Vacuum Container With Sealable Inlet And Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum containers for fluid or wound secretion drainage, such as Redon-bottles, face significant air permeation issues due to the materials used in vacuum indicators, which compromise the vacuum durability and storage longevity, especially in smaller capacity containers.
Innovation Solution
A pre-evacuated vacuum container with a sealable inlet opening and a vacuum indicator connected via a tube-like element, allowing the inlet to be sealed during storage to prevent air permeation, and functioning as usual during use for drainage purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum indicator made of flexible material (elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer) is provided at the vacuum container, then the user can get feedback regarding the vacuum presence, but air permeates through the material into the container interior, neutralizing the vacuum and limiting storage duration
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum indicator is separated from the container interior by placing it at the inlet opening rather than directly on the container wall. This segmentation allows the indicator to perform its feedback function while being isolated from the vacuum environment, preventing permeation-induced vacuum loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet opening acts as an intermediary location where the vacuum indicator is positioned. This intermediary placement allows the indicator to monitor vacuum conditions without being part of the sealed vacuum environment, thus preventing air permeation through the indicator material.
2Volume of stationary object
If the capacity of the pre-evacuated container is reduced to 200 ml, then the container size is reduced, but the same amount of air permeation has a greater influence on the pressure, significantly reducing vacuum durability
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum indicator is extracted from the container interior and relocated to the inlet opening. This extraction eliminates the source of permeation-induced vacuum loss, allowing small-capacity containers to maintain their vacuum for extended storage periods without the indicator compromising the vacuum integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the inlet opening is kept open to allow drainage line connection, then the vacuum indicator can function, but air enters the container continuously, neutralizing the vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet opening transitions from a static open state to a dynamic state that can be opened or closed as needed. During storage, the inlet is closed to maintain vacuum; during use, it is opened to allow drainage. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between vacuum preservation and operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet opening is sealed in advance during storage to prevent air entry. This preliminary sealing action ensures the vacuum is maintained until the moment of use, at which point the inlet can be opened for drainage without compromising the previously maintained vacuum.
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
This solution significantly reduces air permeation into the vacuum container, enhancing the durability of the vacuum and allowing for longer storage periods without compromising the vacuum's effectiveness for drainage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum indicator in the form of a bellow that is located at the Redon-bottle. Due to the distance between the folds of the vacuum indicator relative to each other it is evident whether a vacuum is present in the Redon-bottle or not.
Implementation Method 2
the materials used for the vacuum indicators are subject to permeation processes, which cause air to enter through the material of the vacuum indicator or through the connections between the vacuum indicator and the Redon-bottle into the interior of the Radon-bottle.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum container 2 for drainage of fluids or wound secretion, wherein the vacuum container 2 is pre-evacuated, with an inlet opening 4 for connection to a drainage line 3, which is characterized in that at the inlet opening 4 a vacuum indicator 6 is located and that the inlet opening 4 is sealable. The invention further relates to a drainage line 3 for drainage of fluids or wound secretion, characterized in that the drainage line 3 has a vacuum indicator 6, wherein the vacuum indicator 6 is designed to indicate a vacuum inside a connected vacuum container 2. Further the invention relates to a system 1 for drainage of fluids or wound secretion, comprising a vacuum container 2 according to the invention and a drainage line 3.