Vacuum Sponge With Internal Guide Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sponge systems are limited in their ability to treat intracorporeal regions deeper than 10 cm and are not suitable for channel-like cavities open on two sides, as they require removal of the fluid collection means for feeding or intestinal evacuation, and lack simultaneous visual monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a channel within the fluid collecting member to guide a guide member or delivery member, allowing for deeper positioning and simultaneous use with an endoscope, and enabling the fluid collecting member to remain in place during processes like feeding or intestinal evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the fluid collecting member is designed without an internal channel, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the device cannot reach intracorporeal regions deeper than 10 cm and cannot accommodate guide members or delivery members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a channel within the fluid collecting member that can accommodate and guide guide members and delivery members. This nested structure allows the fluid collecting member to be positioned in deep intracorporeal regions while maintaining the ability to guide additional components through its interior, effectively resolving the contradiction between reach depth and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the fluid collecting member blocks the body orifice, then complete sealing can be achieved for vacuum therapy, but feeding and intestinal evacuation become impossible without removing the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid collecting member into functionally independent segments: a sealing portion that maintains vacuum therapy at the body orifice, and an internal channel that accommodates delivery members for feeding and evacuation. This segmentation allows the device to maintain reliable sealing while simultaneously enabling compatibility with feeding and intestinal evacuation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collecting member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing for vacuum therapy through its external structure, while its internal channel accommodates delivery members for feeding and evacuation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between sealing reliability and adaptability to different physiological needs.
3Manufacturing precision
If no channel is provided for guide members, then the device structure is simpler, but positioning in deep and winding body regions becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a channel within the fluid collecting member that serves as a conduit for guide members. This nested design allows precise positioning in deep and winding body regions by guiding the fluid collecting member along the guide member through the channel, while the channel structure itself remains integrated and does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 effective treatment of deeper intracorporeal regions, including the gastrointestinal tract, by allowing for precise positioning and continuous monitoring, while maintaining the fluid collecting member in place during procedures, thus enhancing the scope and efficiency of vacuum sponge therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump, in particular an electric vacuum pump, which is connected in fluidic communication to the fluid communication member and is configured to apply a negative pressure of up to 200 mm Hg, preferably 125 mm Hg, to the fluid collecting member
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum sponge unit for use in human or animal bodies, comprising a fluid collecting member, in particular a sponge unit, and a fluid communication member, in particular a drainage tube, which is disposed at least partially in the fluid collecting member and is connected in fluidic communication to the fluid collecting member. In order to improve known devices, the inventions proposed developing the vacuum sponge unit such that the fluid collecting member has a channel for guiding a guide member, in particular a guide wire, and/or a delivery member, in particular a probe unit and/or an endoscope, through the fluid collecting member.