Laminar Air Flow Suction Device for Medical Instrument Tray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing room air purification devices are ineffective in removing aerosols, vapors, smoke, or other atmosphere contaminants directly adjacent to a patient or procedure area, as these contaminants disperse at high velocities beyond the capabilities of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument tray and medical evacuation system equipped with a laminar air flow suction device, which includes a first opening connected to a medical vacuum hose and a second opening with a wider width to create a laminar flow, effectively capturing gases and debris from the procedure area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If room air purification devices are used to remove contaminants, then general air circulation is improved, but aerosols and vapors disperse at high velocities that exceed the devices' capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device transitions from general room air circulation to localized procedure area evacuation by positioning a wide second opening directly adjacent to the procedure site, creating a targeted extraction path that operates independently of overall room air flow patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a non-uniform opening structure with a wide second opening (wider than the first opening) positioned at the procedure area interface, creating localized high-velocity suction exactly where contaminants are generated, while the narrower first opening connects to the vacuum hose for efficient transport
2Productivity
If the suction device opening is made wider to capture more contaminants, then evacuation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument tray and suction device are merged into a single integrated unit, with the tray serving both as a support surface for medical instruments and as the housing structure for the suction device, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument tray is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting medical instruments during procedures, housing the suction device, and facilitating contaminant evacuation, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed in the system
3Reliability
If the suction device is positioned closer to the procedure area, then contaminant capture is improved, but the instrument tray stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is integrated into the instrument tray structure itself rather than being a separate mounted component, ensuring that proximity to the procedure area does not compromise tray stability as the two functions share a common stable base
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 significantly reduces the spread of airborne bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants by efficiently evacuating gases and debris from the procedure area, enhancing patient and healthcare provider safety.
Implementation Method 1
the second opening width being wider than the first causes a laminar flow of air so that the laminar air flow suction device better captures the gases and debris from the procedure area
Implementation Method 2
A medical instrument tray constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is operable to support medical instruments and connect to a medical vacuum hose
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument tray for supporting medical instruments and connecting to a medical vacuum hose and evacuating gases and debris from a procedure area to reduce spread of airborne bacteria, viruses, or other contaminates comprises an upper surface and a laminar air flow suction device. The upper surface supports the medical instruments. The laminar air flow suction device extends below the upper surface and comprises a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to connect to the medical vacuum hose and has a first opening width. The second opening has a second opening width that is wider than the first opening width.