Integrated Dual Pump Irrigation System for Rectal Self-Administration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems for self-administration are complex, costly, and difficult to use, especially for individuals with reduced dexterity, and lack cost-efficient production methods, making them unsuitable for safe and convenient use outside medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A simplified irrigation system with few components, an integrated control unit, and separate manually operable pumps for irrigation and balloon inflation, along with a valve for precise balloon control, allowing easy operation with one hand and reducing the risk of pump misusage, combined with a compact design for portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for irrigation functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple irrigation functions (balloon inflation, irrigation liquid discharge, and balloon deflation) into a single integrated control unit with a unified pump system. This merging of previously separate components into one device reduces overall system complexity while maintaining all necessary functions, directly resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for irrigation functions, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrates all operational controls for balloon inflation, irrigation liquid discharge, and deflation into a single handheld device. This allows the user to operate all functions from one location, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: inflating the balloon, discharging irrigation liquid, and deflating the balloon. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices, making the system easier to operate while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both balloon inflation and irrigation liquid discharge, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of erroneous pump usage
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into distinct functional modes or sub-systems within the unified pump, with clear operational differentiation. This segmentation allows the single pump to perform multiple functions while maintaining clear distinction between operations, preventing erroneous usage and ensuring reliable operation.
4Reliability
If precise balloon filling level control is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about balloon filling status to the user. This feedback allows for precise control of the balloon filling level without requiring complex additional components, as the feedback enables the user to monitor and adjust filling accordingly.
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 is safer, easier to use, and more cost-effective, enabling precise control and efficient self-administration of irrigation liquids, even for individuals with reduced dexterity, while being portable and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump arranged at a first corner of the control unit for directly or indirectly pumping irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe
Implementation Method 2
a second pump arranged at a second corner of the control unit for pumping a fluid, liquid or gas, to the balloon for inflation
Implementation Method 3
a valve arranged at a third corner of the control unit for releasing fluid from the balloon for deflation
Data Source
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AI summary
An irrigation system, e.g. for use in rectal irrigation, is disclosed. The system comprises a reservoir for an irrigating liquid and a probe for arrangement in a user, wherein said probe comprises an inflatable balloon for fixing the catheter in a body cavity. A first pump is provided for directly or indirectly pumping irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe, and a second pump is provided for pumping a fluid to the balloon for inflation. A control unit is arranged for controlling the transfer of the irrigation liquid and the fluid, wherein the control unit further comprises a valve for releasing fluid from the balloon for deflation, the valve being provided with a manually operable balloon control element. Tubing provides fluid communication between the reservoir, control unit and probe. The control unit and the first and second pumps are further arranged as an integrated unitary component, and the manually operable balloon control element is arranged in the vicinity of the second pump.