One-Piece Mucous Suction Device With Flexible Retention Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical suctioning devices lack ease of use, effective sealing, and adjustable suction control, particularly in accommodating varying tubing diameters and anatomical geometries.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece plastic suction device with axially resilient annular retention rings and a constant bore diameter, featuring independently flexible rings for secure sealing and adjustable retention, along with manually controllable side porting for suction control, and a conical surface for accommodating different tubing sizes and anatomical shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple axially spaced annular retention rings are provided on the body second portion, then sealing reliability and adaptability to varying tubing diameters are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into multiple axially spaced annular retention rings (at least three) positioned at different locations on the body second portion. Each ring can be independently engaged by the connector tubing bore, allowing the system to adapt to various tubing diameters and provide redundant sealing points, thereby improving sealing reliability without requiring a completely new design approach
Solution Approach 2:
The retention rings are designed with axially resiliently flexible properties, allowing them to deform elastically when engaged by the connector tubing bore. This parameter change (from rigid to flexible) enables the rings to accommodate varying tubing diameters while maintaining reliable sealing contact, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rings are made axially resiliently flexible to establish annular seals, then adaptability to different tubing diameters is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention rings are constructed as thin-walled axially resiliently flexible structures that can elastically deform when engaged by connector tubing of varying diameters. This flexibility allows a single ring design to accommodate a range of tubing sizes without requiring precision adjustment mechanisms, actually reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The rings transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape based on the engaged tubing diameter. The axially resiliently flexible property allows the rings to dynamically adjust their engagement force and sealing contact, improving adaptability while using standard molding techniques
3Ease of operation
If the body first portion is tapered to accommodate anatomical geometries, then ease of insertion and anatomical compatibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body first portion is formed with a tapered geometry that transitions from a larger diameter at the proximal end to a smaller diameter at the distal end. This curved/tapered shape mimics natural anatomical pathways, facilitating ease of insertion while remaining compatible with standard plastic molding processes that can easily produce tapered geometries
4Ease of operation
If side porting is made manually controllable for suction control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side porting system is designed to be manually controllable by the operator through simple finger or hand manipulation. The ports can be opened or closed by direct manual action on the device body, allowing the user to control suction flow without requiring complex mechanical linkages, valves, or external control systems, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing added complexity
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 device ensures secure sealing and adjustable suction control, accommodating various tubing diameters and anatomical geometries, providing reliable and versatile medical suctioning with enhanced ease of use and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart
Data Source
AI summary
A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.