Multi-chamber liquid collection system with overflow drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid waste collection systems in healthcare facilities are labor-intensive and pose a risk to medical personnel due to frequent disposal processes, lacking adequate information on the content and amount of liquid collected during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber liquid collection system with a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber, where the second chamber has a smaller volume, an inlet port, and an overflow mechanism, allowing selective drainage into the first chamber, providing transparent and graduated measurements for volume assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large reusable container is used to reduce disposal frequency, then labor efficiency improves, but the ability to provide information about liquid content and amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into multiple separable chambers (first chamber for waste collection, second chamber for measurement and observation). This segmentation allows the second chamber to provide visual assessment of liquid content while the first chamber accumulates waste over multiple procedures, resolving the contradiction between reduced disposal frequency and maintained information availability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent disposal processes are performed to maintain safety, then exposure risk to hazardous waste is reduced, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the collection function (first chamber) from the measurement/observation function (second chamber). The second chamber can be removed and disposed of frequently without requiring disposal of the entire collection system, while the first chamber retains accumulated waste for extended periods. This allows safety maintenance through frequent small disposals without the time cost of frequent complete system disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The second chamber acts as an intermediary that provides a clean interface for liquid collection and measurement. It can be easily removed, disposed of, or cleaned without affecting the first chamber that holds the bulk waste, thereby reducing the time and labor required for disposal operations while maintaining safety.
3Measurement precision
If multiple chambers are used to provide measurement information, then the ability to assess liquid volume and content improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple chambers with distinct functions: the first chamber for waste accumulation and the second chamber for measurement and observation. Each chamber is relatively simple in structure, but together they provide comprehensive measurement capabilities. The segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function without unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second chamber serves multiple functions: it collects liquid from the surgical field, provides visual assessment of liquid content and volume through transparent walls and graduations, and can be easily removed for disposal or cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system 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
Reduces the frequency of disposal processes, enhances safety by minimizing exposure to hazardous waste, and allows for accurate visualization and measurement of collected liquids, improving labor efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source configured to generate a negative pressure in the second chamber to draw liquid into the second chamber from the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
the first chamber may be configured to drain liquid into the second chamber when the second chamber is full
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.