Spring-Loaded Piston Aspiration Device for Airway Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airway obstruction clearance and drowning rescue devices are ineffective due to dependence on operator dexterity, strength, and mental state, and lack of instantaneous vacuum surge, which can fail in critical situations such as choking or drowning.
Innovation Solution
An automated aspiration device with a facemask, one-way check valve, and spring-loaded piston mechanism that creates a vacuum for airway clearance, allowing single-handed operation and immediate intervention in choking or drowning emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual vacuum pumps are used for airway clearance, then the device can remove obstructions, but the effectiveness depends on operator dexterity, strength, and mental state
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded piston mechanism that automatically generates the vacuum force needed for airway clearance. The spring stores mechanical energy and releases it to drive the piston, eliminating the need for manual pumping actions and making the device independent of operator physical capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed to store mechanical energy before use. This preliminary action ensures that when the device is activated, the vacuum force is generated immediately without requiring the operator to manually build up pressure gradually, thus providing instantaneous vacuum surge
2Reliability
If manual vacuum pumps build up pressure gradually, then the device operates safely, but it does not provide instantaneous vacuum surge for maximum effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed during device assembly or between uses, storing mechanical energy in advance. When activated, this stored energy is rapidly converted to kinetic energy of the piston, generating instantaneous vacuum surge rather than gradual pressure build-up
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a spring-loaded mechanism that releases energy in a periodic, pulsing manner. The spring compresses and expands in cycles, creating rapid vacuum surges that are more effective for dislodging obstructions than continuous gradual pressure build-up
3Reliability
If the Heimlich maneuver is used, then it can expel objects from the airway, but it is not effective if the victim lacks sufficient air in the lungs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using positive pressure from below (Heimlich maneuver), the device uses negative pressure (vacuum/suction) applied from the airway opening. This inverted approach allows removal of obstructions by pulling rather than pushing, making it effective even when the victim cannot generate lung pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The aspiration device can be used on victims in various states including those who have exhaled, are unconscious, or cannot be positioned for Heimlich maneuver. The vacuum-based mechanism works regardless of the victim's respiratory status, making it more universally applicable than the Heimlich maneuver
4Reliability
If prior art vacuum pumps are used, then they can clear airways, but misuse causes slow pressure build-up reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded piston mechanism is self-actuating and automatically generates the required vacuum pressure without requiring the operator to manually pump or control pressure build-up. The device performs the useful action itself, reducing dependency on operator skill and preventing misuse
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides inherent feedback through its mechanical properties - as the piston moves and vacuum is generated, the spring expands and naturally limits the maximum pressure achieved. This mechanical feedback prevents over-pressurization and ensures safe, effective operation without requiring operator judgment
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
Enables efficient and immediate airway clearance or water removal from drowning victims without requiring extensive user training or physical dexterity, ensuring effective rescue in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
an activation spring positioned within the cylinder interior at the first end, wherein the activation spring is convertible between a first, compressed position and a second, extended position
Implementation Method 2
The spring-loaded piston mechanism that creates a vacuum for airway clearance
Implementation Method 3
The check valve prevents air from entering the victim's mouth when the piston is pushed down
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an aspiration device that can be used to dislodge an object from a choking victim's airway or to remove water from a drowning victim's airway. The device comprises a hollow cylinder comprising a movable piston mounted within the cylinder interior. A system for automatically moving the piston rearwardly to expand the size of the cylinder chamber is provided. An airway extends between the cylinder chamber and a facemask so that air can be drawn into the cylinder chamber through the mask when the piston is moved in a rearward direction. A compressed spring disposed within the cylinder chamber can bias the piston in a rearward direction. A releasable latch that allows the piston to move from a forward position to a released position is housed within an endcap.