Surgical Irrigation Suction Control Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation and suction control apparatuses for medical procedures are complex and costly, making them difficult to use and manufacture, with a need for a simpler, more affordable solution that can be easily operated by medical professionals.

Innovation Solution

A surgical irrigation and suction control apparatus comprising a flexible cannula, grip, tubes, irrigation control unit, and suction control unit, with flexible irrigation and suction tubes and switches on the grip to adjust diameters, connected to irrigation and suction devices, and a partitioning member to manage fluid flow and pressure effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex irrigation and suction control apparatuses are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines irrigation and suction control functions into a single integrated apparatus. The control unit integrates both irrigation control (first tube, first pump) and suction control (second tube, second pump) functions, eliminating the need for separate control devices while maintaining functional reliability through unified management of both fluid delivery systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls irrigation fluid delivery through the first tube, manages suction through the second tube, monitors fluid levels via sensors, and coordinates pump operations. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive control over surgical fluid management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If complex irrigation and suction control apparatuses are used, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines irrigation and suction control functions into a single integrated apparatus. The control unit integrates both irrigation control (first tube, first pump) and suction control (second tube, second pump) functions, eliminating the need for separate control devices while maintaining functional reliability through unified management of both fluid delivery systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs optical sensors that detect fluid levels and presence through light absorption and reflection changes. The sensor system uses optical properties (light transmission/blockage) to monitor irrigation fluid and suction conditions, enabling reliable detection without complex mechanical or electronic sensing mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If complex irrigation and suction control apparatuses are used, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically monitors and adjusts irrigation and suction operations based on sensor feedback. The system self-regulates fluid delivery and removal rates, detects blockages or fluid level issues, and coordinates pump operations without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby maintaining functional reliability while simplifying operator workload

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor irrigation fluid levels, suction conditions, and system status. This feedback is processed by the control unit, which automatically adjusts pump operations and fluid delivery rates to maintain optimal functioning, reducing the need for manual monitoring and adjustment by the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 apparatus provides efficient irrigation and suction functions while maintaining a clear viewing range during surgical procedures, with a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, facilitating easy operation and mass production.

Implementation Method 1

The irrigation tube is flexible and is connected between the connecting portion of the second tube and the irrigation device. The irrigation switch is disposed on the grip, and the irrigation switch is actuated to change a diameter of the irrigation tube.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlexible tube diameter change:

Implementation Method 2

a partitioning member to manage fluid flow and pressure effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow management:

Data Source

PatentUS10722620B2Surgical irrigation and suction control apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.28 REMEX MEDICAL CORP
  • US10722620B2 patent drawing
  • US10722620B2 patent drawing
  • US10722620B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A surgical irrigation and suction control apparatus connecting to an irrigation device and a suction device includes a flexible cannula, a grip, a first tube, a second tube, an irrigation control unit and a suction control unit. The grip is connected to the flexible cannula. The irrigation control unit includes an irrigation switch and an irrigation tube. The irrigation tube is flexible and is connected between the second tube and the irrigation device. The irrigation switch is disposed on the grip and is actuated to change a diameter of the irrigation tube. The suction control unit includes a suction switch and a suction tube. The suction tube is flexible and is connected between the second tube and the suction device. The suction switch is disposed on the grip and is actuated to change a diameter of the suction tube.