Fecal Diverting Device Balloon Control Automation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fecal diversion techniques, such as the multipurpose colostomy device, require manual operation and lack automation for controlling fecal discharge, which can be inefficient and inconvenient for patients with difficulty in voluntary defecation.

Innovation Solution

A fecal diverting device with internal and external balloons, an enema liquid injection system, and a device controller that automatically regulates the filling of balloons and enema liquid injection based on predetermined programs, sensing intestinal pressure to control fecal diversion and discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for fecal diversion, then the device structure can be simple, but the ease of operation and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs fecal diversion operations without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously controls the balloons and enema liquid injection system to achieve fecal discharge, making the system serve itself rather than requiring external manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. The controller uses electrical or electronic signals to control the balloons and enema liquid injection, substituting the mechanical manual operation with an automated control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual operation is used for fecal diversion, then the device complexity can be reduced, but the productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs fecal diversion operations without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously controls the balloons and enema liquid injection system to achieve fecal discharge, making the system serve itself rather than requiring external manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-programmed with a fecal diverting program that automatically sequences the operations of balloon inflation/deflation and enema liquid injection. This preliminary programming enables the system to execute the fecal diversion process automatically without real-time manual control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If automatic control is implemented, then the ease of operation and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs fecal diversion operations without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously controls the balloons and enema liquid injection system to achieve fecal discharge, making the system serve itself rather than requiring external manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the internal and external balloons, regulates enema liquid injection, and coordinates the sequencing of operations. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple control tasks into a single device, managing the complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device enables automatic and controlled fecal diversion, ensuring efficient discharge of intestinal contents without manual intervention, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of leakage or contamination.

Implementation Method 1

an internal balloon formed at the inside of a tubular body part disposed at the front end of a connection tube, at least one external balloon formed at the outside of the tubular body part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

injecting the enema liquid, supplied from an enema liquid supplying unit, into the intestinal tract via the enema liquid injection hole through the control tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

sensing an intestinal pressure using an intestinal pressure sensing unit of the device controller connected to the fecal diverting device inserted into the intestinal tract through the control tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8529497B2Apparatus and method for controlling fecal diverting device

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 KIM E E

AI summary

A fecal diverting device includes an internal balloon formed at the inside of a tubular body part disposed at the front end of a connection tube, at least one external balloon formed at the outside of the tubular body part, and an enema liquid injection hole formed through the forefront of the tubular body part and the at least one external balloon and an enema liquid to be injected into an intestinal tract of a patient via an enema liquid injection hole through a control tube. A device controller connected to the control tube regulates the amounts of fillers filling the internal balloon and the at least one external balloon and controlling the injection of the enema liquid, supplied from an enema liquid supplying unit, into the intestinal tract.