Surgical Smoke Evacuator Light Indicators for Procedure Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical and surgical waste collection systems require operators to divert their attention from the procedure to view information on a display panel, which can interrupt the flow of the procedure and confuse personnel about the connection of suction tubes to different waste evacuation components.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection system that includes sensors to monitor the operation state of the system, such as vacuum levels and waste volume, and uses a light emitter to output light at different colors or patterns based on this information, allowing personnel to easily determine the operating state without looking at the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display panel is used to show system information, then information can be displayed, but personnel must divert attention from the procedure to view the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical system status information from the centralized display panel and presents it directly at the suction tube connection points through light indicators. This allows personnel to obtain necessary information without diverting attention from the surgical procedure, resolving the contradiction between information access and procedure continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light indicators as an intermediary element between the system status and the personnel. These lights provide visual feedback about system operation and tube connections without requiring personnel to look at the display panel, thus maintaining procedure flow while preventing information loss.
2Loss of information
If a display panel is used to show system information, then information can be displayed, but personnel may become confused about suction tube connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different colored lights at different suction tube connection points to provide localized information about each tube's status and destination. This local visual coding system makes it easy for personnel to identify which tube is connected to which waste evacuation component, eliminating confusion while maintaining comprehensive information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded light indicators to represent different system states and tube connections. Each color corresponds to a specific status or destination, providing intuitive visual information that prevents personnel confusion about tube connections while maintaining complete system status visibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suction tubes are used for different waste evacuation components, then waste can be evacuated through multiple pathways, but personnel have difficulty determining which tube is connected to which component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local visual indicators at each suction tube connection point that provide specific information about that tube's destination and status. This localized information delivery maintains the versatility of multiple waste evacuation pathways while making tube identification straightforward through color-coded visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a color-coding system where different colors indicate different waste evacuation components or operational states. This allows multiple suction tubes to serve different functions while providing immediate visual identification of each tube's purpose, resolving the contradiction between system versatility and operational ease.
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 system allows for quick and easy monitoring of the waste collection process without interrupting the surgical procedure, reducing confusion about suction tube connections and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
uses a light emitter to output light at different colors or patterns based on this information
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating a waste collection unit including a smoke evacuator. The smoke evacuator includes a suction pump operable to draw fluid through a smoke pen, a smoke tube, and a smoke filter. The smoke filter may include a sensor to detect smoke particulates indicative of surgical smoke within the fluid. A processor may operate a light assembly of the smoke filter to emit light in response to the detection of the smoke particulates. The light may be directed through a light pipe of the smoke tube to be emitted from an output on the smoke pen. The light assembly may be operated to notify a user of a clog or malfunction of the smoke filter. A color or a pattern of the light may be selectively emitted based on the clog, the malfunction, a speed of the suction pump, or other state of the smoke evacuator.