Handheld Irrigation Suction Tool with Compressible Bulb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical irrigation tools are inefficient and require frequent switching between irrigation and suction tools, leading to discontinuous irrigation flow and increased surgical time.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, hand-operated irrigation tool that integrates aspiration capabilities, allowing continuous irrigation flow and suction control using the same hand, featuring a compressible chamber with a flow-modulating valve that adjusts fluid flow based on hand grip displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate irrigation and suction tools are used during surgery, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the surgeon must switch between tools which increases surgical time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines irrigation and suction functions into a single hand-held tool. The device includes an irrigation reservoir with a squeezable bulb for fluid delivery and a Yankauer sucker component for suction, both integrated into one handle that can be operated with a single hand, eliminating the need to switch between separate irrigation and suction tools during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The single tool performs multiple functions: it can deliver irrigation fluid through the squeezable bulb mechanism, provide suction through the Yankauer sucker component, and both functions can be controlled independently with one hand. This multi-functional design allows the surgeon to perform irrigation and suction tasks without putting down or switching tools
2Ease of operation
If a bulb syringe is used for irrigation, then irrigation fluid can be delivered to the tissue site, but the process requires repeated compression and recharging which is time-consuming and interrupts continuous flow
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation reservoir is pre-charged with a sufficient volume of irrigation fluid (typically 30-60 mL) before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary filling allows the surgeon to perform multiple irrigation actions without needing to recharge the bulb during the procedure, maintaining continuous availability of irrigation fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The larger pre-charged reservoir maintains continuous irrigation capability throughout the surgical procedure. The design allows uninterrupted irrigation flow for the duration of the surgery without requiring the surgeon to stop and recharge the bulb, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the procedure
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hand-held irrigation tool is designed with integrated suction capability, then tool switching is eliminated, but the device complexity increases compared to simple separate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tool is divided into distinct functional segments: an irrigation reservoir with squeezable bulb mechanism, a Yankauer sucker component with separate control, and a handle that houses both functions. Each segment can be independently operated, and the modular segmentation allows complex functionality to be managed through simple, separate control mechanisms for each function
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
Enables continuous and adjustable irrigation flow, reducing the need for tool switching and minimizing surgical time by allowing simultaneous control of irrigation and suction with a single hand.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible chamber having a flexible sidewall... When the handgrip is displaced, the sidewall of the compressible chamber deforms causing a valve seat provided by the inner surface of the sidewall against which the open ended valve body seats to be displaced away from the open ended valve body thereby opening the valve
Implementation Method 2
The fluid coupling includes a tube having an open end defining an open ended valve body that seats against an inner surface of the sidewall adjacent the discharge end of the compressible chamber within the irrigation fluid reservoir of chamber when the valve is closed
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation tool that includes a handle configured for grasping by a hand of a user of the tool having a handgrip displaceable using the hand in a manner that selectively controls the rate of flow of irrigation fluid discharged from the tool. The handgrip includes a compressible chamber mounted to the handle via at least one fluid coupling with the chamber compressible by manually squeezing the handgrip to discharge irrigation fluid. The chamber can be provided by a bulb in operable cooperation with a fluid coupling that provides an irrigation fluid flow-modulating control valve arrangement responsive to the magnitude and rate of applied squeezing force. The tool can include an aspirator having a suction passage integrally formed in the handle with a suction control valve operable using the same hand used to control irrigation fluid flow producing a hand-held hand operated combination irrigation and suction tool.