Fluid Containment Pouch Thermal Bonding for Sterile Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for containing body fluids during surgical procedures are inefficient in maintaining a sterile environment, as they often result in contamination due to seal channeling defects in the fluid containment systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid containment pouch with two layers of thermally compatible materials, such as polyurethane and polyethylene, is used to create a heat seal with patient covers, forming fluid containment channels that prevent bodily fluids from contaminating the sterile site, and includes features like elongated manipulation members and a port for fluid drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal bonding is used to attach fluid containment pouch to patient covering, then secure attachment and fluid containment are achieved, but seal channeling defects occur causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding parameters by using a temperature range of 80°C to 120°C and time range of 2 to 10 seconds for thermal bonding, optimizing these parameters to create effective seals without causing channeling defects that lead to contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with thermal bonding to attach the fluid containment pouch to the patient covering, eliminating mechanical defects and seal channeling while achieving reliable fluid containment through controlled thermal attachment
2Ease of manufacture
If single-layer material is used for fluid containment pouch, then manufacturing is simpler, but thermal compatibility and seal quality with patient covering are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a first layer (polyolefin or polyurethane) and a second layer (heat-activatable adhesive material) to achieve both thermal compatibility with patient coverings and reliable seal quality, while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If elaborate sealing systems are used to prevent contamination, then seal quality improves, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function into a dedicated second layer of heat-activatable adhesive material that is integrated into the pouch structure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high seal quality and contamination prevention
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 solution effectively contains bodily fluids during operations, maintaining a sterile environment by preventing seal channeling defects and allowing for easy fluid drainage, thus enhancing surgical safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer of material is thermally compatible with a patient covering. Thermal bonds between the fluid containment pouch and the patient covering form fluid containment channels
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid containment pouch is provided that includes a first layer of material having a first thermal characteristic and a second layer of material having a second thermal characteristic. The first layer of material is thermally compatible with a patient covering upon which it is to be thermally bonded. Thermal bonds between the fluid containment pouch and the patient covering form fluid containment channels that retain expelled body fluids during a patient's operation to help maintain a sterile operating environment.