Non-Planar Filter for Multi-Oriented Liquid Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reduced pressure systems and liquid-collection canisters face challenges in maintaining effective liquid separation and gaseous communication across multiple orientations, leading to inefficient liquid collection and reduced pressure transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a liquid-collection canister with a filter having a non-planar frame and liquid-air separators positioned between spaces, allowing gaseous communication while preventing liquid from entering the second space, even when the canister is oriented in various positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a planar filter element is used in a liquid-collection canister, then the filter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the filter cannot effectively separate liquid from gas when the canister is oriented in multiple positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-orientation capabilityVSAvoidfilter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed with a curved, non-planar surface that conforms to the cylindrical wall of the canister. This curvature allows the filter to maintain effective liquid-gas separation regardless of the canister's orientation, as the curved surface prevents liquid from pooling and bypassing the filter media in any position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element extends radially outward from the canister wall, creating a three-dimensional filtering structure rather than a flat two-dimensional surface. This radial extension increases the filtering surface area and creates a more effective barrier against liquid while maintaining gas permeability, working effectively in all orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the filter element is positioned close to the canister wall to maximize liquid collection space, then the first space volume is increased, but liquid may bypass the filter and enter the second space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid collection space volumeVSAvoidliquid separation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member is positioned between the filter element and the canister wall to create an effective seal. This intermediary component prevents liquid from bypassing the filter element and entering the second space, while still allowing the filter to be positioned close to the wall to maximize liquid collection volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter element utilizes a flexible, porous structure that can conform to the canister wall while maintaining its filtering function. This flexible design allows the filter to be positioned close to the wall without compromising the seal, maximizing the liquid collection space while preventing liquid bypass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If multiple filter elements are used in different planes to improve multi-orientation performance, then the liquid separation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid separation in multiple orientationsVSAvoidnumber of filter elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single curved filter element is designed to replace multiple planar filter elements. The curvature of this single element provides the same multi-orientation liquid separation capability that would require multiple flat filters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This design enables efficient liquid collection and continuous reduced pressure transmission across multiple orientations, preventing liquid contamination of the reduced pressure source and maintaining effective treatment even at higher liquid volumes.

Implementation Method 1

The filter element substantially prevents liquid from passing from the first space into the second space. The filter element substantially allows gaseous communication between the first space and the second space when the second space is exposed to a reduced pressure.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid-air separation: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS10994106B2Reduced-pressure, liquid-collection canister with multi-orientation filter

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A reduced pressure treatment system includes a liquid-collection canister for collecting liquid from a tissue site to which reduced pressure treatment is applied. The canister includes a first space configured to collect the liquid from the tissue site and a filter having a frame and a non-planar filter element. The filter defines a second space within the canister separated from the first space by the filter element. The filter element substantially prevents liquid from passing from the first space into the second space. The filter element substantially allows gaseous communication between the first space and the second space when the second space is exposed to a reduced pressure.