Flexible Extraction Bag with Pneumatic Chamber for Trauma-Free Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools used in childbirth, such as forceps and vacuum devices, pose risks of injury to newborns and mothers due to difficulties in inserting and extracting the fetus safely, particularly in uterine cavity insertion and movement during delivery.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a flexible, hypoallergenic bag with an external air chamber connected to an air injection system and a traction handle, allowing controlled air pressure to facilitate the extraction of the fetus without traumatism, using a cannula and presostatic measuring gauge to manage pressure and prevent injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If forceps or vacuum devices are used for childbirth assistance, then extraction capability is improved, but risk of injury to newborns and mothers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoidrisk of injury
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses an air chamber connected to an air injection system that inflates to envelop the fetus, providing gentle pneumatic support for extraction without mechanical trauma. The controlled air pressure replaces the need for forceful mechanical instruments like forceps or vacuum devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a flexible bag made of elastomeric material that can adapt its shape to envelop the fetus gently. This flexible shell conforms to the fetal contours, distributing pressure evenly and avoiding concentrated stress points that could cause injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Force

If rigid mechanical tools are used for extraction, then extraction force is improved, but trauma to the mother or child increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction forceVSAvoidtrauma
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device generates extraction force through controlled inflation of the air chamber rather than mechanical leverage. The expanding air pressure gently pushes the fetus outward, providing sufficient extraction force without the concentrated pressure points and tissue damage associated with rigid mechanical tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical system of forceps or vacuum extractors with a pneumatic system. Instead of using levers, clamps, or suction, the device uses controlled air pressure to achieve extraction, eliminating the trauma caused by mechanical contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If air pressure is increased to facilitate extraction, then extraction ease is improved, but risk of pressure-related injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction easeVSAvoidpressure-related injury
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a presostatic gauge that provides real-time feedback on the air pressure within the chamber. This allows the operator to monitor and adjust the pressure continuously, ensuring it remains within safe limits while still achieving effective extraction. The feedback mechanism prevents pressure from reaching dangerous levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The air pressure is not static but dynamically adjusted during the extraction process. The operator can inflate the chamber gradually, monitor the presostatic gauge, and release pressure as needed, adapting the pressure level to the specific needs of each extraction stage and avoiding excessive pressure that could cause injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables safe and trauma-free delivery by maintaining controlled pressure and reducing the need for rigid mechanical tools, ensuring the fetus is extracted without harming the mother or child, while also applicable in other medical fields like gastroenterology and urology.

Implementation Method 1

A device comprising a flexible, hypoallergenic bag with an external air chamber connected to an air injection system and a traction handle, allowing controlled air pressure to facilitate the extraction of the fetus without traumatism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

A device comprising a flexible, hypoallergenic bag with an external air chamber connected to an air injection system and a traction handle, allowing controlled air pressure to facilitate the extraction of the fetus without traumatism, using a cannula and presostatic measuring gauge to manage pressure and prevent injury

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9247958B2Device for extracting elements from a cavity
Publication Date: 2016.02.02 MATERNAL NEWBORN HEALTH INNOVATIONS PBC
  • US9247958B2 patent drawing
  • US9247958B2 patent drawing
  • US9247958B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device to extract elements contained in a cavity, additional to patent of invention P060105329, and of preferable application to assistance at childbirth and/or extraction of elements seated in cavities of the human body, facilitating the task of medical professionals. Said device is comprised of a bag having one of its ends open, through which it is possible to introduce the element to be extracted, in which, in a first embodiment and on the outer surface of the bag and along all its circumference line, there is at least one air chamber being able to get in contact with the element to be extracted when receiving inner pressure, being said chamber connected to a pressure generating means; and in a second embodiment, an outward fold is defined on said bag, forming an annular cavity at the time it gets in contact with the cavity containing the element to be extracted.