Medical Suction Device Single-Handed Unclogging Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical suction devices used in intubation procedures frequently clog, requiring removal from the patient to unclog, which disrupts the procedure and interrupts continuous suction power, leading to inefficiencies and complications.
Innovation Solution
A medical suction device with an elongated interacting member and actuator that allows for single-handed operation to clear obstructions within the lumen while maintaining suction power, enabling continuous use without removing the device from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional suction device is used, then it can remove liquids and solids from the patient, but it clogs frequently requiring removal to unclog
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is divided into separate functional components: a reusable handle assembly and a disposable tip assembly. The tip assembly can be easily detached and replaced without removing the entire device from the patient, allowing quick unclogging while maintaining continuous suction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip assembly is designed to nest within or attach to the handle assembly, creating a compact integrated structure that can be quickly exchanged. The nested design allows the tip to be stored within the handle when not in use, facilitating rapid replacement without full device removal.
2Ease of operation
If the suction device is removed to unclog, then obstructions can be cleared, but procedural efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clogging-prone tip assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the handle assembly. This allows the tip to be quickly detached, cleaned, or replaced without affecting the main suction mechanism, enabling rapid unclogging that minimizes procedural interruption and maintains high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip assembly is designed for easy user replacement without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The simple snap-fit or bayonet connection allows any practitioner to quickly exchange tips themselves, eliminating the need for assistant help or device removal, thus maintaining procedural efficiency.
3Reliability
If the device is removed from the patient to clear obstructions, then suction can be restored, but continuous monitoring is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple disposable tip assemblies are prepared in advance and can be quickly exchanged when clogging occurs. The pre-prepared tips are ready for immediate attachment, minimizing the time the device is out of service and ensuring continuous monitoring capability is rapidly restored without procedural interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be quickly discarded when clogged and replaced with a fresh tip. This eliminates the time-consuming process of manual cleaning and ensures the suction device is restored to optimal function in seconds, minimizing loss of monitoring time while maintaining reliable suction restoration.
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 facilitates efficient clearance of debris and fluids, reducing interruptions and improving procedural efficiency by allowing continuous suction and easy unclogging without removing the device from the patient.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source, wherein the method is for the purpose of transferring material from a region of the subject to a collection area
Implementation Method 2
medical suction provided by a vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
A system or device for providing medical suction, particularly for intubating patients, wherein the system or device helps prevent clogging from solids dispersed in the liquid to be suctioned. This device will allow the user to effectively clear an airway or other region of the patient while minimizing the occurrence of clogs and providing for the effective and expedited unclogging of the device without the necessity of removing the device from the patient or requiring two hands to unclog.