Portable Transanal Irrigation Device with Modular Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transanal irrigation (TAI) devices are limited in providing on-the-go solutions for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other medical conditions, lacking portability, ease of use, and discreetness, which are essential for maintaining independence and confidence in bowel management.
Innovation Solution
A mini-irrigation device that is small, foldable, reusable, and easy to operate with one hand, featuring a disposable cone-shaped irrigation head, a compact water management unit, and an ergonomic design, allowing for complete bowel emptying and stimulation anywhere, with a water cartridge for short pulsed irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional TAI devices are used, then bowel irrigation can be performed, but the devices are not portable and cannot be used anywhere
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a reusable handle unit and a disposable irrigation head, allowing the main body to be compact while the irrigation function is provided by a separate attachable component. This segmentation enables portability while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The water reservoir is extracted from the main device body and provided as a separate refillable component, allowing the device to be used without carrying a large integrated water supply. Users can refill the reservoir independently, reducing the overall device size and improving portability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional TAI devices are used, then bowel irrigation can be performed, but they require two hands and are not discreet
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an automatic irrigation trigger mechanism that activates when the irrigation head is inserted into the anal canal, eliminating the need for manual button pressing. The system self-regulates the irrigation cycle, allowing one-handed operation while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features adjustable irrigation parameters including variable flow rates and customizable irrigation durations that can be modified through a simple interface. This dynamic adjustability allows users to optimize the device for different bowel management needs while maintaining ease of one-handed operation.
3Reliability
If traditional TAI devices are used, then bowel irrigation can be performed, but they do not provide complete bowel emptying confidence
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs pulsed irrigation cycles with alternating phases of water delivery and pause, allowing the bowel to contract and expel stool between irrigation pulses. This periodic action pattern enhances the completeness of bowel emptying more effectively than continuous irrigation, achieving better results in less time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a trigger mechanism that detects when the irrigation head is properly positioned and activated, providing tactile feedback to confirm correct insertion and initiation. This feedback system ensures reliable activation and helps users achieve complete bowel emptying confidence by confirming proper device function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional TAI devices are used, then bowel irrigation can be performed, but they are not suitable for travel or public use
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a disposable irrigation head that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitization in public settings. This disposable component ensures hygiene and discretion during travel or public use, while the reusable handle can be stored compactly in a bag or pouch.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates flexible, thin-walled components including a collapsible irrigation head and a soft water reservoir that can be compressed for storage. These flexible elements allow the device to be concealed in small spaces and carried discreetly in pockets or bags, making it suitable for public and travel use.
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 mini-irrigation device ensures complete bowel emptying, reduces the risk of leakage, and builds user confidence, providing a portable and discreet solution for bowel management, potentially reducing the need for additional stimulation or suppositories, while maintaining a routine bowel management program.
Implementation Method 1
The water management unit (18) features a small volume water source in an easy-to-load and unload water cartridge (20)
Implementation Method 2
The user will introduce the water, wait for a period of time (30+ minutes) and allow gravity to flush the water and stool out of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A portable trans anal irrigation device has a hand-held water management unit removably connectable to an irrigation arm. The water management unit includes a water cartridge and a controller. The irrigation arm has a cone head for interfacing with the user's body.