Suction apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for removing excess fluid from medical procedure sites, such as operating room floors, are inefficient in fluid flow and distribution of suction, leading to incomplete fluid removal and potential pooling.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer apparatus with inlets, surface features, and a pattern defining suction paths from inlets to an outlet, coupled with a suction source, which improves fluid flow by maintaining layer separation and distributing suction evenly across the apparatus, potentially using a cover layer to distribute fluid to multiple inlets and dissolvable barriers to enhance suction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single-layer suction apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but fluid flow distribution is uneven and suction efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid removal efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction apparatus is divided into multiple layers (first layer with inlets, second layer with outlet, and intermediate pattern layer) to segment the fluid removal process. This segmentation allows different zones to handle fluid distribution and suction independently, improving overall efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-layer (2D) structure to a multi-layer (3D) configuration. The pattern layer positioned between the first and second layers creates vertical dimensionality that enables controlled fluid pathways, improving suction distribution without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If layers are placed close together, then the apparatus is compact, but layers close and fluid flow is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus thicknessVSAvoidfluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pattern layer acts as a flexible intermediary structure between the first and second layers. It maintains appropriate spacing to prevent layer closure while being thin enough to keep the overall apparatus compact. The pattern layer's design allows fluid passage while structurally preventing the adjacent layers from collapsing together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If suction is applied at a single outlet, then the structure is simple, but suction distribution across inlets is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction distribution uniformityVSAvoidpattern structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pattern layer introduces local variations in structure to achieve uniform global performance. Different regions of the pattern layer are designed with specific configurations that locally control fluid flow characteristics, ensuring that suction is evenly distributed across all inlets despite the single outlet configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern layer serves as an intermediary structure between the inlet layer and outlet layer. It mediates the fluid flow distribution, transforming the single outlet suction force into evenly distributed flow across multiple inlets through its designed pathways and resistance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If fluid contacts the apparatus directly, then fluid removal is efficient, but surface tension prevents complete absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid absorptionVSAvoidsurface tension

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pattern layer is designed to modify the physical parameters of fluid interaction. By changing the surface properties, pore sizes, and flow pathways in the pattern layer, the apparatus overcomes surface tension effects that would otherwise prevent complete fluid absorption, enabling efficient fluid removal across the entire apparatus surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus enhances fluid flow and removal efficiency by improving suction distribution and reducing layer closure, allowing for more effective fluid collection and reduced pooling, thereby improving the cleanliness of medical procedure sites.

Implementation Method 1

the outlet is configured to be coupled to a suction source for applying suction between the first and second layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a surfactant that reduces surface tension of fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS11224552B2Suction apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 TYPENEX MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

An apparatus may include a first layer that includes a plurality of inlets and a surface feature; a second layer, where the surface feature opposes the second layer; an outlet, and a pattern defined on at least one of the first layer and the second layer, where the pattern defines a suction path from each inlet of the plurality of inlets to the outlet.