Body Cavity Irrigation Controller Dial Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body cavity irrigation systems for transanal irrigation lack user independence and ease of use, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility, as they require manual operation and precise control of fluid flow for effective bowel evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A controller system with a dial-operated housing that communicates with an electromechanical pump and valves, allowing users to select stages of the irrigation procedure through a rotating dial, enabling hands-free or wrist-operated control, and incorporating wireless technology for enhanced usability and dexterity support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation and precise control of fluid flow are required, then the irrigation system can be operated with basic components, but user independence and ease of use deteriorate for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automated electromechanical pump and valve control that executes irrigation procedures without requiring manual fluid flow management. The controller autonomously manages pump activation, valve positioning, and fluid delivery timing, allowing users with limited dexterity to operate the system independently by simply selecting pre-programmed irrigation protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control of fluid flow is replaced with electromechanical pump and electronically controlled valve systems. The pump provides automated fluid delivery with precise flow rate control, while electrically actuated valves replace manual flow regulation, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate fluid dynamics and reducing the physical dexterity required for operation.
2Extent of automation
If electromechanical pump and valves are used to automate fluid flow control, then user independence improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by integrating pump control, valve actuation, timing management, and protocol execution into a single automated system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations into one coordinated device, improving automation while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pre-programmed irrigation protocols that define pump operation sequences, valve timing, and fluid delivery parameters in advance. These preliminary configurations allow the automated system to execute complex multi-step irrigation procedures without requiring real-time user intervention or complex on-the-fly decision logic, thereby achieving high automation with manageable control system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a dial with multiple positions is implemented for stage selection, then ease of operation improves for users with limited dexterity, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller interface employs a rotary dial with discrete positional stops arranged in a circular configuration. This curved, rotational interface is more ergonomic for users with limited dexterity compared to linear switches or buttons, as it allows operation through wrist rotation rather than fine finger movements. The circular geometry provides natural tactile feedback and clearly distinguishable positions, simplifying stage selection while maintaining an accessible control 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
The system improves user independence and ease of use by allowing users to manage the irrigation process with minimal physical effort, accommodating various dexterity levels and providing a wireless option for convenient operation, thus enhancing the effectiveness of transanal irrigation.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is in communication with an electromechanical pump that is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the catheter
Implementation Method 2
The controller is in communication with an electromechanical pump and at least one electromechanical valve that are in fluid communication with the reservoir and the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a body cavity irrigation system, where the system features a reservoir containing an irrigation liquid and a catheter, includes a housing with a dial attached to the housing and movable between positions corresponding to stages of a body cavity irrigation procedure. The controller is in communication with an electromechanical pump and at least one electromechanical valve that are in fluid communication with the reservoir and the catheter so that the electromechanical pump and at least one electromechanical valve are configured to perform a stage of the body cavity irrigation procedure corresponding to the selected dial position.