Irrigation Spike Interface With Sealed Venting and Safer Container Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems for surgical sites and procedures lack versatility, safety, and efficiency, particularly in connecting non-lavage solution containers with lavage systems, and there is a risk of contamination and user injury from exposed spike interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An interface apparatus with a spike interface that pierces the solution container, providing fluid communication and a vent path, and includes engagement threads for secure connection, along with safety features like tactile feedback and protective seals to ensure reliable and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spike interface is used to connect solution containers with lavage systems, then fluid communication is established, but the risk of contamination and user injury from exposed spikes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface apparatus nests multiple functional components within a single integrated device: the receiving portion accepts the container, the spike interface pierces the container membrane, the fluid path connects to the lavage system, and the protective seal covers the spike. This nested structure allows the spike to be both exposed for piercing function and protected by the seal, resolving the contradiction between establishing fluid communication and preventing contamination/injury
Solution Approach 2:
The interface apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the non-lavage solution container and the lavage system. It provides the piercing function through the spike interface while simultaneously offering protection through the protective seal, and ensures proper connection through engagement threads. This intermediary role allows the system to benefit from container versatility while mitigating the harmful effects of exposed spikes
2Reliability
If engagement threads are used to secure the container connection, then connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement threads serve multiple functions simultaneously: they mechanically secure the interface apparatus to the container, provide tactile feedback during engagement, and guide the alignment of the spike interface with the container membrane. By combining these functions into a single threaded connection mechanism, the design achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system, method, and interface apparatus. The interface apparatus includes a receiving portion configured to provide a sealed connection with a container interface of a solution container, wherein the receiving portion further comprises a spike interface therein. The spike interface includes a first fluid path for providing fluid communication between the solution container and the irrigation apparatus via the interface apparatus.