Surgical Drain System Vacuum Maintenance Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical drainage systems are cumbersome to empty, difficult for patients to manage, prone to accidental removal of drain portions, and require cumbersome re-creation of vacuum.
Innovation Solution
A surgical wound drainage system that includes a collection reservoir with a pump mechanism to generate vacuum, a low-profile design for discreet wear, and a drain mechanism that allows easy emptying and re-creation of vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collapsible collection portion is used to create vacuum, then vacuum can be re-created by collapse, but the system becomes cumbersome to empty and manage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a collection portion for vacuum generation, a removable collection chamber for fluid accumulation, and a drainage system. This segmentation allows the collection chamber to be easily removed and emptied independently from the vacuum-generating collection portion, simplifying the emptying process while maintaining reliable vacuum functionality.
2Reliability
If a closable port is used to allow fluid evacuation and air expulsion, then vacuum can be re-created, but the port must be closed whilst manually maintaining the collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The collection portion is designed to automatically maintain its collapsed state and vacuum pressure without requiring manual intervention to hold the closure. The spring mechanism and closable port work together to self-maintain the vacuum state, eliminating the need for manual pressure maintenance and simplifying the overall system operation.
3Reliability
If drain portions are left within the body, then drainage can be maintained, but they are frequently pulled out inadvertently leading to uncontrolled drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system is segmented into internal drain portions that remain within the body and an external collection system. The internal portions are designed with secure retention features, while the external collection chamber can be easily accessed and emptied without removing the internal drain portions, preventing accidental dislodgement and maintaining closed-system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A secure retention mechanism acts as an intermediary between the internal drain portions and the external collection system. This intermediary feature ensures that drain portions remain firmly in place during normal activity while still allowing controlled connection to the collection chamber for fluid drainage, preventing accidental removal and associated infection risks.
4Reliability
If the collection portion is made stronger to maintain vacuum, then vacuum stability improves, but the system becomes more complex and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum maintenance function is segmented from the collection chamber. The collection portion contains a spring mechanism that automatically generates and maintains vacuum pressure, while the collection chamber is a separate removable component. This segmentation allows the vacuum-generating portion to be structurally robust without adding complexity to the entire system, as the collection chamber can be easily removed for emptying.
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 system simplifies the process of emptying and re-creating vacuum, reduces the risk of accidental drain removal, and minimizes contamination by maintaining a closed drainage system.
Implementation Method 1
a pump mechanism to generate vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The pump mechanism can be activated to create a desired vacuum force in the interior chamber of the collection reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a spring or a plurality of springs that forcibly return the collecting portion to its un-collapsed state
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical drain system for use during and following surgery is provided. A collection reservoir is placed in fluid communication with the body of a user through a collection port. A pump creates a vacuum pressure to urge fluid into the collection reservoir. Fluid exits the collection reservoir through a drain port. A drain mechanism allows air to come into the collection reservoir through an air intake aperture and collected fluid to leave the reservoir simultaneously. The drain system can be worn beneath clothes.