Yankauer Suction Device Sliding Collar Wiper Seal Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Yankauer suction devices face issues with cleanliness and contamination due to inadequate cleaning mechanisms and ergonomic design, leading to potential bacterial growth and user discomfort during extended use.
Innovation Solution
The improved Yankauer suction device features a slidable collar with a wiper seal for effective cleaning, an ergonomic handle with a storage clip, and an open-ended cleaning chamber for thorough disinfection, along with an antimicrobial coating to minimize pathogen transmission and enhance user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective sheath is added to cover the suction tube, then contamination risk is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates because the sheath does not clean the suction tube and may foster bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective sheath function with the cleaning function into a single integrated device. The collar mechanism merges the roles of protection (sheath) and cleaning (wiper seal) so that one component performs both functions, resolving the contradiction between reducing contamination and maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper seal automatically cleans the suction tube as the collar is deployed or during normal operation. The cleaning action is self-service rather than requiring separate manual cleaning steps, ensuring the suction tube remains clean while protected by the same mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suction tube is made rigid to reach remote areas, then accessibility is improved, but ergonomic comfort deteriorates due to difficulty of handling for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into different functional zones: a rigid suction tube portion for reaching remote areas and a flexible handle portion for ergonomic handling. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its properties for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for accessibility and flexibility for comfort
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 device ensures thorough cleaning and drying of the suction tip, reduces bacterial growth, and provides an ergonomic design for comfortable and efficient use, minimizing contamination risks and user fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
A wiper seal is contained within the collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end that is connectable to a suction source. A collar is slidable along the suction tube from a retracted position to a deployed position. A sleeve is provided having a proximal end fixed relative to the proximal end of the suction tube, and a distal end configured with the collar so as to move therewith and cover the suction tube in the deployed position of the collar. An ergonomic handle member is provided for connecting the suction tube to a suction source. An optional wiper seal is contained within collar in sliding frictional engagement around the suction tube.