Inflatable Intubation Partition Sphere for Compact Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intubation devices are bulky, not compact for storage, and not adapted for use in biological emergencies or evacuation vehicles, failing to protect airway management personnel from airborne contaminants and infectious diseases.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, inflatable, transparent, and flexible spherical compartment with integrated air filtration and access ports for medical devices, cuffs for sealing, and gloves for protection, allowing rapid deployment and isolation of patients during intubation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing intubation devices are used, then patient isolation can be achieved, but the devices are bulky and not compact for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible spherical compartment made of collapsible material that can be compressed to a compact form for storage and then inflated to provide full isolation coverage during use. The flexible nature allows the sphere to conform to patient contours while maintaining seal integrity, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and effective isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intubation device transitions from a static bulky structure to a dynamic inflatable sphere that changes volume based on operational needs. The collapsible design allows compression for storage, while inflation during use expands the isolation barrier to its full protective capacity, enabling both compact storage and reliable isolation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing intubation devices are used, then isolation can be provided, but they are not adapted for use in evacuation vehicles or biological emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical compartment is designed with universal applicability for multiple scenarios including evacuation vehicles and biological emergencies. The standardized interface with breathing apparatus and modular access ports allow the same device to serve diverse functions across different operational contexts, enhancing adaptability without sacrificing ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates separate modular components including a collapsible sphere, detachable access ports, and independent breathing apparatus interfaces. This segmentation allows the device to be configured for specific emergency scenarios while maintaining overall simplicity of deployment, as each module can be independently assembled and adjusted.
3Reliability
If a spherical compartment is inflated to provide isolation, then protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of a flexible spherical compartment simplifies the overall structure compared to rigid isolation devices. The thin-walled sphere requires fewer structural components while maintaining protective integrity, and its flexibility allows for simple inflation and deflation operations without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes pneumatic inflation to create the isolation barrier, replacing complex mechanical sealing systems with a simple air-pressure-based sphere. This pneumatic approach reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable protection, as the inflated sphere naturally conforms to the patient's body shape and maintains seal integrity through internal pressure.
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 effective isolation and protection for healthcare professionals from airborne contaminants and infectious diseases during intubation, ensuring rapid deployment and compact storage, while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, spherical compartment inflatable from a collapsible, folded state
Implementation Method 2
the cuff providing for closing of the flexible, spherical compartment about the torso to provide a barrier about the patient therein
Implementation Method 3
the at least one inlet port is a one-way airflow device to prevent a reverse flow of air from the inside volume. In another aspect, the at least one exit port is a one-way airflow device to prevent a reverse flow of air from the ambient environment
Implementation Method 4
the at least one inlet port and/or the at least one exit port further comprises at least one filter for filtering air being presented to the inside volume or air exiting therefrom, respectively
Implementation Method 5
the cuff comprises an adhesive or cohesive surface for adhering to the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable, isolating intubation device is described, the device comprising a flexible, spherical compartment inflatable from a collapsible state, the flexible, spherical compartment being substantially transparent and having a closed end and an open end distal from the closed end defining an inside volume for receiving a head, shoulders and a portion of a torso of a patient and methods of using.