Enteral Feeding Pouch Interlock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional enteral feeding systems are noisy, vibrating, bulky, and restrictive, limiting patient mobility and causing discomfort, especially at night, and require complex programming and a stable power source, making them impractical for portable use.

Innovation Solution

A portable enteral feeding apparatus utilizing an expansile pouch with a self-sealing mechanism and interference fit spike connection, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps by relying on pouch expansion to deliver feed, and incorporating interlock mechanisms to ensure correct connector alignment and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical pump is used to deliver enteral feed, then the feed delivery is reliable and controllable, but the device produces noise and vibration that disturbs patients especially at night

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoidfeed delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the mechanical pump component from the feeding system entirely. Instead of using a pump to deliver feed, the system relies on gravity flow through a pouch connected to a PEG tube, eliminating the source of noise and vibration while maintaining feed delivery capability through alternative means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pump system is replaced with a passive gravity-based flow system. The feed delivery mechanism transitions from active mechanical pumping to passive gravitational flow, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler physical principle-based system that eliminates noise and vibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a portable feeding apparatus is designed to be mobile and discrete, then patient mobility is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy requiring a large carry bag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient mobilityVSAvoiddevice weight and bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding system is divided into separate components: a reusable PEG connector that remains with the patient, and a disposable pouch that contains the feed. This segmentation allows the main body to be lightweight and portable, while the feed container can be separately managed and replaced as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable pouches containing pre-measured feed formulations. These single-use containers eliminate the need for complex sterilization and cleaning systems, reducing the overall weight and complexity of the portable device while maintaining hygiene and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If conventional pumps are used with complex programming interfaces, then feed delivery can be precisely controlled, but the setup becomes difficult and irritating for patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidprogramming interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be inherently simple to use without requiring complex programming. The gravity-based flow system naturally regulates feed delivery, and the disposable pouches come pre-prepared, eliminating the need for patients to program or adjust complex parameters. The system serves itself through basic physical principles rather than requiring user intervention for complex settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a quiet, mobile, and user-friendly feeding solution that maintains sealing integrity, reduces noise and vibration, and allows discreet operation, enhancing patient comfort and mobility without the need for continuous power or complex setup.

Implementation Method 1

The spout is configured so that when the connector shaft extends through the valve, the connector shaft can be secured to the spout. However, there is an interlock to prevent fixing of the connector shaft to the connector spigot if the connector shaft is not extended through the valve.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlock: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPouch expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4098240B1An enteral feeding device

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ROCKFIELD MEDICAL DEVICES LTD

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AI summary

A portable enteral feeding apparatus 100 comprises a pouch 101 which defines a reservoir for enteral fluid and having an outlet 102 for delivery of enteral fluid from the pouch. An outlet spout 105 has a pouch spigot 106 connected to the pouch outlet 102 and a connector spigot 107 which is adapted for mounting of a connector shaft, in one case a cross fit shaft 110 of an ENFit connector. A valve 109 is mounted to the spout. The connector spigot 107 has mounting means for mounting a connector shaft 110 of a PEG feeding system to the connector spigot 107 only when the connector shaft 110 is extended through the valve 109. An interlock prevents fixing of a connector shaft 110 to the connector spigot 107 if the connector shaft 110 is not extended through the valve 109.