Motorized Irrigation System Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems for self-administration, particularly for rectal irrigation, face challenges in precision control of flow rate, safety, and cost-effectiveness, especially for users with reduced dexterity and those requiring portability.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation system with a reservoir, probe, and tubing connected by an electrical pump for indirect pumping, featuring a controllable electrically operable valve and flow sensor to adjust flow rates precisely, along with a controller to maintain desired output flow rates, and a control unit with user-friendly interface and safety features like dead man's handle functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indirect pumping is used to simplify operation and reduce cost, then ease of operation and manufacturing cost are improved, but flow rate precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a flow sensor continuously measures the actual flow rate and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the pump's operation based on the difference between desired and actual flow rates, enabling precise flow control despite using simple indirect pumping mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical flow control mechanisms with an electronically controlled system. The electric pump's speed and the valve's position are controlled electronically based on feedback from the flow sensor, substituting complex mechanical precision mechanisms with electronic control that achieves similar or better precision.
2Device complexity
If indirect pumping is used to reduce system complexity and cost, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but flow rate control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors actual flow rate and adjusts pump/valve operation to maintain desired flow precision, eliminating the need for complex mechanical precision mechanisms in the pumping system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single electric pump for both irrigation liquid delivery and balloon inflation, and a single valve for flow regulation in multiple pathways. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining control precision through electronic regulation.
3Productivity
If flow rate is increased to improve irrigation effectiveness, then productivity is improved, but safety and user comfort deteriorate due to unintended use and excessive flow
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system prevents excessive flow by continuously monitoring actual flow rate and reducing pump/valve operation when the desired flow rate is approached or exceeded, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining efficient irrigation when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing flow limits and safety interlocks that prevent unintended high-flow operation before harmful effects can occur. The dead man's handle requirement ensures intentional activation, and flow sensors prevent exceeding safe flow rates.
4Measurement precision
If complex control systems are implemented to achieve precise flow control, then flow rate precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relatively simple feedback loop with a flow sensor, controller, and actuator to achieve precise flow control. This electronic feedback system is less complex than mechanical precision flow control mechanisms while achieving comparable or superior precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical precision mechanisms with electronic control systems. The electric pump with electronic speed control and electrically operated valve provide precise flow regulation through electronic means rather than mechanical complexity.
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 provides precise and stable flow rate control, increased safety, and cost-efficiency, enabling easy and convenient self-administration, even for users with reduced dexterity, while being portable and durable.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical pump for indirectly pumping irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe through said tubing
Implementation Method 2
an electrically operable valve operable to continuously control the degree of openness of said tubing between a fully closed state and a fully opened state
Implementation Method 3
a flow sensor to measure an actual flow rate of the irrigation liquid in the probe
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are irrigation systems and methods, which can be used for rectal/anal irrigation. One example system includes a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a probe for arrangement in a user, tubing providing fluid communication between the reservoir and probe, and an electrical pump for indirectly pumping irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe through said tubing. The electrical pump is controllable to assume a plurality of predetermined flow rates. The system includes an electrically operable valve to continuously control a degree of openness of the tubing, a flow sensor to measure an actual flow rate of the irrigation liquid in the probe, and a controller to obtain a desired flow rate, and control the flow rate of the electric pump to one of the plurality of flow rates exceeding the desired flow rate, and to continuously regulate the electrically operable valve based on the measured actual flow rate.