Integrated Manual Controller and Pump for Transanal Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transanal irrigation (TAI) systems face issues with water wastage due to the return of water from the deflated balloon into the rectum rather than the reservoir and require separate squeeze bulbs for pumping, which can be awkward and result in inadequate pressure.
Innovation Solution
An integrated controller and pump device with a valve mechanism that allows selective fluid communication between the reservoir, catheter flushing port, and retention balloon, and includes a pumping handle and piston mechanism to efficiently manage fluid flow, preventing water from returning to the reservoir and integrating the pumping action for improved ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water from the deflated balloon is directed into the rectum, then the catheter can be deflated and removed, but water is wasted and the patient receives unnecessary fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water return pathway from the rectum and redirects it to the reservoir. The valve mechanism separates the balloon deflation function from the irrigation function, allowing water to be diverted away from the rectum and back to the reservoir during balloon deflation, thus preventing water wastage while maintaining ease of catheter removal
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism acts as an intermediary that controls the flow path of water during balloon deflation. It mediates between the balloon, the rectum, and the reservoir, directing water flow to the appropriate destination based on the operational phase, thereby preventing direct communication between the deflating balloon and the rectum
2Device complexity
If a separate squeeze bulb is used for pumping, then the device structure can be simplified, but the user must hold and squeeze the bulb in addition to the controller, resulting in awkward operation and inadequate pumping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pumping function with the controller by integrating a piston mechanism directly into the controller housing. This combination eliminates the need for a separate squeeze bulb, reducing the number of components the user must handle while maintaining or improving pumping effectiveness through the integrated mechanical advantage of the piston system
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the control mechanism for the valve and the pumping mechanism for fluid delivery. The integrated piston pump within the controller provides pumping action without requiring separate manual manipulation, making the device more versatile and easier to operate
3Device complexity
If a separate squeeze bulb is used for pumping, then the device structure can be simplified, but inadequate pumping pressure is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pumping function with the controller by integrating a piston mechanism directly in the controller housing. This combination eliminates the need for a separate squeeze bulb, reducing the number of components the user must handle while maintaining or improving pumping effectiveness through the integrated mechanical advantage of the piston system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical squeeze bulb system with a piston-based pumping mechanism. This substitution provides more efficient pressure generation through the mechanical advantage of the piston and valve system, delivering adequate pumping pressure without the limitations of manual bulb squeezing
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 prevents unnecessary water wastage and provides a more efficient and user-friendly TAI process by ensuring water from the deflated balloon returns to the reservoir and allows for consistent and effective pumping pressure, enhancing independence and dexterity for users.
Implementation Method 1
a pump mechanism positioned within the device housing
Implementation Method 2
A valve member is rotatably positioned within the valve housing. The valve member includes a valve aperture in fluid communication with the inlet port that may be selectively placed in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlet ports
Implementation Method 3
allows for consistent and effective pumping pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for irrigating a body cavity using irrigation liquid from a reservoir and a catheter having a flushing port and a retention balloon includes a pump mechanism and a valve mechanism positioned within the device housing. The valve mechanism features a housing having an inlet port in fluid communication with the pump mechanism and configured to be placed in fluid communication with the reservoir. The valve housing also has a number of outlet ports, with at least one configured to be placed in fluid communication with the flushing port of the catheter and at least one configured to be placed in fluid communication with the retention balloon of the catheter. A valve member is rotatably positioned within the valve housing and includes a valve aperture in fluid communication with the inlet port. The valve member may be selectively and individually aligned with each of the outlet ports.