Medical Fluid Filter Liquid Trap Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid filtration systems face challenges in effectively separating liquids from gases during surgical procedures, particularly in preventing liquid from reaching the filter media and maintaining filter efficiency over time, especially in environments with varying pressure and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluid filter system with a liquid trap chamber and filter media chamber configuration that utilizes inertial or centrifugal forces to separate liquids, incorporating a sliding valve and moisture indicator, and featuring pleated filter media and antimicrobial substances to prevent moisture and fluid from reaching the filter media, while allowing for connection to wall suction units and use in laparoscopic surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a liquid trap chamber is added to prevent liquid from reaching filter media, then filter media life is prolonged, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration device is divided into distinct functional chambers: a liquid trap chamber and a filter media chamber. This segmentation allows liquid to be trapped and separated from the gas stream before reaching the filter media, thereby protecting the filter media and extending its operational life without requiring a complete redesign of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid trap chamber acts as an intermediary component between the inlet and the filter media. It intercepts and retains liquid from the fluid stream, preventing direct contact between liquid and the filter media, thus serving as a protective mediator that extends filter media life.
2Reliability
If a liquid trap chamber with central outlet port is used to separate liquid from gas, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid trap outlet port is positioned at the center of the liquid trap chamber, creating a symmetric flow pattern. This central positioning allows gas to flow equally in all directions toward the outlet while liquid, being heavier, settles at the periphery and is prevented from entering the outlet, thereby improving separation efficiency through symmetric flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid trap chamber are assigned different functions: the peripheral region is designed to collect and retain liquid, while the central region with the outlet port is designed for gas flow. This local differentiation of functional qualities enables effective liquid-gas separation without requiring complex additional components.
3Reliability
If filter media is protected from liquid exposure, then filter efficiency is maintained over time, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a liquid trap chamber and a filter media chamber separated by a common wall. This segmentation physically isolates the filter media from liquid exposure, allowing the filter media to maintain its efficiency over time by processing only gas that has already been partially separated from liquid in the trap chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid trap chamber performs preliminary liquid removal from the fluid stream before the gas enters the filter media chamber. This preliminary action reduces the liquid burden on the filter media, allowing it to focus on filtration and maintain higher efficiency over extended periods.
4Reliability
If the liquid trap outlet port is positioned centrally in the chamber, then liquid flow is inhibited while gas flow is allowed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centrally positioned outlet port creates a radially symmetric flow field in the liquid trap chamber. This symmetry ensures that gas flows equally from all directions toward the central outlet, while liquid, being denser, naturally settles at the periphery. The equipotential flow pattern reduces sensitivity to minor manufacturing variations in port positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet port is specifically positioned in the central region of the liquid trap chamber, creating a local quality difference between the central gas flow path and the peripheral liquid collection zone. This localized functional differentiation enables effective flow control while the central positioning provides a clear manufacturing target that can be achieved with standard tolerances.
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 effectively separates liquids from gases, prolongs filter media life by preventing moisture and fluid exposure, and allows for versatile use across different surgical conditions and flow rates, enhancing usability and maintaining filter efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The system may be configured and arranged to use an inertial force caused by a circular flow path to separate liquid from the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The system may be configured and arranged to use an inertial force caused by a circular flow path to separate liquid from the fluid
Implementation Method 3
the liquid trap outlet port configured and arranged within the liquid trap chamber to inhibit flow of liquid from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber and configured and arranged to allow gas to flow from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A medical fluid filter system is provided comprising a housing having: a liquid trap chamber having a volume; a filter media chamber; a filter media arranged within the filter media chamber; the liquid trap chamber having a liquid trap outlet port in fluid communication with the filter media chamber; the liquid trap outlet port configured and arranged within the liquid trap chamber to inhibit flow of liquid from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber and configured and arranged to allow gas to flow from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber; a filter system inlet passing through the housing for intake of fluid originating from a surgical site; and a filter system outlet passing through the housing for fluid exhaust.