Splash-retarding Mesh Conduit for Fluid Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid collection containers face issues with inconsistent sealing, difficulty in managing adhesive films, and restricted fluid entry methods, leading to potential spillage and contamination, especially in medical settings where precise handling of hazardous materials is required.

Innovation Solution

A fluid collection container with a large, wide surface for fluid entry and a mesh layer that prevents splashback, allowing liquids to be poured or injected at various angles, combined with a leak-proof seal and optional coagulant materials to stabilize the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional fluid collection container with narrow opening and adhesive film seal is used, then sealing function is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in managing adhesive films and restricted fluid entry methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid entry easeVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into functional zones: a wide mouth opening for easy fluid entry, a body section for fluid collection, and a separate lid with sealing mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the wide opening facilitates pouring and injection at various angles while the separate lid maintains sealing reliability when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rim structure as an intermediary element between the container body and lid. This rim provides a mechanical interface for the lid to seal against, replacing the problematic adhesive film while maintaining reliable sealing. The rim acts as a mediator that enables both easy operation during fluid entry and reliable sealing when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a narrow opening container is used, then sealing is easier to maintain, but productivity deteriorates due to slow and restricted fluid transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid transfer speedVSAvoidspillage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a narrow, single-dimension opening to a wide, multi-dimensional mouth opening. This dimensional change allows fluid to enter from multiple angles and directions simultaneously, dramatically increasing fluid transfer speed and productivity while the container's body and lid structure prevent spillage by containing the fluid effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If adhesive film sealing is used, then sealing function is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to inconsistent sealing and difficulty in managing adhesive films

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing consistencyVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex, inconsistent adhesive film sealing with a simple, reusable mechanical lid structure. The lid provides consistent sealing through its mechanical interface with the container rim, eliminating the need for disposable adhesive films and reducing device complexity while improving sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8919554B2Splash-retarding fluid collection system
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES
  • US8919554B2 patent drawing
  • US8919554B2 patent drawing
  • US8919554B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fluid collection container (100) includes a vessel (101) and a lid (102). A mesh conduit layer (201) is coupled to the vessel so as to span an opening (110) of the vessel and enclose an interior (111) of the vessel. The mesh conduit layer is liquid permeable and serves as a splash retarding mechanism that prevents liquids being transferred through the mesh conduit layer from splashing back. An optional cache (603) of coagulant material can be disposed within an interior of the vessel as well.