Suction Tube Adapter With Smooth Inner Passage for Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical suction tubes experience clogging due to sudden changes in inner diameter and pressure differentials at the connection with suction machines, leading to decreased flow rates or blockages, necessitating frequent interruptions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suction tube adapter that provides a smooth transition between the suction tube and the suction machine, maintaining consistent inner diameter and pressure, reducing the likelihood of debris accumulation and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction tube is directly connected to a suction machine or canister, then the connection is simple, but debris becomes trapped at the connection point causing clogs and flow blockage
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the suction tube and the suction machine/canister. The adapter includes a body with an inner passage that provides a smooth transition zone, preventing debris from becoming trapped at the connection interface while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the suction tube, the adapter with its specific geometric transition zone, and the suction machine/canister. This segmentation allows the adapter to specifically address the clogging problem at the connection point without redesigning the entire system
2Reliability
If the inner diameter changes abruptly at the connection between suction tube and suction machine, then manufacturing is easier, but debris accumulates causing clogs
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a curved or tapered inner passage instead of an abrupt step change in diameter. This smooth geometric transition prevents debris from catching or accumulating at the connection point, ensuring reliable debris flow while the adapter itself remains a simple molded or machined component
3Reliability
If a direct connection is used between suction tube and canister, then the system is simpler, but pressure differential causes debris to lodge at the junction
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that buffers the pressure differential between the suction tube and the canister. Its inner passage design allows pressure to equalize gradually, preventing the sudden pressure drop that causes debris to lodge at the junction, while adding minimal complexity to the system
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 adapter achieves a 98% success rate in preventing clogs during orthopedic surgeries, ensuring uninterrupted surgical procedures by allowing continuous debris flow without abrupt diameter changes.
Implementation Method 1
there may be a pressure differential as well as a step down in inner diameter tube size. This can lead to the debris lodging itself in the tube
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for reducing or eliminating clogs during a surgical procedure connects a suction tube with a collection canister or aspirator mechanism. An inlet portion at the distal end of the adapter defines a central channel. The inlet portion has an outer surface that engages with an inner surface of the end of the suction tube. The diameter of the central channel is nearly equal to the inner diameter of the suction tube to form a continuous or nearly continuous inner surface. An outlet portion at proximal end of the adapter forms an interference fit with an outer surface of an inlet port of the collection canister. A shoulder within the adapter at a proximal end of the central channel contacts the end surface of the port to form a continuous or nearly continuous inner surface between the central channel and the port. The adapter eliminates gaps where the tube is connected with the port that might collect debris, such as bone fragments, and prevents the debris from collecting and forming a clog.