Manifold With Flow Diverter For Medical Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical/surgical waste collection systems face challenges with clogging due to semisolid and solid waste entrained in liquid waste, leading to a drop in suction and potential interruption of surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A manifold with a housing, filter element, and material collection volume is designed to reduce the amount of semisolid and solid waste encountering the filter element, featuring a porous basket, snorkel, and flow diverter to maintain suction and extend the system's operating life by collecting waste before it clogs the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter element is used to trap semisolid and solid waste, then waste collection effectiveness is improved, but the filter element clogs over time causing suction loss
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into separate functional zones: a first portion for receiving fluid and a second portion for collecting semisolid and solid waste. This segmentation allows the waste collection function to be isolated from the fluid flow path, preventing waste from clogging the filter element while maintaining effective waste collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component between the suction source and the waste collection container. It includes a flow distribution system that directs fluid flow away from the filter element and toward the waste collection portion, serving as a mediator that protects the filter from clogging while maintaining system functionality.
2Productivity
If suction is applied to draw waste through tubing, then waste removal efficiency is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to clogging from semisolid and solid waste
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the manifold are designed with different flow characteristics. The first portion is optimized for fluid flow with larger open channels, while the second portion is designed to collect and retain semisolid and solid waste. This local differentiation of flow properties allows efficient waste removal while preventing clogging in the fluid path.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold introduces a spatial dimension for waste separation by creating distinct zones: one for fluid flow and another for waste accumulation. This dimensional organization allows the system to handle both liquid and semisolid waste simultaneously without the waste interfering with the fluid flow path or causing clogging.
3Reliability
If the manifold is designed with intricate subcomponents for waste separation, then waste collection capability is improved, but sterilization and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a disposable single-use component. This eliminates the need for sterilization of intricate subcomponents and simplifies handling procedures. The manifold is discarded after a single surgical procedure, avoiding the complexity of sterilization while maintaining effective waste collection capability through its simple yet functional design.
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 manifold effectively reduces clogging, maintaining suction and extending its operational life by collecting waste in a material collection volume before it reaches the filter element, thus minimizing interruptions during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The filter element includes porous features within the basket. The porous features are adapted to trap material entrained within the fluid as the fluid is drawn through the fluid communication path.
Implementation Method 2
A suction line for drawing fluid into the manifold volume is received by the fitting.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. An outlet opening and a fitting are in fluid communication with a manifold volume within a housing. The fitting receives a suction line. A filter element with porous features is disposed within the housing such that a fluid communication path is established across the filter element. The porous features trap material entrained within the fluid. A material collection volume is at least partially distal to and below a bottom of the filter element. As the fluid and the material is drawn through the fluid communication path, the material collects within the material collection volume. A flow diverter may be positioned within the housing for directing the material towards the material collection volume. The material collection volume may be at least partially defined by a tissue trap removably coupled to the housing.