The digital vacuum extractor is invented to help assist delivery of a baby. A distinctive feature of this device is that if the device encounters problems while being operated in a digital mode of operation, the device can be switched and operated in an analogue mode of operation to maintain operation continuity and to prevent dangers that may happen to a mother and a baby during delivery. This feature is different from what can be found in other digital vacuum extractors that only operate in a digital mode of operation, for such devices can no longer be operated once they encounter problems in a digital mode of operation. The invented digital vacuum extractor can be operated in 2 modes of operation: a digital mode operation and an analogue mode of operation. Switching between the digital and analogue mode operation is done by pushing the ‘Controller’ switch (6). The digital mode of operation is specifically designed to assist delivery. In addition, the device can also be used to remove fat and fluid during surgery or delivery, for it can also be operated in the analogue mode of operation.

Technical Field

Engineering relating to vacuum fluid suction in a digital mode

Background Art

There are 2 types of vacuum extractors used in medicine: an analogue and a digital vacuum extractor. Operating an analogue vacuum extractor, users assume complete control of a device. Therefore, physician users must have relevant expertise so that they adjust vacuum pressure appropriately. Especially during assisted delivery, there may be adverse impacts on both a mother and a baby if physicians or nurses are not familiar with existing vacuum extractors or not skilful at using them, or if physicians or nurses lack information or knowledge either on how to adjust the vacuum pressure, which is time-related, or on how to select a suitable type and size of a suction cup. Imported digital vacuum extractors are expensive. Also, when they encounter problems during assisted delivery, they can no longer be operated. This results in lack of operation continuity. This invented digital vacuum extractor can solve the problems mentioned above, for it can be operated in either mode of operation: analogue or digital. When the device runs into problems while in the digital mode of operation, it can be switched and work in the analogue mode of operation immediately by pushing the ‘Controller’ switch (6), a switch that allows alternating between the analogue and digital mode of operation.

For assisted delivery, the device's digital mode of operation is designed so that it is convenient for users. Users only have to push the 0.8 bar button (13) to begin in an automatic setting. The device then works automatically. The automatic setting of the device is designed academically based on principles found in the book Williams Obstetrics authored by F. Gary Cunningham and others. Moreover, in the digital mode of operation, the device can be operated semi-automatically. In this setting, physicians or users may control how the device works as they wish. Vacuum pressure can be increased or decreased as intended by pushing the Up (9) or Down (10) button on the control panel, or by using the Foot pedal switch (12). Operation of the device becomes easier. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 shows the device's front.

FIG. 2 shows the device’s back.

FIG. 3 shows the device’s side.

FIG. 4 shows the device’s back without its back panel. FIG. 5 shows the vacuum control unit.

FIG. 6 shows the wiring diagram.

FIG. 7 shows the vacuum system of the digital vacuum extractor.

FIG. 8 shows the control panel of the digital vacuum extractor. Complete Disclosure of the Invention

In FIG. 1, the front of the device comprises the device's frame (1) that is made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic which is lightweight and protects users against electrical leakage hazards. The device's frame provides handles (2) used for moving the device. There are also wheels (3) which allow the device to be wheeled along a surface. In FIG. 3, as the main power switch (4) is flipped, an indicator light inside the main power switch, indicating that the power is on, is illuminated. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the Power In LED indicator light (5), is too illuminated. There is one push-on/push-off Controller switch (6) which is used to switch between the device's analogue and digital modes of operation. Once the Controller switch (6) is pushed down, it remains in the pushed, depressed position, even though it is released. This selects the digital mode of operation for the device. The second push of the Controller switch causes the switch to bounce back up and remains in its raised position after releasing. This selects the analogue mode of operation for the device. As the device is operated in the digital mode of operation, the Microprocessor LED indicator light (7) is illuminated. The 7-segment digit display (8) shows present vacuum pressure in bar.

The vacuum gauge (11) displays a present reading of vacuum pressure both in mmHg and in bar. The Operation LED indicator light (15) is illuminated, and, at the same time, the vacuum pump (30), in FIG. 4, starts working. The Pump/Foot switch (17), in FIG. 1, must only be flipped to the Foot position to operate the digital vacuum extractor in the digital mode of operation.

