Flexible Rectal Irrigation Nozzle with Annular Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzles for irrigating rectal and bowel cavities lack flexibility, are not adaptable to various patient sizes, and often require inflatable balloons that can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a flexible, separable elongate stem and skirt components with an annular hub for secure attachment, allowing for various outer diameters and eliminating the need for inflatable balloons, along with additional features like radial slits and tapered tips for improved insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable balloon is used to secure the nozzle, then the nozzle can be retained in position, but the rectal cavity may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inflatable balloon component from the nozzle design entirely. Instead, it uses a flexible skirt that naturally expands to rest against the rectal wall, providing retention without the harmful inflation mechanism that could cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible skirt made of soft, compliant material that can be inserted in a collapsed state and then expands to conform to the rectal cavity shape. This flexible shell provides secure retention through gentle contact rather than rigid inflation, eliminating the damage risk while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle is designed for a particular patient size, then the structure can be optimized, but the flexibility and range of use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the skirt with dynamic characteristics - it can be inserted in a compressed, low-profile state and then naturally expands to its full diameter within the rectal cavity. This dynamic behavior allows a single nozzle design to accommodate various patient sizes without requiring multiple fixed-diameter versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt's effective diameter is not fixed but changes based on insertion conditions and patient anatomy. The material and structural design allow the skirt to adapt its dimensions, transitioning from a compact insertion state to an expanded operational state that can fit different patient sizes while maintaining structural optimization.
3Strength
If the skirt is made rigid for strength, then the attachment is durable, but the insertion through the anus becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The skirt exhibits dynamic mechanical properties - it is flexible and compliant during insertion to pass through the anus easily, then becomes sufficiently stable and strong once expanded and secured against the rectal wall. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt is constructed from flexible material that can deform during insertion and then maintain its position securely when expanded. The flexibility enables easy passage through tight spaces, while the material properties and structural design ensure durable attachment once in position, eliminating the need for rigidity.
4Ease of operation
If an introducer is used to hold petals in retracted position, then the insertion is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the introducer component entirely from the design. Instead of using a separate tool to hold petals retracted, the skirt is designed to naturally maintain its configuration without additional mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while still facilitating insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt is designed to be self-contained and self-managing during insertion - it naturally maintains its collapsed or expanded state without requiring external tools or mechanisms. The material and structural design enable the skirt to facilitate its own insertion and positioning without the need for an introducer, reducing device complexity.
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 design enhances flexibility, adaptability, and comfort by allowing the nozzle to fit a range of patient sizes without balloon-induced damage, ensuring secure attachment and easy insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
the first skirt being inherently flexible; whereby the skirt is sufficiently flexible for insertion through the anus
Implementation Method 2
the annular hub is bonded to an outer portion of the stem
Implementation Method 3
the annular hub being sufficiently flexible to flex radially to allow the tip to be pushed through the annular hub
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle suitable for irrigating the rectal and/or bowel cavities, the nozzle comprises an elongate stem incorporating a channel extending there through; whereby fluid may flow, in use, through said channel; said stem incorporating a fluid inlet and one or more fluid outlets; and a first skirt protruding, when secured to said elongate stem, radially from said stem; said first skirt being inherently flexible; whereby said skirt is sufficiently flexible for insertion through the anus and to thereafter rest against the internal wall of the rectum; wherein said first skirt comprises an annular hub which is secured to said elongate stem.