Orifice Irrigation Device Segmented Flared Wings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bodily orifice irrigation devices, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,023, suffer from discomfort and unsatisfactory fitting due to a continuous circumference at the flared member, leading to non-ergonomical bulging during insertion and use.

Innovation Solution

The irrigation device features flared wings with a discontinuous circumference that can inwardly deform during insertion, along with anchors and flaps to resist flexing, allowing for a more comfortable fit and effective flushing channels for fluid and debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the flared member has a continuous circumference, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the device causes non-ergonomical bulging during insertion and use leading to discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomfort during insertion and use
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous circumference of the flared member is segmented into discrete circumferential segments separated by gaps. This segmentation allows the flared member to deform inwardly during insertion to conform to the anatomical geometry of the orifice, reducing bulging and discomfort, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the segmented architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the flared member has a continuous circumference, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the device causes unsatisfactory fitting within the orifice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfitting within orifice
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flared member is divided into multiple circumferential segments with gaps between them, enabling the device to adapt to the specific geometry of the orifice during insertion. This segmented design maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving adaptability and fitting satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the flared member deforms inwardly during insertion, then the comfort and fit are improved, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort and fitVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented structure allows controlled inward deformation of each segment during insertion to improve comfort and fit, while the overall segmented architecture maintains structural stability. The gaps between segments enable deformation without compromising the integrity of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flared member is designed with flexible characteristics that allow it to deform inwardly during insertion and use. This flexibility enables the device to conform to the anatomical geometry of the orifice, improving comfort and fit while maintaining sufficient structural stability through the segmented design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design minimizes discomfort and achieves a better fit within the orifice by allowing the flared wings to deform inwardly, ensuring a satisfactory insertion and efficient flushing of fluid and debris without air-tight sealing, enhancing user comfort and irrigation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the flared wings can inwardly deform in concert with one another... during insertion and when the device is inserted into the orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The irrigation device also includes one or more open flushing channels defined by the one or more flared wings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through channels:

Data Source

PatentUS11471587B2Orifice irrigation device
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 ANCEREWICZ SIGMUND
  • US11471587B2 patent drawing
  • US11471587B2 patent drawing
  • US11471587B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An orifice irrigation device includes a tubular component having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one bore axially extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the bore terminating at a plurality of orifices which extend at an angle from the bore; one or more flared wings coaxially positioned with respect to the tubular component, the at least one flared wing having a rim at its distal end; and one or more open flushing channels defined by the one or more flared wings, the flushing channels being defined by the side edges of the one or more flared wings.