External Roller Tube Clearing Device for Surgical Drains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clearing surgical and feeding tubes are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and ineffective, often leading to tube blockages, patient discomfort, and increased healthcare costs due to the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing, rollers, and a motor that compresses the tube to clear contents externally, minimizing patient effort and reducing tube stretching, while being easy to use and sterilize.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the patient manually milks the drain to clear blockages, then the tube contents are moved through the drain, but the procedure is uncomfortable, physically difficult, time-consuming, and may dislodge the drain or stretch the tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism (roller system within a housing) that the patient operates externally to clear the tube, rather than directly manipulating the tube itself. The patient places the tube through the housing and operates the roller to move contents through the tube, eliminating direct manual milking of the tube and reducing discomfort and stretching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual finger-milking mechanical action with a roller-based mechanical system. The roller, when rotated by the patient operating the device, mechanically pushes contents through the tube in a controlled manner, substituting the ineffective and uncomfortable direct compression method with a more efficient rolling motion.
2Reliability
If the drain is cleared frequently to maintain patency, then blockages are prevented, but the surgical site discomfort increases and healing may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the patient to independently clear the drain without requiring clinical intervention or assistance from healthcare providers. The patient can perform the clearing procedure themselves at the surgical site, maintaining drain patency while avoiding the need for professional visits that would extend healing time and increase discomfort.
3Productivity
If the tube is manually manipulated to clear blockages, then contents are moved through the tube, but the tube stretches resulting in unnecessarily long length or need for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and roller system serve as an intermediary mechanism that clears the tube without direct manual manipulation. The roller rotates within the housing to push contents through the tube, eliminating the stretching force that occurs during manual milking and preserving the original tube length.
4Reliability
If patients are instructed to milk the drain frequently, then drain patency is maintained, but patient compliance decreases due to discomfort and concern about dislodging the drain
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides a protected intermediary system where the tube passes through a housing structure. This housing protects the tube and surgical site, giving patients confidence to use the device frequently without fear of dislodging the drain, thereby improving compliance while maintaining patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes visual indicators (such as colored windows or markers) that allow patients to monitor tube function and know when clearing is needed. This visual feedback system simplifies patient decision-making and encourages consistent use, improving compliance with the clearing schedule.
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 device effectively keeps surgical drains clear, reduces infection risk, promotes faster healing, and decreases delays in adjuvant therapy by efficiently moving tube contents without requiring significant patient dexterity or tube manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a housing, rollers, and a motor that compresses the tube to clear contents externally
Data Source
AI summary
A device for moving contents of a tube by acting on the exterior of the tube is provided. The device includes a housing having a tube passageway extending along a length thereof for holding a tube therein. A first roller and a second roller are moveable between a first position and a second position and configured to compress the tube in the second position. A first roller chassis is coupled to the housing for mounting the first roller therein and a second roller chassis is coupled to the housing for mounting the second roller therein. The first and second roller chassis are moveable between a first position in which the tube is disengaged and a second position in which the tube is engaged. A lever operably coupled to the housing causes the first or second roller to pivot and engage the tube positioned within the passageway.