Multilayer Liquid Collector for Quiet Spill Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid collection systems in surgical environments are inefficient due to noise from suction tubes, ineffective liquid containment, and inability to be placed in work areas without spreading liquid when stepped on, leading to mobility issues and incomplete spillage collection.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered liquid collector with a vacuum tube and capillary absorption layers, where the first and third layers absorb liquid and distribute it uniformly, and a non-woven fifth layer prevents splashing and facilitates easy disposal, while the second layer maintains a uniform vacuum for efficient liquid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a suction tube is used to evacuate liquid, then liquid collection is achieved, but noise is generated from air absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first layer with openings for liquid intake, a second layer with a vacuum tube for evacuation, and a third layer with additional openings. This segmentation allows the suction function to be distributed across multiple components, improving liquid collection efficiency while managing noise through the structured arrangement of vacuum application points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are assigned specific local functions: the first and third layers are designed with openings optimized for liquid absorption from specific areas, the second layer contains the vacuum tube positioned for effective evacuation, and a fourth layer with capillary absorption material is added for uniform distribution. This local differentiation optimizes each zone for its specific task, enhancing overall collection efficiency while controlling noise through strategic vacuum application.
2Quantity of substance
If a flat absorbent structure is used, then liquid absorption is achieved, but the structure cannot be placed in work areas without spreading liquid when stepped on
Solution Approach 1:
The collector employs a multi-layered flexible membrane structure where the first, second, and third layers form a sealed configuration. This flexible shell design contains the absorbed liquid internally, preventing it from spreading when pressure is applied by footsteps. The thin film nature of the layers allows the structure to be lightweight and mobile while maintaining containment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector features a nested multi-layered structure where the first layer with openings is positioned within or adjacent to the second layer containing the vacuum tube, which is in turn associated with the third layer with additional openings. This nested arrangement creates internal containment zones that trap liquid within the layered structure, preventing external spreading while allowing the entire assembly to remain mobile and placeable in work areas.
3Quantity of substance
If absorbent material is used to collect liquid, then liquid absorption is improved, but the collector becomes too heavy to throw away easily
Solution Approach 1:
The collector utilizes porous materials with controlled absorption characteristics in the first and third layers, allowing liquid to be absorbed and held in the porous structure. The fourth layer incorporates capillary absorption material that draws liquid through capillary action. These porous structures provide high absorption capacity relative to their low mass, enabling effective liquid collection without significant weight increase that would hinder disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layered collector is designed as a disposable unit where the entire assembled structure, including all absorbent layers, can be easily discarded after use. The design prioritizes ease of disposal over reusability, allowing the collector to be used once and then conveniently thrown away without requiring complex cleaning or material recovery processes, thus avoiding the weight issue associated with reusable heavy absorbent systems.
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 solution effectively silences the suction process, allows safe mobility near the collector, and ensures complete liquid containment without spreading, improving operational efficiency and hygiene by preventing puddles and maintaining effective liquid extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a fourth layer, located immediately above the third layer, comprising a material that absorbs by capillarity
Implementation Method 2
liquid coming from the first and third layers is evacuated via the vacuum tube of the second layer connected to a suction system serving to extract liquid
Implementation Method 3
a multi-layered structure whose layers are joined together by their edges using high frequency heat soldering
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a collector of liquid that includes a first layer (1) and a third layer (3), each of which includes a respective set of openings (6') and (6"); a second layer (2), located on top of the first layer (1) and under the third layer (3), wherein collection of liquid to be generated and maintained at all times. A fourth layer (4), located immediately above the third layer (3), includes a material that absorbs by capillarity. The vacuum tube (7) included in the second layer (2) evacuates the liquid coming from the first layer (1) and the third layer (3), wherein said third layer (3) receives the liquid after it is absorbed by the fourth layer (4) and distributed uniformly on said fourth layer (4) by means of the material that absorbs by capillarity.