Suction Pump Optical Indicator for Wide-Angle Status Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction pumps have displays that can only be read from a close range and specific viewing angles, complicating monitoring, especially in sensitive areas like intensive care units.
Innovation Solution
The suction pump incorporates an optical status indicator with a light signal that is arranged on at least two points of the outer surface, with surface normals at an angle of at least 5° to each other, allowing wide-angle visibility of the operating state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional display is used on the suction pump, then the display can show operating state information, but the display can only be read from close range and specific viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional 2D display surface to a 3D optical indicator system. By arranging light sources at multiple positions (at least two points) on the outer surface with surface normals at angles of at least 5° to each other, the status indicator becomes visible from multiple viewing angles and distances, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the information display.
2Loss of information
If the display is positioned for easy reading, then the operating state is visible, but nursing staff must approach the patient closely which increases workload and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The optical status indicator distributes light emission across multiple spatial positions on the pump exterior. This multi-point arrangement with angular separation ensures that status information remains visible from a distance and various angles, eliminating the need for staff to physically approach the patient or pump for monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If a single-point status indicator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the viewing angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-point optical indicator system where light sources are positioned at least at two different locations on the outer surface. The surface normals at these positions are oriented at angles of at least 5° to each other, creating a three-dimensional light emission pattern that expands the effective viewing angle range while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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
Enables easy reading of the pump's operating state from a distance and various angles, simplifying monitoring and reducing the need for close proximity.
Implementation Method 1
the suction pump comprises at least one light source for generating the light signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates in one variant to a suction pump (1) for sucking body fluid, comprising an optical status indicator (5) for displaying a light signal as a function of the operating state of the suction pump (1), the optical status indicator (5) is arranged on at least two points of the outer surface of the suction pump (1), the surface normals of which are at an angle of at least 5° to one another. In a second variant, the invention relates to a suction pump (1) for sucking body fluid, including an optical status indicator (5) for displaying a light signal as a function of the operating state of the suction pump (1), wherein the suction pump (1) has on its underside at least one stand (13) for support on a support surface, the status indicator (5) is arranged on the underside of the suction pump (1) so that the light signal is emitted in the direction of the support surface. In a third variant, the invention relates to a suction pump (1) for sucking body fluid, including an optical status indicator (5) for displaying a light signal as a function of the operating state of the suction pump (1), the status indicator (5) occupying at least 5% of the surface of the suction pump (1).