Thumb-Activated Suction Valve for Single-Handed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical suction devices require two hands and extra time to clamp and unclamp suction tubing, causing distraction and inefficiency during surgical procedures due to noise and humming.
Innovation Solution
A thumb-activated shut-off valve apparatus with a ball valve member, housing member, O-ring member, and handle switch member that allows for single-handed control of suction flow by positioning a ball valve within a housing member, enabling easy switching between 'on' and 'off' positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If suction tubing is clamped with a hemostat or clamp to eliminate distracting noise, then the harmful sound is reduced, but the operation requires two hands and extra time to locate and operate the clamp
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the noise-generating component (suction flow) from the surgical field by providing a local shut-off valve at the suction tip. This allows the suction to be stopped at the source rather than requiring clamping of the entire tubing, eliminating noise while maintaining ease of operation with a single thumb-activated switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary component (thumb-activated shut-off valve) between the suction source and the tubing. This intermediary device provides a simple thumb-activated mechanism that shuts off suction flow locally, eliminating the need for two-handed clamp operation while effectively stopping the distracting noise.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suction tubing is clamped with a hemostat or clamp to eliminate distracting noise, then the harmful sound is reduced, but extra time is required to locate and unclamp the suction tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the suction system by placing a shut-off valve directly at the suction tip rather than requiring clamping of the entire tubing length. This segmentation allows the noise to be stopped at the source immediately, eliminating the time required to locate and operate a clamp elsewhere in the tubing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve is pre-positioned at the suction tip, ready for immediate operation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the time loss associated with searching for and locating a clamp along the tubing, as the control mechanism is already in place and accessible at the surgical site.
3Ease of operation
If a thumb-activated shut-off valve is installed at the suction tip, then single-handed operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated component at the suction tip. The thumb-activated shut-off valve combines the sealing mechanism, actuation mechanism, and flow control function into one compact unit, providing single-handed operation without requiring separate clamp, tubing manipulation, or other auxiliary devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve component serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control valve, a sealing mechanism, and a surgical instrument attachment point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components while enabling single-handed operation, as the same component performs all necessary functions for noise elimination.
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 efficient and quiet operation by allowing a user to stop and restart suction flow with a single hand, reducing operational interruptions and noise in the surgical environment.
Implementation Method 1
Said ball valve member comprises a substantially ball-like configuration, wherein said ball is received within said cavity of said housing member. Said ball valve further comprises a plurality—typically two (2)—holes on opposing sides of said ball, wherein said holes allow air flow to move through said ball, and ultimately, said suction valve apparatus, when said suction valve apparatus is in an 'on' position.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a suction valve apparatus for use in being directly connected to a surgical suction tubing and a surgical suction tip, and thus, allowing a user to stop, or shut off, a flow of suction with the use of a single hand. The present invention pertains to a thumb-activated shut-off valve apparatus for use in easily and efficiently stopping and starting a flow of suction during surgical operations. The suction valve apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a ball valve member, an O-ring, a housing member, and a handle switch member, wherein said ball valve member, said housing member, said O-ring, and said handle switch member cooperate to be able to stop or start a flow of suction from a surgical suction tube and a surgical suction tip.