There are 2 settings in the device's digital mode of operation: automatic and semiautomatic settings. To select between the two settings, push the 0.8 bar button (13) or the Up (9) or Down (10) button. That is, when the 0.8 bar button (13) is pushed, the device is set to work in the automatic setting. The Auto LED indicator light (14) is illuminated. If the Up (9) or Down (10) button is pushed, the device works in the semi- automatic setting. The Auto LED indicator light (14) goes out. Details of the device’s operation in each setting are the following.

In the automatic setting, as the 0.8 bar button (13) is pushed, the device starts working in the automatic setting. Vacuum pressure is gradually increased from 0 to -0.8 bar in 1 to 2 minutes. Vacuum pressure readings are shown through a vacuum gauge (11) and a digit display of vacuum pressure (8). A vacuum pressure reading shown on the digit display (8) constantly blinks until vacuum pressure becomes -0.8 bar. The blinking then stops, followed by an indicator buzzing alarm which goes off for a pre- determined period of time and then stops. While a vacuum pressure reading shown on the digit display (8) blinks, the Auto indicator light (14) also blinks. As the vacuum pressure is reached, they both stop blinking simultaneously.

To begin operation in the semi-automatic setting, push the Up button (9) to increase vacuum pressure or the Down button (10) to decrease vacuum pressure or use the Foot pedal switch (12) which is a rectangular, two-button switch with one button labelled Up and the other Down. The Foot pedal switch can be used to increase or decrease vacuum pressure in the same fashion the Up button (9) and the Down button (10) on the device's control panel are used. Each push of the Up/Down button or the Foot pedal switch results in an increase or a decrease of vacuum pressure by a 0.2 bar increment. Each next push of the Up button (9) or the Foot pedal switch's button (12) labelled Up is only valid once its previous specified vacuum pressure has been reached. As the device increases or decreases vacuum pressure, the Vacuum Control unit (16) proceeds to match a specified vacuum pressure each time by being turned to either a vacuum increase or decrease position. The Vacuum Control unit (16) comprises the servo motor (37) which is attached to and controls opening-closing of the valve (38). The valve is similar to how plumbing valve.

As the servo motor works, the valve is controlled, opened or closed. This affects airflow, resulting in increasing or decreasing vacuum pressure, as shown in FIG. 5. Vacuum pressure readings are shown through a vacuum gauge (11) and a digit display of vacuum pressure (8). A vacuum pressure reading shown on the digit display (8) constantly blinks until vacuum pressure reaches a desired pressure, and then stops blinking. It takes 28-30 seconds to change vacuum pressure each 0.2-bar step. For example, it takes 28-30 seconds to increase vacuum pressure from 0.0 to -0.2 bar, and it also takes 28-30 seconds to increase vacuum pressure from -0.2 to -0.4 bar. The only case that the indicator buzzing alarm goes off, for a pre-determined period of time and then stops, to indicate that present vacuum pressure has reached the desired value, is when the desired vacuum pressure is set to -0.8 bar. As the servo motor works, the valve is controlled, opened or closed. This affects airflow, resulting in increasing or decreasing vacuum pressure, as shown in FIG. 5. Vacuum pressure readings are shown through a vacuum gauge (11) and a digit display of vacuum pressure (8). A vacuum pressure reading shown on the digit display (8) constantly blinks until vacuum pressure reaches a desired pressure, and then stops blinking. It takes 28-30 seconds to change vacuum pressure each 0.2-bar step. For example, it takes 28-30 seconds to increase vacuum pressure from 0.0 to -0.2 bar, and it also takes 28-30 seconds to increase vacuum pressure from -0.2 to -0.4 bar. The only case that the indicator buzzing alarm goes off, for a pre-determined period of time and then stops, to indicate that present vacuum pressure has reached the desired value, is when the desired vacuum pressure is set to -0.8 bar.

The device in the analogue mode of operation: once the device begins its operation in the analogue mode of operation, the Manual LED indicator light (33) and the Operation LED indicator light (15) are both illuminated. If the Pump/Foot switch (17) is flipped to the Pump position, the vacuum pump (30) starts working immediately. Increasing or decreasing vacuum pressure is done by turning the Vacuum Control unit (16). Vacuum pressure readings are shown through the vacuum gauge (11). If the Pump/Foot switch (17) is flipped to the Foot position, the vacuum pump (30) starts working if and only if either the Foot pedal switch's (12) Up button (9) or Down button (10) is pushed. Vacuum pressure, however, is controlled by adjusting the Vacuum Control unit (16) too.

