Removable Inlet Manifold With Auto-Sealing Waste Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical waste collection systems face issues such as uncontained liquid release, odor emission, and noise generation during manifold removal, as well as inaccurate fluid volume estimation due to trapped semi-solid waste and visual monitoring limitations.
Innovation Solution
A removably coupled 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 through controlled fluid paths and angled orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the manifold is made removable for easy cleaning and sterilization, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage and odor emission occur during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-positioned in a closed state within the manifold receiver, and the seal is pre-configured to engage automatically when the manifold is removed. This preliminary arrangement ensures that fluid containment is established before any potential leakage can occur, allowing easy removal while preventing fluid release.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal element acts as an intermediary between the manifold and the manifold receiver. This seal automatically engages when the manifold is removed, creating a closed path that prevents fluid leakage and odor emission while allowing the manifold to be easily detached for cleaning.
2Device complexity
If the manifold extends directly into the canister, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid waste adheres to the manifold and becomes uncontained
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into distinct functional zones: an inlet portion, a filtration section, and an outlet portion. This segmentation allows the manifold to maintain a simple overall structure while incorporating specific features (like the seal and valve) at critical locations to prevent liquid waste from adhering to and contaminating the surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element serves as an intermediary barrier between the manifold interior and the external environment. It prevents liquid waste from adhering to the manifold exterior during removal, maintaining reliability while preserving structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the filter traps semi-solid waste, then clogging is prevented, but fluid volume estimation becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed with specific local characteristics (porosity, surface area, and positioning) that allow it to trap semi-solid waste particles while permitting liquid to pass through. This localized optimization ensures reliable clogging prevention without significantly interfering with the accuracy of fluid volume estimation in the canister.
4Ease of operation
If the manifold is made single-use to eliminate sterilization requirements, then ease of operation is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a disposable, single-use component that eliminates the need for complex sterilization procedures. While this increases material consumption, the simplified design and elimination of sterilization steps significantly improve ease of operation and reduce overall system complexity.
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, enhances fluid volume estimation accuracy, and reduces noise, providing a safer and more efficient waste collection process.
Implementation Method 1
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. The suction draws the waste through the tubing so that it flows into and is stored in the containment unit.
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 space internal to the manifold cage. 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.