Disposable Flexible Liner Fluid Collection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid collection and disposal systems in healthcare settings are labor-intensive and pose a risk to medical personnel due to the frequency of handling potentially hazardous waste, as they require frequent emptying and cleaning of suction canisters after each medical procedure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collection system utilizing disposable flexible liners and a lid that automatically connects to a suction source, reducing the volume of medical waste and improving labor efficiency and safety by providing a clean and convenient interface for waste disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If disposable flexible liners are used in fluid collection systems, then the volume of medical waste is reduced and labor efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for interchangeable components and attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable container and disposable flexible liners. This segmentation allows the liner to be replaced independently after each use, reducing waste volume and labor intensity while the container can be reused. The liner includes integrated features such as access ports and sealing mechanisms that simplify the overall system while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable flexible liners made from cost-effective materials that are discarded after a single use. These liners contain the fluid waste and are removed as a complete unit with the lid, eliminating the need for cleaning and disinfection of the container. This disposable approach directly reduces labor intensity and improves productivity by eliminating time-consuming cleaning procedures.
2Reliability
If the lid automatically connects to a suction source, then safety is improved by reducing exposure to hazardous waste, but the ease of operation decreases due to the automated connection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is equipped with an automatic connection mechanism that autonomously establishes the seal and fluid communication with the suction source when placed on the container. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual connection steps, reducing the risk of operator exposure to hazardous waste while maintaining simplicity of use. The automatic sealing ensures safety without requiring complex user actions.
3Loss of substance
If the flexible liner is designed to collapse as fluid is removed, then the volume of waste is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper collapse and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible liner made from thin, collapsible material that naturally conforms to the container shape and collapses as fluid is removed. The flexibility of the material allows it to maintain sealing contact with the container walls during collapse without requiring high manufacturing precision. The liner's elastic properties enable it to return to its original shape after use, facilitating consistent performance while allowing for tolerances in manufacturing.
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 system minimizes exposure to hazardous waste, reduces labor intensity, and enhances safety by automating the connection to a suction source, allowing for efficient and safe disposal of fluid waste.
Implementation Method 1
suction canisters are typically used. A typical suction canister is a temporary storage container that uses suction to create a negative pressure inside the canister to drain liquids or secretions from the patients' body
Implementation Method 2
The flexible liner may also be configured to collapse into a substantially collapsed state as the fluid is removed from the interior space
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.