Removable Inlet Manifold With Valve Sealing for Medical Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical waste collection systems face issues such as uncontained liquid waste leakage, odor release, and noise generation during manifold removal, as well as inaccurate fluid volume estimation due to trapped semi-solid waste and filter clogging.
Innovation Solution
A removable intake manifold with a cylindrical cage and a valve mechanism that seals upon removal, minimizing fluid leakage and odor release, and includes a filter basket to trap solids while allowing liquids to flow, reducing noise and improving volume estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the manifold is removed from the mobile unit, then the manifold can be replaced or sterilized, but liquid waste adhering to the manifold sides becomes uncontained and may leak onto the environment
Solution Approach 1:
A receiver component is introduced as an intermediary between the manifold and the mobile unit. The receiver includes a receptacle that receives the manifold and a valve that controls fluid flow. When the manifold is removed, the valve closes to contain residual liquids within the receiver, preventing them from leaking into the environment while still allowing easy manifold replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the manifold is removed from the mobile unit, then the manifold can be replaced, but odors from the canister are released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver acts as an intermediary barrier between the canister and the external environment. The valve within the receiver can close to seal the connection between the canister and the manifold, preventing odors from escaping into the environment during manifold removal and replacement operations.
3Productivity
If the manifold extends directly into the canister, then fluid flow is direct, but small droplets of waste adhere to the manifold sides and become uncontained upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver with its valve mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the manifold and the canister. The valve can close to contain residual liquids within the receiver during manifold removal, preventing waste liquid loss while maintaining direct fluid flow path during operation through the open valve state.
4Reliability
If the filter traps semi-solid waste, then downstream components are protected from clogging, but the trapped waste may escape during manifold removal
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver acts as an intermediary containment structure for the filter and trapped semi-solid waste. The valve can close to seal the filter assembly within the receiver during manifold removal, preventing trapped waste from escaping while still allowing the filter to perform its function of protecting downstream components during operation.
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 contains fluids and odors, reduces noise, and enhances the accuracy of fluid volume estimation by minimizing residual waste in the manifold, ensuring safe and efficient waste collection.
Implementation Method 1
A removable intake manifold with a cylindrical cage and a valve mechanism that seals upon removal, minimizing fluid leakage and odor release
Implementation Method 2
includes a filter basket to trap solids while allowing liquids to flow, reducing noise and improving volume estimation accuracy
Implementation Method 3
A number of systems are available for use by surgical personnel for collecting this waste as it is generated. Generally, these units include a suction source, tubing that extends from the suction source and a containment unit between the tubing and the suction source. When the system is actuated, waste is drawn through the opening end of the tubing.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes at least one tube through which waste is drawn into a manifold cage. The tube extends through an inlet port into a void space internal to the manifold cage at an angle. The tube exits the manifold cage and is centered along an axis that is off center to the longitudinal axis of the manifold cage where it engages a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the tube engages the valve and rotation of the manifold moves the valve to the open position allowing fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.