Expandable Fluid Collection Apparatus with Superabsorbent Wicking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid traps used in medical procedures, such as suction pumps for wound drainage and negative pressure wound therapy, are bulky, costly to transport and manufacture, difficult to store, and hard to conceal during use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, expandable fluid collection apparatus featuring a body portion with a fluid inlet and outlet, an expandable container secured to the body, wicking elements to transport liquid, and super absorber elements to absorb and expand the container, allowing it to accommodate large fluid volumes while maintaining a small size when empty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a rigid canister or flexible canister with rigid outer body is used to trap fluid, then the container can provide adequate capacity for prolonged use, but the container becomes bulky, costly to transport and manufacture, and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The canister is designed to be dynamically expandable rather than statically fixed in size. The flexible wall allows the canister to expand when fluid is absorbed by the superabsorbent material, providing adequate capacity only when needed while maintaining a compact form when empty, thus resolving the contradiction between fluid capacity and container size.
Solution Approach 2:
The canister's volume parameter changes based on the absorption state of the superabsorbent material. When dry, the canister maintains a small volume for easy storage and transport. When fluid is absorbed, the canister expands to accommodate the increased volume, allowing the system to adapt its capacity parameter to actual needs.
2Strength
If a rigid canister is used to trap fluid, then the container can provide structural support, but the container becomes difficult to conceal during use and bulky to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The canister employs a flexible wall construction rather than rigid structure. This flexible membrane provides sufficient structural support to contain fluid while allowing the canister to be compressed, concealed, and transported in a compact form, thus resolving the contradiction between structural strength and portability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a large container is used to ensure adequate capacity for prolonged use, then the apparatus can be used over a longer period, but the apparatus becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The canister dynamically adjusts its volume based on fluid absorption needs. The superabsorbent material continues to absorb fluid over prolonged periods, causing the canister to expand gradually rather than requiring a large initial volume, thus extending usage duration without increasing storage and transport requirements.
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 apparatus effectively traps and stores fluid, maintaining a compact and discreet form when empty, reducing transport and storage requirements, and allowing for easy concealment during use, while providing adequate capacity for prolonged use or large fluid volumes.
Implementation Method 1
The wicking material rapidly transports the liquid, via capillary action, to a super absorbent material
Implementation Method 2
absorbing the liquid in the container via at least one super absorber element, the container expanding as the super absorber expands
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for collecting fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a body portion comprising a fluid inlet and an outlet, an expandable container secured to the body portion, at least one wicking element extending from within the body portion into the container, and at least one super absorber element arranged inside the container.