Foldable Shield with Adhesive for Colonoscopy Aerosol Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopy procedures pose a risk of exposure to viral aerosols and fecal contamination for healthcare workers due to the generation of aerosols during procedures, particularly in the context of COVID-19, as there is no effective barrier between the patient's buttocks and the endoscopist, and existing protective measures are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A foldable shield device with adhesive strips is placed over the patient's body to create a barrier for the colonoscope insertion, reducing exposure to stool and flatus, featuring a colo-examination aperture, absorbent and water barrier layers, and a flap for easy cleaning and disposal, designed to be simple, disposable, and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If no barrier is used between patient and endoscopist, then the procedure is simple and cost-effective, but the endoscopist is exposed to viral aerosols and fecal contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The protective barrier is divided into multiple functional layers: a water barrier layer for fluid resistance, an absorbent layer for moisture absorption, and a non-woven layer for comfort and structure. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield portion is designed as a disposable component that can be easily discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization processes. This approach reduces the overall device complexity while ensuring effective protection against contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex protective barrier is used, then protection against contamination is improved, but the device becomes less cost-effective and more difficult to dispose
Solution Approach 1:
The shield portion is segmented into distinct layers (water barrier, absorbent, non-woven) that can be manufactured separately and assembled efficiently. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while providing comprehensive protection against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield portion utilizes thin film structures for the water barrier and absorbent layers, which are easy to manufacture, lightweight, and simple to dispose of. This approach maintains effective protection while improving ease of manufacture and disposal.
3Ease of operation
If the shield portion lacks adhesive strips, then the structure is simpler, but the shield cannot be properly positioned and fixed on the patient
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive strips are pre-attached to the shield portion during manufacturing, allowing for quick and easy positioning on the patient without requiring complex fixation mechanisms. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall device structure while ensuring ease of operation during the procedure.
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
Significantly decreases the endoscopist's exposure to stool and flatus, enhancing protection during procedures, and is designed to be reusable and cost-effective, addressing the need for improved hygiene and safety in colonoscopy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive strip disposed on a first edge of the foldable shield portion
Implementation Method 2
water barrier layer
Implementation Method 3
absorbent layer
Data Source
AI summary
A colonoscopy auxiliary device. The colonoscopy auxiliary device includes: a foldable shield portion provided with a colo-examination aperture; and a first adhesive strip disposed on a first edge of the foldable shield portion.