GI Cleaning Device with Conduit Grinding and Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for cleaning the lower GI tract, such as enemas and closed hydrotherapy, face challenges with large chunks of fecal matter clogging evacuation conduits, reducing throughput and requiring longer operation times, and are not effective for cleaning large volumes of feces distributed over long lumens.
Innovation Solution
The development of cleaning devices with evacuation conduits that use high-velocity liquid sprays, grinding, and turbulence to break down fecal matter into smaller pieces, combined with mechanical shredding mechanisms and pressure control systems to prevent tissue damage and ensure efficient evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid is supplied into the colon to mix with and dilute fecal matter for evacuation, then the fecal matter can be transported out through the evacuation conduit, but large chunks of fecal matter clog the evacuation conduit, reducing throughput and operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by breaking down large chunks of fecal matter into smaller particles before they enter the evacuation conduit. This is achieved through mechanical disruption mechanisms (such as rotating blades or grinding elements) positioned within the conduit to pre-process the fecal material, preventing clogging before it occurs and ensuring smooth evacuation flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a disruption device positioned between the fecal matter source and the evacuation conduit. This intermediary breaks down large fecal chunks into smaller, evacuable particles, acting as a mediator that transforms the fecal matter into a form suitable for conduit transport without direct clogging
2Productivity
If high-velocity liquid sprays are used to break down fecal matter, then throughput is enhanced and clogging is prevented, but pressure control is required to prevent damage to intestinal tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the pressure within the evacuation conduit and adjusting the liquid spray velocity and flow rate accordingly. Pressure sensors detect conditions that may lead to tissue damage, and the control system automatically reduces spray intensity or activates pressure relief mechanisms, creating a closed-loop safety system that maintains high evacuation efficiency while preventing harm
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the liquid spray velocity and pressure adjustable and responsive to real-time conditions. The spray system can dynamically change its parameters based on the type and volume of fecal matter being evacuated, optimizing breakdown efficiency while automatically reducing pressure when tissue damage risk is detected, creating a flexible and adaptive safety mechanism
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
These systems effectively reduce the size of fecal matter to prevent clogging, enhance throughput, and protect intestinal tissues by controlling pressure and using mechanical power within the evacuation conduit, facilitating safer and more efficient cleaning of the lower GI tract.
Implementation Method 1
high-velocity liquid sprays, grinding, and turbulence to break down fecal matter into smaller pieces
Implementation Method 2
high-velocity liquid sprays, grinding, and turbulence to break down fecal matter into smaller pieces
Implementation Method 3
pressure control systems to prevent tissue damage and ensure efficient evacuation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.