Self-cleaning suction device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices in medical and dental fields are large, cumbersome, and lack effective self-cleaning and sanitizing mechanisms, particularly for the suction tube end that contacts the patient, and do not adequately neutralize suctioned matter during use.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning suction device with a specialized user's suction end that sanitizes and neutralizes both internally and externally before and after use, featuring a decontamination chamber, UV-C germicidal light, and a liquid-hydration delivery system for enhanced safety and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suction devices are used in medical settings, then suction function is provided, but the devices are large and cumbersome and lack effective self-cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device performs self-cleaning by circulating sanitizing solution through the suction tube and using high-velocity fluid flow to flush debris from the suction end, eliminating the need for external cleaning equipment or manual disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses hydraulic principles by employing high-velocity fluid flow through the suction tube to create self-cleaning action, where the fluid dynamics themselves perform the cleaning function without mechanical moving parts
2Reliability
If suction devices sanitize after use, then hygiene is improved, but the suctioned matter is not neutralized during use
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary sanitization by circulating sanitizing solution through the suction tube before suctioning begins, and continues to circulate it during suction to neutralize contaminants in real-time rather than waiting until after use
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitizing solution circulation operates continuously throughout the suction process, maintaining constant neutralization of contaminants rather than being a discrete pre- or post-treatment step
3Ease of manufacture
If the suction end is cleaned manually, then cleaning is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and may not adequately sanitize
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device autonomously cleans itself by circulating sanitizing solution through the suction tube, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations and associated time loss
Solution Approach 2:
High-velocity fluid flow is used to automatically flush debris and contaminants from the suction end, providing efficient cleaning through hydraulic action rather than manual intervention
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 ensures continuous sanitization and neutralization of the suction end and suctioned matter, maintaining a clean environment and enhancing user safety, with a compact and adaptable design suitable for various settings.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C germicidal light
Implementation Method 2
liquid-hydration delivery system
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris. The user's suction end resides within a lower chamber and can be decontaminated by a UV-C light entering into the lower chamber and/or corresponding chambers. The suction device can also include a liquid-hydration delivery system.