Liquid Collection System With Dissolvable Duct Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid collection systems in medical settings face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent container changes, interruptions in suction processes, and complex valve configurations prone to malfunctions, which can lead to prolonged surgeries and hygienic issues.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a main collecting chamber and an auxiliary chamber connected via a fluid-communicating duct, where a water-soluble closing component automatically opens upon liquid contact, allowing flexible volume expansion without interrupting suction and eliminating the need for complex valve mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If collecting containers of different sizes are available to estimate body fluid quantity in advance, then the initial collection capacity is improved, but the need for container replacement increases when estimation is incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollecting container volumeVSAvoidsurgery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting container is divided into a main collecting chamber and an auxiliary collecting chamber that can be connected via a duct. This segmentation allows the system to start with a smaller main chamber and expand to the auxiliary chamber when needed, avoiding the need to choose a large container that would remain underutilized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static single-chamber design to a dynamic multi-chamber design where the auxiliary chamber can be connected or disconnected from the main chamber. This dynamic configuration allows the collection capacity to adapt to the actual body fluid quantity during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a plurality of collecting containers are connected in series or parallel with valves and floats, then the collection volume flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and susceptibility to malfunction increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection volume flexibilityVSAvoidvalve and float configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the complex valve and float mechanisms from the system. Instead of using mechanical control elements, the patent employs a simple duct connection between chambers that allows automatic fluid transfer based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical valve and float control system is replaced with a passive fluid communication system. The duct connecting the main and auxiliary chambers allows automatic fluid transfer driven by pressure differential, substituting complex mechanical control with simple fluid dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If collecting containers are equipped with valves controlled by floats to indicate filling level, then the automatic container switching capability is improved, but the reliability of the system deteriorates due to potential float sticking or valve control errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic container switchingVSAvoidfloat and valve operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the float and valve control mechanisms from the system. Instead of using mechanical control elements that can stick or fail, the patent employs a simple duct connection between chambers that allows automatic fluid transfer based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the body fluid itself and the pressure differential to automatically control the transfer of fluid between chambers. The fluid's own pressure drives the opening of the closing component and the transfer to the auxiliary chamber, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If full collecting containers are replaced with empty collecting containers during surgery, then the hygienic collection capability is maintained, but the suction process is interrupted and surgery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygienic collectionVSAvoidsuction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The main collecting chamber and auxiliary collecting chamber are merged into a single integrated system connected by a duct. When the main chamber fills up, the auxiliary chamber automatically becomes accessible, providing continuous collection capacity without requiring container replacement or interrupting the suction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary collecting chamber is prepared in advance as a standby reservoir. When the main chamber reaches its capacity, the system automatically switches to the pre-prepared auxiliary chamber, eliminating the need for external intervention or container replacement during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

5Loss of time

If an excessively large collecting container is selected to avoid frequent replacements, then the number of container changes is reduced, but the work process efficiency deteriorates due to unused capacity and hygienic constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer replacement frequencyVSAvoidwork process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the effective collection volume parameter dynamically by connecting or disconnecting the auxiliary chamber from the main chamber. This allows the collection capacity to match the actual needs during surgery, avoiding the inefficiency of having a permanently large container that cannot be used for multiple surgeries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

Enables rapid, hygienic, and efficient liquid collection with minimal interruption, reducing surgery time and costs by allowing flexible volume adjustment and simplifying the system's design and manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a water-soluble closing component closes the duct... The water-soluble closing component dissolves on contact with liquid and releases the duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentUS10709823B2System and device for collecting liquids

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 DRAGERWERK AG

AI summary

A system (1) for collecting liquid, including a main collecting chamber (10), a main duct section (11, 12, 13) connected to the main collecting chamber (10) in a fluid-communicating manner, and an auxiliary collecting chamber (20, 30, 40). The system (1) has an auxiliary duct section (21, 38, 39) connected to the auxiliary collecting chamber (20, 30, 40) in a fluid-communicating manner for connection to the main duct section (11, 12, 13). The main duct section (11, 12, 13) and the auxiliary duct section (21, 38, 39) form a duct (35, 36, 37) when the main duct section is connected to the auxiliary duct section. A water-soluble closing component (14, 15, 16) closes the duct (35, 36, 37). A hygienic collecting device for liquid, which has a short evacuation time and a flexible collection volume, is provided with the system (1).