Silicone tubes (18) deliver vacuum pressure used in suction/extraction. Collected fluid is stored in a collection container (19) made from polycarbonate. It is a cylindrical and transparent container allowing a view of content inside. The container has a lid (21) and is placed on a stand (20) to prevent tipping over. Inside the collection container there is a floating ball valve (22) to prevent fluid overflowing. An overflow safety trap (40) is a secondary collection fluid container. It helps prevent leakage of collected fluid into the device. A bacterial filter (41) prevents bacteria from passing through to a suction cup. A collection container selector (42) allows switching between two collection containers, one for vacuum and the other for suction.

In FIG. 2, a suction tube hanger (23) holds suction tubes when they are not in use. It is made of folded aluminum sheet. On one fold, it is punctured and fixed to the back of the device and, on the other fold, punctured to hold suction tubes and nozzles. Cable hangers (24) are made of folded aluminum sheet, with a hook, and fixed to the device frame at 2 points. Together they help hold cable. Foot pedal switch hangers (25) are made of folded aluminum sheet, and are similar to the cable hangers (24). A cooling fan (26) is installed at the back of the device to dissipate heat in the device. Ventilation holes (27) allows air to pass through.

In FIG. 3, a main power switch (4) controls supply of power to the device. When the switch is turned on, an indicator light inside the switch is illuminated. There is a 4- pin circular panel connector (28) for the Foot pedal switch, and a 3-pin 220 V AC power connector (29), consisting of one pin for live, another for neutral, and the other for earth, connecting the device to a power source.

In FIG. 4, a four-legged cylindrical vacuum pump (30), placed on a shock- absorbing rubber stands (31), is attached to the device frame. A moisture trap (32) removes moisture from the system. The trap has two openings: an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the vacuum pump (30) while the outlet is connected to the vacuum gauge (11), the Vacuum Control unit (16), the Vacuum Sensor (39), and the collection container selector (42).

In FIG. 5, the components of the Vacuum Control unit (16) is illustrated. The Vacuum Control unit is a valve similar to a plumbing valve. Opening or closing the valve affects airflow, resulting in increasing or decreasing vacuum pressure (as shown in FIG. 5). The Vacuum Control unit comprises the valve (38) that regulates airflow. It is connected to the servo motor (37) through an aluminum coupling. In the digital mode of operation, the device's microprocessor/microcontroller on the main circuit controls the servo motor (37) which, in turn, controls the valve. In the analogue mode of operation, the valve is adjusted by users.

In FIG. 6, a wiring diagram of the digital vacuum extractor is illustrated. Once the main power switch (4) is flipped, a 220 V AC current is supplied through the filter circuit (34) to the DC power supply. 12 and 5 V DC currents are then transmitted to the microprocessor/microcontroller and other components. In the digital mode of operation, both in the automatic and semi-automatic settings, the device’s operation is controlled by the microprocessor/microcontroller. The microprocessor/microcontroller receives signals generated as the Up (9) or Down (10) button, or the Foot pedal switch's (12) Up or Down button, or the 0.8 bar button (13) is pushed, and processes to operate the device either in the automatic or the semiautomatic setting. Signals from the Vacuum Sensor (36) are received by the analogue-to-digital converter and used as data to control how the servo motor (37) works, as well as, to be displayed on the digit display (8). How the servo motor (37) works affects the Vacuum Control unit (16) in achieving a desired vacuum pressure.

In FIG. 7, a schematic diagram of the digital vacuum extractor is illustrated. The system can be described in detail as follows. The vacuum pump (30) is connected to the inlet of the moisture trap (32). The outlet of the moisture trap (32) is connected to the Vacuum Sensor (36), the vacuum gauge (11), the Vacuum Control unit (16), and the collection container selector (42). The collection container selector (42) is connected to the collection container (19) through the bacterial filter (41), the overflow safety trap (40), and the floating ball valve (22) inside the collection container. Lastly, a suction nozzle is connected to the collection container (19) through the silicone tube (18).

In FIG.8, the digital vacuum extractor’s control panel is shown. Buttons are positioned as displayed.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

It is described in the section ‘Complete Disclosure of the Invention’ above.