Handheld Irrigation Tool with Squeeze Bulb Surge Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical and dental tools that combine suction and irrigation functions are often complex, expensive, and ergonomically unsuitable, making them difficult to adopt as they deviate from established Yankauer suckers and syringe/bulb irrigators, which medical professionals are accustomed to.
Innovation Solution
A handheld irrigation tool with a manipulable grip that provides selective fluid flow control through a flow controller, enabling surge, baseline, and obstructed flow rates, incorporating a surge pump and pinch valve for precise control, and automatic return to baseline flow, designed for one-handed operation with integrated suction and irrigation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single tool combines suction and irrigation functions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges suction and irrigation functions into a single handheld tool by integrating a squeeze bulb reservoir, flow controller, and suction mechanism into one unified device. The handle assembly combines irrigation fluid delivery components with suction capabilities, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously or independently through a single tool rather than requiring separate Yankauer sucker and syringe/bulb irrigator devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform both irrigation and suction operations. The flow controller enables selective activation of irrigation flow at different rates (surge, baseline, obstructed), while the integrated suction system allows for simultaneous or independent suction operations. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools in medical and dental procedures.
2Ease of operation
If flow control positions are increased for precise irrigation control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller is designed with multiple discrete positions (surge flow, baseline flow, obstructed flow) that allow dynamic adjustment of irrigation fluid delivery. The controller can be manually positioned to select different flow rates, providing precise control over fluid delivery. The squeeze bulb mechanism dynamically responds to user pressure, enabling intuitive control of flow rate based on the force applied during squeezing.
3Ease of operation
If automatic return to baseline flow is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller incorporates an automatic return mechanism that self-adjusts the flow rate back to baseline position after surge flow is activated. When the user releases the squeeze bulb, the controller automatically returns to the baseline flow position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature reduces the operational steps needed and maintains readiness for the next irrigation cycle.
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 tool allows for precise control of irrigation fluid flow, enabling a wide range of flow rates from surge to cessation, facilitating efficient and ergonomic use in medical and dental applications while maintaining compatibility with existing tools.
Implementation Method 1
an irrigation fluid surge pump actuated by the flow controller when the flow controller is disposed in a surge fluid pump actuating position
Implementation Method 2
an irrigation fluid flow obstructing valve actuated by the flow controller when the flow controller is disposed in an irrigation fluid flow obstructing position
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation fluid dispensing tool well suited for use in a combination suction and irrigation tool has a frame carrying a surge flow pump formed of a flow controller of a manipulable handgrip of the tool handle, compressible irrigation fluid reservoir, and frame where the flow controller preferably is formed of a handle lever of the handgrip that is displaceable, preferably pivotable, between one or more of a surge flow actuation position, flow obstructing actuation position, and flow initiating position. The lever actuates a valve, preferably a pinch valve, when displaced toward the flow obstructing actuation position. The lever actuates the surge pump by compressing the reservoir, preferably squeeze bulb, against the frame when the handgrip is squeezed. The lever can be assembled to the frame in a protective shipping and storage position and is movable to a tool operating position providing irrigation fluid flow control during tool operation.