Suction Control Handle Cover Element for Infection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical suction devices pose a risk of contamination for operators due to exposure to microorganisms and other contaminants through the aeration hole, which is often regulated by the operator's finger, leading to potential spread of infection across devices and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A suction control handle with a cover element that allows for gradual adjustment of airflow and vacuum force by covering the aeration hole, reducing direct contact and protecting the operator from contaminants, while being compatible with existing designs and operable by a single hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses their finger to cover the aeration hole for regulating airflow, then the vacuum force can be quickly adjusted, but the operator is exposed to contaminants from the patient
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cover element is introduced as an intermediary between the operator's finger and the aeration hole. The cover element can be attached to or integrated with the suction control handle, allowing the operator to regulate airflow by manipulating the cover rather than directly touching the aeration hole, thus preventing contaminant exposure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element may be designed as a flexible membrane or thin film that can dynamically cover or uncover the aeration hole in response to operator manipulation. This flexible structure allows for easy attachment and removal, and enables smooth airflow regulation without requiring the operator to make direct contact with contaminated surfaces
2Productivity
If the suction control handle is reused for multiple patients, then device efficiency is improved, but contaminants accumulate in and near the aeration hole
Solution Approach 1:
The suction control handle is segmented into distinct functional components: the main handle body that can be reused, and a removable cover element that can be discarded or sterilized separately. This segmentation allows the critical aeration hole area to be protected by a disposable or easily sterilizable component, enabling safe reuse of the main device while preventing contaminant accumulation in the aeration hole
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element can be designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use or after a limited number of uses. This disposable element protects the reusable main handle from contamination, allowing the expensive main device to be reused across multiple patients while the inexpensive cover is replaced, preventing contaminant accumulation
3Reliability
If the operator switches hands between devices to avoid contamination, then infection spread is reduced, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed to be universally compatible with the suction control handle, serving multiple functions: protecting the operator from contaminants, enabling airflow regulation, and maintaining a sterile barrier during prolonged use. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch hands or devices, allowing the operator to maintain infection control while continuing to use the same device throughout the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
Medical suction devices are provided for removing unwanted substances (e.g. blood, secretion, mucus, tissue, ear wax, or body fluids) from a patient by suction. A device may include a suction control handle including a cover element for covering the aeration hole during use and for protecting the operator from contamination from any possible contaminants exiting through the aeration hole during a treatment procedure. In one version, the suction control handle includes an aeration hole for regulating the airflow through the suction control handle during use; and a cover element attached to the suction control handle, the cover element formed such that, in use, the airflow through the suction control handle can be gradually adjusted by covering the aeration hole, wholly or partly, by the cover element. A method of adjusting the vacuum force of a medical suction device is also provided.