Multi-Inlet Suction Apparatus for Uniform Fluid Removal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for removing excess fluid from medical procedure sites, such as operating room floors, are inefficient in fluid flow and distribution of suction, leading to incomplete fluid removal and potential pooling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer apparatus with inlets, surface features, and a pattern defining suction paths from inlets to an outlet, coupled to a suction source, which includes a cover layer to distribute fluid and dissolvable barriers to enhance fluid flow and suction distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple suction apparatus is used, then the device complexity is low, but the fluid flow distribution is poor and suction is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The suction apparatus is divided into multiple inlets distributed across the surface, with each inlet connected to the outlet through defined suction paths. This segmentation allows fluid to be drawn in at multiple locations simultaneously, improving overall fluid flow distribution and suction uniformity without requiring a overly complex centralized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates a pattern that defines specific suction paths from each inlet to the outlet, creating locally optimized flow channels. This ensures that each region of the apparatus has appropriate suction characteristics tailored to local fluid accumulation patterns, improving ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple inlets are added to improve fluid distribution, then the suction coverage increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inlets are merged into a single outlet through defined suction paths within the apparatus body. This combining approach allows the system to benefit from multiple fluid entry points for improved productivity while consolidating the exit path, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern-defined suction paths serve multiple functions: they guide fluid flow from each inlet, distribute suction force uniformly, and connect all inlets to the single outlet. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to achieve high fluid removal efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If suction paths are defined with a pattern, then the suction distribution becomes uniform, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern that defines suction paths is integrated into the apparatus structure itself, allowing the apparatus to self-define its flow paths without requiring separate complex manufacturing steps. The pattern emerges from the basic structural elements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise suction path definition.
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
Improves fluid flow and suction distribution across the apparatus, ensuring effective removal of excess fluid from medical procedure sites, reducing pooling and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an outlet configured to be coupled to a suction source configured to apply suction between the first layer and the second layer
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a surfactant that reduces surface tension of fluid
Implementation Method 3
each dissolvable barrier of the plurality of dissolvable barriers is configured to dissolve when contacted by liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a first layer that includes a plurality of inlets and a surface feature; a second layer, where the surface feature opposes the second layer; an outlet, and a pattern defined on at least one of the first layer and the second layer, where the pattern defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet.