Disposable Flexible Liner Fluid Collection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid collection and disposal systems in healthcare settings are labor-intensive and increase the risk of exposure to hazardous waste, as they require frequent handling and transportation of suction canisters containing medical waste.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection system utilizing disposable flexible liners with a lid that automatically connects to a suction source and a disposal system that includes a receiving housing with a piston assembly and filter, allowing for efficient collection and disposal of medical waste while minimizing exposure to hazardous materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional suction canisters are used for fluid collection and disposal, then the system is simple in structure, but the labor intensity increases and exposure risk to hazardous waste increases due to frequent handling and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable flexible liners that can be discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and disinfection of traditional reusable canisters. This reduces labor intensity associated with maintenance and preparation of equipment between procedures while containing fluid waste efficiently during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the fluid collection system into separable components: a reusable outer container and a disposable inner flexible liner. This segmentation allows the liner to be discarded with the waste it contains, reducing the need to handle and clean the entire canister system, thereby reducing labor intensity and exposure risk.
2Device complexity
If traditional suction canisters are used for fluid collection and disposal, then the device structure is simple, but the risk of exposure to potentially hazardous waste increases due to frequent handling and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable flexible liner is discarded after containing fluid waste from a single procedure, eliminating the need to transport and handle reusable canisters between procedures. This significantly reduces clinician exposure to potentially hazardous waste while maintaining effective fluid collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible liner acts as an intermediary container that can be sealed and disconnected from the suction source after use. This allows the waste-containing liner to be removed and disposed of separately from the reusable equipment, reducing exposure risk to clinicians who handle the disposable component rather than the entire system.
3Loss of substance
If reusable suction canisters are used, then equipment cost is lower, but time is lost due to cleaning, disinfection, and preparation between procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable flexible liner eliminates the time-consuming processes of cleaning, disinfecting, and preparing reusable canisters between procedures. Although the liner itself is a consumable item, the time saved by eliminating maintenance procedures significantly increases operational efficiency and reduces preparation time for the next procedure.
4Ease of operation
If disposable flexible liners are used for fluid collection, then labor intensity is reduced and exposure risk is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to lid and connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is integrated with the flexible liner to form a single disposable unit, eliminating the need for separate lid components that would require assembly or cleaning. This merging reduces the complexity of multiple moving parts while maintaining the benefits of the disposable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the disposable liner and lid forming an integrated unit that requires minimal assembly or complex connection mechanisms. The design prioritizes ease of use and rapid deployment over mechanical complexity.
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 reduces labor intensity and exposure risks by enabling a clean and convenient interface for waste disposal, improving safety and efficiency in medical procedures through automated suction and disposal processes.
Implementation Method 1
A typical suction canister is a temporary storage container that uses suction to create a negative pressure inside the canister to drain liquids or secretions from the patients' body
Implementation Method 2
a receiving housing with a piston assembly and filter, allowing for efficient collection and disposal of medical waste
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container configured to receive a disposable collection container. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner configured to collapse during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The system may include a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing including a cavity and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, the piston including a piston check valve. The system includes a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity. A first connecting line extends between a suction source opening, configured to communicate the suction source to the disposable collection container, and the filter. A first check valve connects to the first connecting line between the suction source opening and the filter.