Portable Negative-Pressure Isolation Chamber with Disposable Access Ports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing negative-pressure medical and dental isolation devices are inadequate in preventing airborne transmission of diseases like COVID-19 and exposure to toxic substances, such as mercury, while also failing to facilitate rapid sanitation and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A portable, transparent negative-pressure isolation chamber with a clean air source using commercially available air purification devices, creating a negative-pressure environment with disposable diaphragmatic entry points and sleeved access for procedures, and an air filtration system to discharge clean air, protecting both patients and staff from airborne pathogens and toxic substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a negative-pressure isolation chamber is used to protect staff from airborne pathogens and toxic substances, then the safety of staff and patients is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from airborne pathogens and toxic substancesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation chamber is divided into modular components including the chamber structure, air purification system, negative pressure generation system, and access ports. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing the complexity burden on any single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air purification system serves multiple functions: filtering airborne pathogens, removing toxic substances like mercury vapor, and maintaining negative pressure within the chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If disposable components are used to enable rapid sanitation and turnover of operatories, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverapid turnover of operatoriesVSAvoiddisposable components consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Disposable components such as masks, gowns, and certain chamber liners are used to enable rapid sanitation between patients. These components are designed to be inexpensive and single-use, allowing quick replacement without extensive cleaning procedures, thus improving productivity while minimizing the economic impact of substance loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to efficiently discard contaminated disposable components while recovering and recycling reusable components such as the chamber structure, air purification system, and negative pressure generation system. This approach maximizes productivity by enabling rapid turnover while minimizing waste of valuable materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If a transparent chamber is used to allow visual monitoring of procedures, then the ease of operation is improved, but the quality of material may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmaterial quality requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber incorporates transparent or translucent materials that allow visual monitoring of procedures while maintaining the integrity of the isolation environment. The material selection balances transparency requirements with the need for chemical resistance and sealability, using materials that provide adequate visibility without compromising the overall quality and functionality of the chamber structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of airborne transmission and exposure to toxic substances, allowing for rapid turnover of operatories and maintaining a safer environment by using disposable components and efficient air filtration, thus addressing the limitations of prior devices.

Implementation Method 1

an outflow device that pulls air out of the chamber and into an air filtration/purification system that, in turn, discharges clean air into the environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

creating and maintaining a negative-pressure environment inside the chamber device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12090092B2Portable negative-pressure medical and dental isolation chamber and procedures of use

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 WILLIAMS JERRY K

AI summary

A portable negative air pressure apparatus for isolating a treatment subject to permit a selected treatment procedure to be performed by a treatment operator. The apparatus comprises an air source connected to a closed chamber for sealable disposition over the head, neck and upper thorax of the treatment subject with the chamber having air ports, in and out. The chamber has rigid clear sides and a plurality of sealed ports, with the ports including sealed armholes for access, and with sealed gloves connected to the sealed armholes. The chamber also has at least one instrument hatch to permit introduction into the chamber of instruments for carrying-out the selected treatment procedure.