Partially Filled Enema Nozzle Retention Member for Leak Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional enema devices cause discomfort and leakage due to rigid, air- or liquid-filled balloons that do not conform to the shape of the anal cavity, leading to displacement and potential harm, especially when self-administered at home.

Innovation Solution

An enema nozzle with a flexible retention member partially filled with liquid, allowing it to conform to the anal cavity's shape and provide a secure seal, reducing leakage and discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an air-filled balloon is used to retain the enema nozzle, then the nozzle can be retained in the rectum, but the balloon reacts to body movements causing displacement and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention stabilityVSAvoidbody movement adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid air-filled balloon with a flexible retention member that can deform and adapt to body movements. The retention member is made of elastomeric material that allows it to conform to the rectal cavity shape while maintaining retention, solving the problem of displacement during peristaltic reflexes and body movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the retention medium from gas (air) to liquid, and partially fills the retention member with liquid instead of completely filling it with air. This parameter change allows the retention member to maintain stability while adapting to body movements, as the liquid can redistribute within the flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a liquid-filled balloon is used to retain the enema nozzle, then the nozzle can be retained securely, but the balloon becomes rigid and cannot conform to the body cavity shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidbody cavity conformance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial filling of the retention member with liquid rather than complete filling. This partial action allows the retention member to maintain security through liquid weight while preserving flexibility and conformability to the body cavity, as the unfilled portions allow deformation and adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member is constructed from flexible elastomeric material that can deform under its own weight and adapt to the rectal cavity contours. This flexible shell contains the partial liquid fill, combining the security of liquid weight with the adaptability of flexible material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the balloon is overfilled, then retention is improved, but the balloon may rupture causing damage to the colon wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention strengthVSAvoidcolon wall damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately uses partial filling of the retention member with liquid, maintaining the liquid level below the maximum capacity. This partial action provides sufficient retention strength through liquid weight while creating a safety margin that prevents rupture and eliminates the harmful effect of colon wall damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Productivity

If conventional enema devices are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the devices cause discomfort and irritation during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure completionVSAvoidinsertion discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention member is made of flexible elastomeric material that can deform during insertion to reduce discomfort, unlike rigid conventional devices. The flexibility allows the device to adapt to the anal canal and rectal cavity shape, minimizing irritation and insertion difficulty while maintaining retention functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible retention member ensures a secure fit and reduces leakage, enabling safe, comfortable, and efficient self-administration of enemas without causing harm or discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible retention member arranged for retaining the enema nozzle in a body cavity in a retention stage, wherein said retention member is only partially filled with a liquid in the retention stage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4479107B1An enema nozzle comprising retention means, and an enema system comprising said enema nozzle

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 QUFORA AS

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Figure 4a~4c
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AI summary

The present invention relates to an enema nozzle (1;18) for an enema system, and wherein said enema nozzle (1;18) comprises a catheter (2) provided with a flexible retention member (3;19) arranged for retaining the enema nozzle in a body cavity in a retention stage, and wherein said retention member is only partially filled with a liquid (15;21) in the retention stage. The combination of a flexible retention member (3;19) that is only partially filled with a liquid (15;21), ensures that the liquid contained in the retention member easily can be displaced/moved around inside the retention member (3;19) during use. In this way the retention member (3;19) remains pliable and flexible enough to be able to conform and adapt to the shape of the colon during use.