Pinch Cam-Surface Switching Device for Irrigation Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems for individuals with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis require complex and expensive valve systems for precise fluid control, which are heavy, costly, and require significant space, making them cumbersome and difficult to operate hygienically and safely.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a pinch cam-surface that controls fluid flow by varying resistance in conduits through deformation, allowing for simple, low-cost, and lightweight valves that can be operated sequentially without requiring complex valve operations, using soft medical hoses and a selection handle to manage the flow of fluids for inflation and irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional valves (cylinder valves or ball valves) are used to control fluid flow in conduits, then precise fluid control is achieved, but the device becomes heavy, expensive, and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve function from traditional complex valve mechanisms and implements it through simple pinch structures that deform conduits to control fluid flow. This removes the need for heavy, expensive traditional valves while maintaining flow control capability through conduit deformation alone
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive traditional valves with simple, lightweight pinch structures made from basic materials. These pinch structures are much cheaper and lighter than traditional valves, achieving the same flow control function through simple mechanical deformation rather than complex valve mechanisms
2Reliability
If traditional valves are used for fluid control, then flow precision is maintained, but the weight and cost of the system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy traditional valves with lightweight pinch structures that use simple mechanical deformation of flexible conduits to control flow. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining adequate flow control accuracy for irrigation applications
3Productivity
If multiple valves are used for sequential fluid control in balloon and reservoir conduits, then precise irrigation sequencing is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate hygienically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate valve operations into a single integrated pinch structure system. One pinch structure controls both the balloon conduit and reservoir conduit sequentially through a single operational action, eliminating the need to operate multiple separate valves and simplifying the user interface
Solution Approach 2:
The pinch structure serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow in both balloon and reservoir conduits, provides sequential irrigation timing, and maintains hygiene through simple operation. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized valves
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 enables efficient, hygienic, and safe fluid control in irrigation systems by simplifying valve operations, reducing costs and weight, and ensuring swift and complete opening and closing of passages, improving user interface and reducing the risk of fluid spillage during the irrigation process.
Implementation Method 1
a pinch cam-surface with a surface pattern arranged to control deformation of the conduits to vary a flow resistance in the conduits
Implementation Method 2
soft medical hoses made from silicone or from another similar material with shape memory so that a hose returns to its original shape when a pinching pressure is stopped
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.