Spring-Loaded Suction Extractor for Smooth Foreign Bodies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing foreign bodies from the ears, nose, and throat, particularly in young children, are challenging due to the difficulty in grasping smooth objects and require skilled professionals, often necessitating a visit to an ENT professional.

Innovation Solution

A handheld, inexpensive extractor device with a disposable tip that generates suction using a spring-loaded plunger and valve mechanism, allowing for both transient and continuous suction, and optionally an adhesive coating to secure foreign bodies, enabling effective removal by non-specialized users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If forceps or hemostats are used to grasp foreign bodies, then the foreign body can be removed, but it requires skilled professionals and is difficult to operate on smooth objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccess rate of foreign body removalVSAvoiddifficulty in grasping smooth foreign bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a suction catheter connected to a vacuum source to create negative pressure that draws foreign bodies into the catheter tip. This pneumatic approach replaces the mechanical grasping action of forceps, eliminating the need to physically grasp smooth objects while reliably removing foreign bodies through suction pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes the mechanical grasping system (forceps/hemostats requiring manual dexterity) with a pneumatic suction system. The vacuum-driven catheter replaces the need for skilled manual manipulation, allowing non-specialized users to effectively remove foreign bodies without the complexity of precise mechanical grasping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If skilled professionals are used to remove foreign bodies, then effective removal is achieved, but it necessitates visits to ENT professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of foreign body removalVSAvoidrequirement for specialized professional intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables parents or caregivers to perform foreign body removal themselves using a simplified suction catheter device. The system is designed to be operated by non-medical personnel, eliminating the need for professional ENT intervention and allowing immediate at-home treatment when foreign bodies are lodged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into separable components including a disposable catheter portion and a reusable vacuum mechanism. This segmentation allows the critical suction function to be delivered through a simple, easy-to-use device while maintaining effectiveness, reducing the need for complex professional equipment and training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a suction device is used to remove foreign bodies, then grasping difficulty is resolved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove smooth foreign bodiesVSAvoidcomplexity of suction generation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable catheter tip that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance mechanisms, significantly simplifying the overall device while maintaining effective suction capability for each use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a spring-loaded valve mechanism that automatically controls the suction flow. The dynamic spring system provides automatic pressure regulation and one-way flow control without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems, simplifying operation while maintaining effective suction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies and enhances the safety of foreign body removal, allowing for efficient use by medical professionals and potentially eliminating the need for ENT visits, while being simple enough for home use and effective in removing various types of foreign bodies, including cerumen.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded plunger and valve mechanism, allowing for both transient and continuous suction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

optionally an adhesive coating to secure foreign bodies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11812982B2Ears, nose, and throat extractor

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 VEARTECH INC

AI summary

There is disclosed in one example an apparatus for extracting a foreign body (FB) from a bodily orifice, including: a connector having a receiver to pneumatically seal to a suction source; a hollow shaft pneumatically coupled to the connector; a hollow tip pneumatically coupled to the hollow shaft; and a valve disposed between the hollow tip and the connector, wherein the valve is biased to an open position, and the valve, when closed pneumatically isolates the hollow tip from the connector, and when open allows a continuous air flow passage between the connector and the hollow tip; and means to release the valve, whereby the valve opens when the means are activated.