Emesis Containment System With Foam-Forming Dissolvable Charge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emesis containers are prone to spillage and odor emission due to incomplete closure or puncturing, and fail to prevent the spread of pathogens during and after an emesis event.
Innovation Solution
An emesis containment system with a face mask, container, air filter, backflow barrier, and dissolvable charge containing surfactants, absorbent particles, and thickening agents that form a foam barrier to inhibit liquid and gas escape, while potentially including a pathogen sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple collapsable plastic bag with rigid ring is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of containment is worsened due to puncturing or ripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite containment structure consisting of an inner pouch made of puncture-resistant material and an outer bag providing additional containment. This multi-layer composite design addresses the reliability issue by combining materials with different protective properties, where the inner pouch resists punctures and the outer bag provides backup containment, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable containment.
2Ease of operation
If the bag closure mechanism is simplified, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of containment is worsened due to incomplete closure or reopening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a self-sealing closure mechanism that automatically seals the pouch opening when the pouch is filled with vomit. The closure system utilizes the weight and pressure of the contents to trigger automatic sealing, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring reliable containment. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (automatic sealing) and closure reliability (secure seal).
3Reliability
If absorbent particles are used to reduce odors and spillage, then the containment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated pouch structure that combines the containment bag, absorbent material, and closure mechanism into one unified device. The absorbent particles are incorporated directly into the pouch construction, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced containment effectiveness against odors and spillage.
4Loss of substance
If a dissolvable pouch with absorbent particles is added, then the loss of substance from spillage is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating a dissolvable pouch made from water-soluble material that automatically dissolves after containing the vomit. This parameter change (from solid to dissolved state) allows the pouch to transition from a containment structure to a non-existent form, eliminating spillage risk while the dissolvable nature simplifies disposal. The manufacturing process leverages existing water-soluble material technologies, maintaining reasonable ease of manufacture.
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
Effectively contains liquids, gases, and pathogens by forming a rapid foam barrier to prevent spillage and odor emission, with the ability to detect harmful viruses.
Implementation Method 1
a dissolvable charge disposed inside the container. The dissolvable charge includes a surfactant that foams when contacted by liquid of the vomit
Implementation Method 2
The dissolvable charge includes a surfactant that foams when contacted by liquid of the vomit
Implementation Method 3
a pouch filled with absorbent particles in a powder form disposed in a water-soluble pouch to absorb liquid from the vomit
Implementation Method 4
an air filter disposed adjacent a first opening into the container
Implementation Method 5
a backflow barrier to inhibit passage of vomit out of the interior cavity through the discharge opening
Data Source
AI summary
Emesis containment systems, methods of use, and dissolvable charges therefor. Such an emesis containment system includes a face mask, a container for receiving vomit, an air filter, a backflow barrier to inhibit passage of vomit out of the container, and a dissolvable charge disposed inside the container. The dissolvable charge includes a surfactant that foams when contacted by liquid of the vomit. The surfactant forms a foam barrier on a top surface of the vomit inside the container to inhibit escape of gases from the vomit from the container. The dissolvable charge includes a dry pressed pellet having dry powder forms of a surfactant, absorbent particles, and a thickening agent pressed together. At least some of each of the surfactant, the absorbent particles, and the thickening agent is disposed on an exterior surface dry pressed pellet.