Dual-Lumen Yankauer Suction Tip with Retractable Stylus for Clog Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Yankauer suction tip and tubing aspirators commonly used in dental and surgical procedures tend to clog with tissue or debris, requiring significant time and resources to unclog, which interrupts procedures and often necessitates switching to a new aspirator.
Innovation Solution
A dual-lumen Yankauer suction tip design with a flexible stylus that can be manually moved through the second lumen to clear blockages from the primary lumen, allowing for quick unclogging without needing to replace the aspirator, and optional coiled spring mechanisms for assisted deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-lumen Yankauer suction tip is used, then the device structure is simple, but it clogs easily with tissue or debris during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The single lumen is divided into two separate lumens: a primary lumen for aspiration and a secondary lumen for stylus movement. This segmentation allows the stylus to access and clear blockages in the primary lumen without interfering with the aspiration function, thereby improving clog resistance while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Productivity
If multiple aspirators are used to avoid clogging, then continuous aspiration is maintained, but additional staff personnel and time are required to manage and switch aspirators
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a self-service mechanism where the stylus can be manually moved through the secondary lumen to clear blockages in the primary lumen. This allows the single aspirator to service itself by removing clogs, eliminating the need for additional staff to manage multiple aspirators and maintain procedure continuity with reduced personnel requirements.
3Ease of repair
If a stylus is added to clear blockages, then unclogging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus is nested within the secondary lumen, allowing it to be stored compactly when not in use. The stylus can be inserted through the secondary lumen to reach and clear blockages in the primary lumen, providing effective unclogging capability while maintaining a relatively compact and simple overall device structure.
4Ease of operation
If a coiled spring mechanism is added for stylus deployment, then stylus movement is assisted, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled spring mechanism provides dynamic assistance for stylus deployment and retraction. The spring automatically propels the stylus forward when released and can be compressed for retraction, making the device more user-friendly. While this increases manufacturing complexity, it significantly improves ease of operation during procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A suction tip and tubing aspirator is disclosed and comprises a first lumen having a first open end adapted to be operatively connected to a source of suction, and a second open end adapted to be inserted into a site from which tissue or debris is to be aspirationally removed, a second lumen integrally connected to the first lumen, and a stylus movably disposed within the second lumen between retracted and extended positions such that when the stylus is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, a distal end portion of the stylus will protrude outwardly from the second end of the first lumen so as to remove any tissue or debris which has clogged, blocked, or occluded the second open end of said first lumen.