designed to be advanced through the anal sphincter and along the colon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a colon cleaning device is used to remove fecal matter, then the clearance of the colon's interior is improved, but the risk of damaging the colon wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple functional segments including a disassembly element for slicing fecal matter, a shredding spring mechanism for further breakdown, and a jethead for fluid injection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while minimizing overall damage risk through controlled, localized action.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid medium is introduced as an intermediary between the cleaning device and fecal matter. The jethead injects fluid to soften and loosen fecal material before mechanical disassembly, reducing the force needed for removal and thereby minimizing direct mechanical trauma to the colon wall.
2Productivity
If mechanical disassembly elements are used to slice fecal matter, then the slicing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly element utilizes sweeping oscillating motion rather than continuous rotation. This vibratory-like motion achieves effective slicing of fecal matter while simplifying the actuating mechanism compared to systems requiring precise rotational control, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shredding spring mechanism is designed to automatically engage and shred fecal matter as it passes through, without requiring additional actuation. The spring's natural elasticity provides the shredding action, eliminating the need for motorized control and reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If a shredding spring mechanism is used to shred fecal matter, then the removal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shredding spring is designed as a passive, self-actuating component that utilizes the natural motion of fecal matter passing through the device. As material moves through the spring mechanism, the spring automatically engages and shreds it without requiring external power or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shredding spring employs dynamic, flexible elements rather than rigid mechanical components. The spring's elastic properties allow it to adapt to varying fecal matter characteristics and provide effective shredding through controlled deformation, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to rigid gear-based systems.
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 device effectively slices and shreds fecal matter, improving the clearance of the colon's interior, reducing the risk of damaging the colon wall and enhancing the visibility during colonoscopy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating mechanism which actuates the disassembly element to perform sweeping displacement inside the cleaning head so that the at least one disassembly element rotates around the longitudinal axis to slice through the fecal matter
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator for slidable attachment of the cleaning device to a colonoscope
Implementation Method 3
a jethead arranged to contact a partial outer circumference of the colonoscope
Implementation Method 4
a shredding spring mechanism to ensure effective removal of fecal matter
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a colon cleaning device comprising: a tube through which liquid and fecal matter are removed from a colon of a patient, the tube having a longitudinal axis; a cleaning head positioned at the distal end of the tube, the cleaning head having at least one opening coaxial with the longitudinal axis, the at least one opening sized for fecal matter to enter the interior of the cleaning head from the colon; at least one disassembly element disposed within the cleaning head; and an actuating mechanism which actuates the disassembly element to perform sweeping displacement inside the cleaning head so that the at least one disassembly element rotates around the longitudinal axis to slice through the fecal matter; wherein the cleaning head and the tube are sized and shaped to be displaced along the colon of a patient.