Continuous Fluid Irrigation Assembly Automatic Bag Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gravity-fed irrigation systems in surgical settings require frequent manual monitoring and replacement of irrigation bags, leading to potential interruptions in fluid flow and pressure, which is time-consuming and diverts nursing staff attention from other critical duties.
Innovation Solution
A continuous fluid irrigation assembly with sensors to monitor fluid volume and automatically switch between irrigation bags, using a switching device communicatively coupled with bag sensors to maintain continuous flow without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual monitoring and replacement of irrigation bags is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to frequent nursing intervention and potential flow interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system automatically monitors fluid volume in bags using sensors and switches between bags without human intervention. The system serves itself by detecting when a bag is empty and autonomously redirecting flow to a replacement bag, eliminating the need for nurses to manually monitor and replace bags.
Solution Approach 2:
Bag sensors continuously monitor fluid volume and provide feedback signals to the control system. When the sensor detects that a bag is empty, it triggers the switching mechanism to redirect flow to a replacement bag, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains continuous irrigation.
2Extent of automation
If nurses manually monitor irrigation bags every few minutes, then automation level is reduced, but loss of time increases due to diversion from other critical duties
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of nurses visually inspecting and physically replacing bags is replaced with an automated system using electronic sensors, signal transmission, and motorized or valve-based switching mechanisms that autonomously manage bag replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Bag sensors act as intermediaries between the irrigation bags and the control system. These sensors detect fluid volume and transmit signals to the switching device, serving as a mediator that enables automatic detection and response without human intervention.
3Reliability
If gravity-fed irrigation system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to abrupt pressure loss when bags become empty
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting fluid volume changes before the bag becomes completely empty. The sensor triggers the switching mechanism in advance, ensuring continuous pressure maintenance by redirecting flow to a replacement bag before pressure loss occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic switching system provides a cushion against pressure loss by having replacement bags ready and switching to them before the current bag is fully depleted. This preventive approach ensures continuous irrigation pressure without abrupt interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuous fluid irrigation comprising generating a first and a second output signal based on a volume of fluid within a first irrigation bag and a volume of fluid within a second irrigation bag; and moving a first switching device from a first position to a second position based on at least one of the first or the second output signal, wherein in the first position, free flow is allowed through the first irrigation tubing, and in the second position, free flow is allowed through the second irrigation tubing.