Gastric Insertion Confirmation Device with Color-Changing Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for confirming the proper insertion of nasogastric tubes within the gastrointestinal tract require multiple x-rays, which are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A confirmation device with a housing, negative pressure member, and indicator mechanism that visually indicates the presence of gases within the GI tract, using a color-changing member to differentiate between correct and incorrect tube placement without the need for x-rays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple x-rays are taken to confirm tube placement, then measurement precision of tube position is improved, but loss of time and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube placement confirmationVSAvoidtime for multiple x-rays

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the radiological system (x-rays) with a mechanical/biological system using the bellows mechanism and color-changing indicator. The bellows expands when gas is drawn through it, causing the color-changing member to change color, providing visual confirmation of correct tube placement without requiring x-ray imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a color-changing member within the bellows mechanism that changes color when gas passes through it. This color change provides a visual indicator that the tube is correctly positioned in the GI tract, eliminating the need for time-consuming x-ray procedures to confirm placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple x-rays are taken to confirm tube placement, then measurement precision of tube position is improved, but expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube placement confirmationVSAvoidexpense of multiple x-rays

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The confirmation device uses inexpensive components including a bellows mechanism and color-changing member that can be easily replaced if needed. This disposable, low-cost system eliminates the need for expensive repeated x-ray procedures to confirm tube placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If conventional nasogastric tubing is used without confirmation device, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of tube placement confirmation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of nasogastric tubeVSAvoidtube placement confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the confirmation function with the nasogastric tube by integrating a bellows mechanism and color-changing member into the tube assembly. This combined device provides both the tube for fluid administration and the visual confirmation of correct placement, eliminating the need for separate confirmation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the color-changing member provides real-time visual information about tube placement status. When gas is drawn through the tube, the color change indicates correct placement, giving immediate feedback to the clinician without requiring separate x-ray procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Provides a rapid and cost-effective visual confirmation of nasogastric tube placement within the GI tract, reducing the need for multiple x-rays and enhancing procedural efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The negative pressure member is operable to draw fluid across the indicator mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9010322B2Gastric insertion confirmation device and related methods therefor

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

A confirmation device. The device includes a housing having a central passageway and a secondary passageway extending from the central passageway. The device also has a negative pressure member in communication with the secondary passageway and an indicator mechanism in fluid communication with the secondary passageway for visually indicating the presence of one or more components within the secondary passageway. The negative pressure member is operable to draw fluid across the indicator mechanism.