Retractable Sheath Suction Device Tip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices for medical purposes are prone to contamination, both from ambient sources and from patients, leading to the transfer of contaminants during reuse, which poses risks to patients and others.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a retractable, protective sheath and a tip protector that includes a hollow tip housing with inwardly protruding ribs to securely engage the suction tip, allowing the sheath to be retracted and stored within a cylindrical housing, preventing contamination and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable sheath is used to protect the suction tip, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed to nest within itself when retracted, with the free end folding back onto itself to form a compact configuration. This nesting mechanism allows the protective sheath to be stored within a minimal space on the suction device without adding significant complexity to the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be easily extended to cover the suction tip and retracted to fold onto itself. This flexible shell design provides effective contamination protection while maintaining simplicity in the retraction and storage mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the sheath is made retractable for storage, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath transitions from a static protective cover to a dynamic, retractable structure that can be extended and retracted as needed. This dynamic design allows the sheath to adapt to different operational states (protected vs. accessible) while using simple mechanical folding rather than complex actuated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is effectively segmented into multiple sections or layers that can fold relative to each other during retraction. This segmentation allows the single piece of material to compact efficiently without requiring complex joints or connection mechanisms, simplifying both manufacturing and operation.
3Reliability
If a tip protector with interference structure is used, then reliability of tip protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interference structure on the tip protector features asymmetric rib configurations with varying heights and spacing patterns. This asymmetry creates effective mechanical engagement with the suction tip while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be molded as a single piece, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the tip protector during manufacturing, rather than being assembled separately. This preliminary formation of the gripping ribs ensures reliable engagement with the suction tip while eliminating the need for additional assembly steps or complex multi-component structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A suction device which can protected before and after use. The suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at one end. A retractable, protective sheath is connected to the tube and extends over the exposed length of the suction tube. A tip protector extends from the free end of the sheath, and includes an interference structure in the form of a plurality of spaced ribs protruding inwardly to engage and grip the suction tip. A hollow sheath housing is secured to the free end and a sheath inserter is secured to the suction tube proximate the connection end, with the sheath housing and the sheath inserter being shaped to insert the retractable sheath in the hollow sheath housing when the sheath is in a retracted position. The tip protector and the sheath housing can be portions of a unitary structure.